James Edward Jouett

Infobox Military Person
name = James Edward Jouett
lived = 7 February 1826 – 30 September 1902
placeofbirth = near Lexington, Kentucky
placeofdeath = Sandy Springs, Maryland


caption = James Edward Jouett
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1841-1890
rank = Rear Admiral
branch = U.S. Navy Union Navy
unit = USS "Metacomet" Commanded North Atlantic Squadron 1889 Panama action
battles = Battle of Mobile Bay
awards = Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett (7 February 1826 – 30 September 1902) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. His father was Matthew Harris Jouett, a notable painter, and his grandfather was Revolutionary War hero Jack Jouett.

Born near Lexington, Kentucky, Jouett was appointed Midshipman 10 September 1841. He served on the African coast in "Decatur" with Matthew C. Perry and in "John Adams" during the Mexican-American War.

American Civil War

At the beginning of the Civil War, Jouett was captured by Confederates at Pensacola, Florida but was soon paroled. He then joined the blockading forces off Galveston, Texas, distinguishing himself during the night of 7 to 8 November 1861 in the capture and destruction of Confederate schooner "Royal Yacht", while serving on USS "Santee". Jouett later commanded "Montgomery" and "R. R. Cuyler" on blockading duty and in September 1863 took command of "Metacomet".

In the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, his ship was lashed to Admiral David Farragut's flagship "Hartford" as the ships entered the bay. Monitor "Tecumseh" was sunk by an underwater "torpedo", but the ships steamed on, inspired by Farragut's famous command: "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Drayton go ahead! Jouett full speed!" "Metacomet" was sent after two Confederate gunboats, and in a short chase Jouett riddled "Gaines" and captured "Selma".

Post-Civil War and last years

Jouett had various commands ashore and afloat after the Civil War, taking command of the North Atlantic Squadron in 1884. In 1889 he commanded a naval force which forced the opening of the isthmus of Panama, threatened by insurrection.

hore duty

Admiral Jouett was named President of the Board of Inspection and Survey and served from June 1886 - February 1890.

Retirement

Rear Admiral Jouett retired in 1890 and lived for most of his remaining years at "The Anchorage," near Sandy Springs, Maryland.

Honored in ship naming

Three ships in the United States Navy have been named USS "Jouett" in his honor.

References