Title Page | Collection Summary | Biographical/Organizational Note | Scope and Content | Arrangement
Biographical Note
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1798, Apr. 3 | Born, New York, N.Y. |
| 1815 | Entered the merchant marine |
| 1818 | Appointed midshipman |
| 1826 | Married Jane Jeffrey Renwick (died 1843) Promoted to lieutenant |
| 1833 | Headed the Depot of Charts and Instruments, Washington, D.C., which later became the Naval Observatory |
| 1838-1842 | Commanded an expedition to the Antarctic, islands of the Pacific Ocean, and the American northwest coast |
| 1843-1863 | On special duty, chiefly in Washington, D.C., preparing for publication of information gathered from the expedition |
| 1845 | Published Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard. 5 vols. |
| 1849 | Published Western America. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard |
| 1851 | Published Meteorology. Philadelphia: Printed by C. Sherman |
| 1854 | Married Mary H. Lynch Bolton |
| 1857 | Published Theory of Zodiacal Light. Philadelphia: C. Sherman & Son, Printers |
| 1858 | Published Hydrography. Philadelphia: Printed by C. Sherman |
| 1859 | Published On the Circulation of the Oceans. Philadelphia Published Report on the Examination of the Deep River District, North Carolina. [Washington, D.C.] |
| 1861 | While in command of the San Jacinto, halted the British mail steamer Trent and forcibly removed Confederate commissioners J. M. Mason and John Slidell |
| 1862 | Placed in command of the James River Flotilla; transferred to the command of the Potomac River Flotilla; later commanded the West India Squadron |
| 1863 | Recalled to Washington, D.C. |
| 1864 | Court-martialed |
| 1866 | Commissioned rear admiral on the retired list |
| 1877, Feb. 8 | Died, Washington, D.C. |