New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-06-30

Denth of Commander Babcock, United
States Navy.
We regret to announce to the readers o1
Babcock, United States navy, commanding
the Canonicus, now anchored eff the city
died here yesterday at IL NJ.
The captain was we'll known to many in
this community, having been in command
of the United States monitor Canonicus
since March 25, 1875.
The following is brief record of his ser.
vices since entering the navy:
The commander was born in New York,
June II, 1888, and was appointed mid.
shipman from Michigan, April 8, 1850. His
first duty was upon the sloop John Adams,
upon the coast of Africa, in 1888. He
was afterwsrd on the brig Bainbridge, on
the Brazils, in 1855, and ut the Naval
Academy in 1856. He was promoted to q
passed midshipman in 1856, and was en-
ployed in the coast survey in 1852. Pro
NOTED again in 1853 to the grade of master.
he was ordered to the ship Vandslia, in the
Pacific. In 1859 he received his commis-
sion - lieutenant, and was assigned to
duty upon the historic Macedonian, until
the breaking ont Of the war found him as
signed to the Wachusett, a. executive off,
Ger, and doing duty upon the James and
York rivers. in 1862. Being soon after COM
missioned lieutenant commander, he was
given q command. and from the published
records Of naval officers, the following ex-
tract is made: t
Commissioned lieutenant commander
July Is, 1862; commanded United States
steamship Moree. North Atlantic blocksd-
ing squadron, l662-64; September, 1861, de-
teAted Confederate battery and infantry at
City Point, Virginia; May, 1863, four miles
below West Point, on York river, Virginia,
at>White House, Pamunky river, Virginia,
June 20, 1864, engaged General Wade
Hampton and Fi.z Hugh Lees cavalry,
with three batteries, driving them from
their position, and thereby saving 800
wagons, 1000 horses and 1900 men from
capture by the enemy; was acting feet
CAPTAIN OF the Mississippi squadron in June,
1865.
While engaged upon the latter duty Com
mander Babcosk was highly and favorsbly
mentioned by Admiral Lee to the depart.
ment. Subsequent TO the war he superin-
tended the erection of the Jefferson Bar
racks. Missouri, for the reception Of the
naval ordnance, after which he was for .
time attached to the navy yard at Ports
mouth, until ordered to command the
Nyach in the South Pacific ocean. He was
afterward detailed to command the Supply,
the vessel which carried the American
exhibits to the Vienna exhibition, expert
encing in the latter vessel, while on the
passage scross, q terrible storm, which So
verely tested the energies of her officers
and crew. although the latter were finally
victorious.
Captain Babcock's present commission
as commander bears date of October %,
1869. By his affability and gentlemanly
qualities he made many friends while on
duty off this city, and those Of our citizens
who have attended the receptions ON board
the Canonicus, or otherwise partaken of his
hospitsble courtesies, will remember him
kindly.
The funeral, which will be military one,
will take place this evening, according to
the announcement in our obituary column,
at five o'clock, starting from the foot of
Eonol attract