Existing comment:
Chapeau:
This chapeau, which belonged to Charles Wilkes, is of a design approved in 1841 while he was at sea. He probably obtained it after his return to the United States.
Charles Wilkes (1789-1877):
Appointed a midshipman in 1818, Wilkes served in Independence, Guerriere, and the ship of the line Franklin. In 1838, Wilkes received command of the US South Seas Exploring Expedition. Upon his return, he spent 19 years publishing scientific reports of the expedition.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Captain Wilkes, then commander of the steamer San Jacinto, stopped the British ship Trent and removed two Confederate officials. During the war, Wilkes commanded the West Indies Squadron. After the war, he was promoted to rear admiral on the retired list. He died in Washington DC. |