The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-05-16
OUR PARIS coRRrspoNDENcE.
PANS. April n. 1877

PARIS April "a, 1857
At this time, when affairs in China excite public
tention in the United States as well as in France :,
England, il is interesting 10 know what kind of M
France places at the head of her squadron in the c
seas Clothed as he is with extraordinary powers 4,
indispensable that he should add other high qua6ea
to those of naval commander. Thanks TO a fir1
who is remembered at Washington with the esteem Al
well to his personal character TO the position
he held while residing there thanks, also to yom,
naval officer who has served with distinction under r.
Admiral Rigault de Genouilly ri give respecting
latter few authentic biographical details which will
able my readers TO judge OF his eminent fitness for s
post.
As commander Of the naval batteries before sebasoD
Rear Admiral Rgault de Genouilly has won one of than
popular names in the French navy. But compantir.
few persons of the uninterrupted series Of -
vices which he has rendered OF the remarkable NJ
various qualities which combined in his character
Entering the navy in 1927, NJ. Rgaut dc Genoua,
served successfully under Admirals Ialande Rousn
easy Thus the outset his career he had the adv
tage of obtaining under such tuition the most solid n,v
instruction. and speedily earned among his fellow
the reputation of being skfu and efficient in the 6
out, working, and management OF a ship.
In these early years he shared in the expedition 10 Al
gies, present at the brilliant entry Of the Tags
participated gloriously in the taking of Ancona b
walls he was the first to scale.
Appointed in 1889 to the command of the brig O.
prise the coast of Span his intelligent activity on
perfect tact duly appreciated during the civil fran
bles which at that period desolated the peninsula nj
lS43 he ordered to command the sloop yictoriu.
Proceeding to China, he assisted there at the treaties
peace and various other events, which sgnazed the &
of the command of Admiral Cece and that of Comma
dore Laperre. He the point of returning 10 France
after most laborous and happily conducted canraU
when the yctoricuse lost as well as the Goie an
the coast of Corea in consequence of errors in the b
and of the violence Of currents which II was imro
BILE to calculate In these circumstances Captain Ripon
evinced the most enduring energy and perfect dnq6
by his attitude and language he powerfully sustained
spirits of the crews who detained two months on
desert island in the most painful uncertainty as to Tn.
of crafts which had been despatched to Shanghai
search Of assistance.
Returning to France in 1913, Captain Rigault, after
performing for time the duties of aid de-camp to ro
Minister Of the Navy, ordered to the steam-frun
Vauban board of which he cruised off the coasts OF h
Mediterranean, and at the time commanded the
French forces in Greece He next commanded the screw
ship Charemagne and after fitting her for sea- convened
to Constantinople the French ambassador
Hamelin, appointed to the command Of the squadron
called Captain Rgault de Genouy TO act as his a
captain. To be chosen flag captain, under such ccum
stances, by such Admiral Hainelin is sufficient
evidence Of personal merit and events amply justified
choice Amidst the various difficulties which the SQUAD
of the Black had to undergo the Vile de Paris
constantly remarked for the accuracy with which she
worked her perfect order and the discipline Of her
crew
Soon after the battle of Alma the French army lcfon
Sebastopol discovered the nsufciency Of the Ordinary
siege artillery and appealed to the heavy guns Of hs
navy, well as to the skill Of its gunners Admiral
Hamen at designated his agcaptain for the com
mand of the seamen dsembarked
Well-fitted as the of Captain Rgault had all
ready BEEN there doubt that the siege Of Sebasop
forms its most striking episode. On this vast theatre
witnessed with emulation the development OF his capa
ty, his courage, his perfect GOODNESS, and especially that
ndomitabe energy which neither sickness nor obstacles
nor even delays could overcome, and which con
tutes the most prominent trait in his character.
After this brief sketch of his military character a few
words will complete the portrait of the man himself
Rear Admiral Rigault de Genouilly is about fifty years
of age. He is of large stat me- and has that imposing
which is impaired by habits of command under difficult
circumstances All who come in contact with him anI
delighted to find that he is full of information set off by
facility of expression. Far however from being
disposed to abuse this natural gift of carrying persuasion
to the hearts of those who listen to him. he is at the
same time reserved discreet and sincere.
Thus all the qualities of commander chief to
the highest degree united in Rear Admiral Rgault do
Genouilly Whether it be requisite to negotiate or to
fight, he is just the right man in the right place
w, Sc