CSS Patrick Henry
150 years ago today Confederate Navy Commander John Randolph Tucker of the CSA’s James River Squadron moved the CSS Patrick Henry down the river and skirmished long range with U.S. ships off Newport News. The Patrick Henry inflicted minor damage. This was a repeat of a similar action on September 13th. Apparently Tucker was trying to lure a Federal ship or two up the river to duke it out and maybe inflict some more severe damage. Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial says that this fight might have been in response to CSA Navy Secretary Stephen Mallory’s desire for some kind of aggressive action against the much bigger Union fleet. In fact, in July Mallory sent Tucker a letter instructing him to take the Patrick Henry past the blockading squadron out into the ocean and capture a Union ship (preferably the Harriet Lane). This never happened, but Tucker did try these two semi-aggressive actions.
Tucker joined the U.S. navy in 1826 but resigned when Virginia seceded in April 1861. After the war Tucker served in the Peruvian navy from 1866-1871.
John Randolph Tucker, CSN
Apparently a sketch of the September 13th skirmish involving the Patrick Henry (née Yorktown)
I am the direct ancestor of Lt Gen. Joseph Warren Keifer. He received the sword from Commodore Tucker in the Battle of Sailer’s Creek in 1865 during his surrender. General Keifer promised to return the sword during piece time because he was so impressed with the valor in which Com. Tucker had presented himself during battle. He even saved Gen. Keifer’s life. For some reason, there was not the opportunity to return the sword and we still have it in our family to this day.
I would like to find the proper place or persons for the sword and return it, as my Great, gr, gr, grandfather intended. Ted Keifer
My wife, Janet Tucker McQuaig is the daughter of John Randolph Tucker in Pensacola, FL. Mr. Tucker, who is now in his 90’s, is a direct descendant of Commander Tucker, CSA. Please contact us via email? Thank you.
Charles McQuaig
I came across this website when looking up information about Admiral Tucker. I am a direct descendant on my father’s side. My father, William Tucker Walker, passed away twenty years ago, and my mother recently passed away. we have several pictures and news articles and a confederate flag/ confederate money that was of Tucker. However, we came across items we didn’t know we had. We found his log from when he served on the Patrick Henry and a lock of his hair and his wife’s hair. It is so interesting to look back at history.
I also am a direct descendant. My grandmother is Susie Tucker and her father was Tarleton Webb Tucker, one of John Randolph Tucker and Virginia Webb’s children. I think it’s interesting to find connections.
I also am a direct descendant. My grandmother is Susie Tucker and her father was Tarleton Webb Tucker, one of John Randolph Tucker and Virginia Webb’s children. I think it’s interesting to find connections.
Pleas email me regarding Commodore Tucker and my great great great grandfather Joseph Warren Keifer. Thank you! Ted Keifer
ioncreative@mac.com phone: 203 331-2945
Pleas email me regarding Commodore Tucker and my great great great grandfather Joseph Warren Keifer. Ted Keifer
ioncreative@mac.com phone: 203 331-2945