Existing comment:
Franklin Buchanan
1800-1874
Buchanan, the Academy's first superintendent, commanded the Washington Navy Yard before the war. A Marylander believing the state would join the secession, he tendered his resignation from the Navy. When Maryland did not join the rebellion, he tried to recall his resignation.
He was commissioned as a captain in the Confederate navy and placed in charge of the defenses of the James River. On March 8, 1862, Buchanan commanded Virginia in her attacks on the Cumberland and Congress. Wounded in the action, he was not on board during the battle with Monitor. He later led the Confederate defenses of Mobile Bay. |