Raphael Semmes (1809-1877), American naval officer of the Confederacy, commanded the Sumter and Alabama in their daring raids on Northern shipping during the Civil War.

Raphael Semmes was born in Charles County, Md. Appointed a midshipman in the U.S. Navy at 16, in 1837 he was promoted to lieutenant. During the long periods of inactivity that characterized naval service in those days, Semmes had the opportunity to study and then to practice law.

During the Mexican War, Semmes commanded the brig Somers and then served with distinction in the campaign against Mexico City. He recounted these experiences in Service Afloat and Ashore during the Mexican War (1851).

Soon after Alabama seceded from the Union, Semmes resigned his commission and accepted an appointment as commander in the Confederate Navy. In April 1861 he was assigned to command the C.S.S. Sumter at New Orleans. The Sumter ran the Federal blockade in...