The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-05-24
THE LATE ADMIRAL BUCHANAN.

The RtChmOnd enquirer gives the fOllOw
ing sketch Of the life of Admiral Franklin
Buchanan, whose death, on the 18th inst
has already been announced: o
lie was native Of Maryland, and was tn
youngest son Of DR.. George Buchanan
prominent physician Of Baltimore of til,
last century, ono Of the founders of tn,
medical department Of the University o.
MAtylsAd.' His mother was . daughter ot
Hon. TA04 A. Mexican, Of Pennsylvania,
sfgnef II ths Declaration Of Independence
also Judge and Governor of the State.
tie entered the United States navy at an
carly age. and rose to the rank of captain.
He was at ono Mmo an officer hi the United
States naval exploring expedition in Chinese
waters. and Sn6seqa ently, during the Mex
icau war; commanded, the United States
sloop- ofiwar Germantown, which vessel CO.
opecated y,th she lspd forces in the capture
Of Vera Crgs.g 81 t9,ira
AZ the breaking out of the late war of the
States Admiral Buchanan was in command
OF Tho nary yard at Washington, which
position, with his commission in the United
States navy, he resigned in April, 1861: For
troubles, but finally determined to cast his
lot with che South; went to Virginia, ten
dered his services to the Confederacy, was
commissioned an officer of the navy, and
placed in command at Norfolk, Va. At this
point he superintended tho construction of
ihe iron clad vessel, the Virginia Merrimac),
and when it was completed he was assigned
TO its command, He commanded the Con-
federate fleet Virginia, Jamestown and
Roan0kc-w which made the successful attack
on tho United States feet in Hampton
Roads, near Newport News, March 8, 1862,
in. which the Virginia flag ship) sunk the
United States slOOp-OC-war Cumberland
(twenty four guns), and captured the frigate
Congress (ifty guns).
During the engagement Admiral Buchanan
sxas severely wounded in one of his legs but
retained command of his vessel until his
victory was complete and vessel safely moor
I'd at Norfolk. The excitement growing out
Of this achievement was widespread. In
tho North it created great despondencv,
while at the South it was the cause of great
rejoicing, and was source of inspiration to
me Confederacy. In August, 1864, Admiral
Buchanan commanded the Confederate feet
in the attack made by the United States
Heet under Admiral Farragut. 1t was here
that Admiral Buchanan's great qualities
came out in bold relief. He led his fleet in
the iron-clad Tennessee, and during the fight
bjs vessel went from point to point where
the battle ragged rfercest. He was finally |
Obliged to succumb, having been dangerous
~ wounded, and his vessel disabled.
Admiral Buchanan was brave, accomplish
I'd and popular officer, and strict disciplia-
.sriAa.J - sf- rsuea
As commander he had peculiar faculty
~-somo would call it magnetism-of win
ming the esteem Of officers and men. In the
engagements alluded to he inspired his mon
ID display uncommon courage, both by his
personA example and words of cheer. He
married daughter Of Gov. Lloyd. He
ieaves ono son, Frank A. Buchanan, mer-
chant ID Savannah, Ca. and four daughters
emo tho wife Of Felix Sullivan, Of this
city; another the wife of DR.. Meares. of
Washington, d. c., and two to members of
The Screven family, of Savannah, Ga. He
WAS the uncle of George b. Coale and DIR. I
Charles Lowndes, of Baltimore. Z
Since the late war Admiral Buchanan was I
sPpsinte6 Gsssidsnt Of the Maryland Agri- l
Inc. position little over year. He subse- I
4ucntsy accepted the position Of agent for
81. Louie life insurance company at Mobile, /
Ala, which, he, held for some time, until i
about Two years ago, when he retired to his i
farm on the Eastern Shore, where he died. | :