Benjamin F. B. Hunter
| Benjamin Fitz-Bourne Hunter | |
|---|---|
Benjamin Fitz-Bourne Hunter
|
|
| Born |
November 11, 1821 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 9, 1884 (aged 62) Bay St. Louis, Mississippi |
| Buried | Natchez, Mississippi |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1835-1851 |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant
|
| Commands held |
USS Warren USS Constitution USS James Madison USS Phoenix USS Wave USS Onkahye USS Somers USS Cyane USS Portsmouth USS Marion |
| Battles/wars |
|
Lieutenant Benjamin Fitz-Bourne Hunter, USN (Ret.), was a sailor and officer of the United States Sailing Navy. Born November 11, 1821 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he held positions of increasing responsibility and commanded many groups of sailors. He crossed the bar April 9, 1884, age 62, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and was buried in Natchez, Mississippi (Hunter Lot #205, Plot #3).
Benjamin F.B. Hunter was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, honorably retired in 1851. He entered naval service in 1835 at the age of 14 and served two years "before the mast" on the USS Warren and resigned in 1837. Hunter reentered service in 1839, was the Sailing Master of the USS Portsmouth, led an expedition to resupply Captain John Fremont during the War with Mexico and later led land forces during the Mexican–American War campaign for Los Angeles. He also led a 140-man landing party ashore in San Jose, Mexico, where the American flag was raised with no resistance.
Contained below are excerpts from official orders and correspondence as published.
From the National Archives, Naval Officer Records (dates are as written in the official log):
"No. 2134
10th April 1839, Reappointed Ben F.B. Hunter
20th Aug 1835. August 20th 1835 appointed5. Nov. 12th to the Warren 547. Oct. 10th 37 Resign. accepted 31, March 22 39 Reinstated and hold in readiness for active service 173. March 28th 39 to the Constitution (at Norfolk) April 11th to the Constitution at N.Y. 189."
"Navy Department
20th August, 1835
Sir,
You are hereby appointed an Acting Midshipman in the Navy of the United States, and if your commanding officer shall after 6 months of actual service at sea, report favorably of your character, talents and qualifications, a Warrant will be given to you, bearing the date of this letter.
I enclose a description of the uniform and the required oath: the latter, when taken and subscribed, you will transmit to this Department, with your letter of acceptance, in which you will state your age, and place of nativity.
Your pay will not commence until you shall receive orders for service at sea.
I am, respectfully
M. Dickerson
Ben F.B. Hunter, Esq.
of the State of Georgia
Washington"
...
Wikipedia