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ML_wilkes_bkp.htm
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Berlin-based artist Isodor Rocca's depiction of the 'Trent affair.' (U.S. Naval Academy Museum)
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Rear Adm.
Charles Wilkes
Disastrous 'Trent Affair' Ended Once-Lauded Explorer's Naval Career
By Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Military.com Columnist
On Nov. 8, 1861, the USS San Jacinto fired two shots at the British steamer Trent. Capt. Charles Wilkes, the San Jacinto's commander, demanded the surrender of Confederate commissioners James Mason and John Slidell. Wilkes' capture of these rebel emissaries was at first greeted with acclaim, and Congress thanked him for "brave, adroit, and patriotic conduct."
However, Wilkes' violation of the neutrality convention set off a firestorm of protest in England. President Lincoln, wishing to fight "one war at a time," had Secretary of State William H. Seward admit that Wilkes had acted without orders, and the captives were released. In part due to this incident and in part due to his lifelong propensity for impulsive action, Wilkes was finished in public life. Later, he made comments about then-Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles that led to charges of disobedience, disrespect and conduct unbecoming an officer. Wilkes was convicted at court-martial and suspended for one year. He retired in 1866 at the rank of rear admiral.
The "Trent affair" unfairly overshadows Wilkes' substantial accomplishments as a naval scientist and explorer. Born in New York City on April 1, 1798, Wilkes entered the Navy as a midshipman in 1818. In 1830, then-Lt. Wilkes was given charge of the Naval Observatory's forerunner -- a depot of instruments and charts that helped him to prepare for his life's crowning achievement.
The "Wilkes expedition," as it was commonly known, was authorized by Congress as a response to popular demand for further knowledge of the wider world. From 1838-1842, the "U.S. Surveying and Exploration Expedition" -- a team of scientists, officers, and naturalists, commanded by Wilkes -- led four vessels around the tip of South America, through the Pacific, and up and down the West Coast of the United States. In January and February 1840, Wilkes was able to chart several hundred miles of the coastline of Antarctica -- much of what is now called "Wilkes Land." Wilkes also charted over 300 Pacific islands. A century later, U.S. forces used his accurate findings during World War II.
A difficult and rigid commander, Wilkes drove his crews hard and himself harder. After being promoted to commander in 1843, he spent over 15 years preparing the report of his expedition, which provided the United States with invaluable geological, zoological, anthropological, and botanical research and materials. He wrote seven of the report's 19 volumes himself.
Wilkes died on Feb. 8, 1877, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. |
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