Tucker

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

JOHN RANDOLPH, an American naval officer; born in Alexandria, Va., Jan. 31, 1812; joined the navy in 1826 and was promoted lieutenant in 1837. During the Mexican War he was ive officer of the bomb brig executive "Stromboli," and took part in the capture of Tabasco and other operations. He was promoted commander in 1855, and was assigned to the command of the receiving ship "Pennsylvania," stationed at Norfolk. He resigned from the United States navy in April, 1861, and became a commander in the navy of Virginia. In June of the same year he was placed în command of the steamer "Yorktown," which later was named the "Patrick Henry." With this vessel he took part in the various engagements in Hampton Roads, including the conflict between the "Monitor" and "Merrimac," on March 9, 1862. On the 13th following he was given command of the wooden squadron. He participated in the repulse of the National fleet at Drury's Bluff, and was soon after promoted captain and sent to Charleston, S. C., to command the naval forces as flag-officer. In February, 1865, after the surrender of Charleston, he organized the naval brigade at Drury's Bluff and commanded it till the Confederate army retreated from Richmond. During the retreat he served in the corps of General Ewell. In 1866 he took command of the Peruvian navy with the rank of rear-admiral. During the war between Peru, Chile and Spain, he had command of the combined squadrons of the two republics. He afterward settled in Petersburg, Va., where he died June Pe 12, 1883.