Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-04-07
Admiral Thatcher.

Henry Knox Thatcher, Rear Admiral of
the United States Navy, on the retired list,
died this morning at the Evans House in this
city, after lingering illness. Admiral
Thatcher was born at Thomaston, Me-, May
&c, 1906, and was consequently near "A years
of age at the time of his death. He was a
grandson of General Henry Knox of revolu-
tionary fame, by whose influence young
Thatcher was appointed midshipman in the
navy in 1928. He rose to be lieutenant in
1888, commander in 1855, captain in 1861,
commodore in 1862, and rear admiral at the
close of the war in 1866. After forty-five
years active service he was placed on the
retired list, May 26, 1868. The breaking out
of the war found him holding the rank of
commander, when he was promoted to be
captain and placed in the command of the
frigate Constellation in the Mediterranean
squadron. He was shortly called home
however, and assigned to the command of
the steam frigate Colorado, in the North At
lantic blOckading squadron, with rank of
commodore. While in that command he
participated in the two attacks on Fort
Fisher. in December, 1864, and January
1865, the latter being successful.
Shortly after the capture of Fort Fisher
Commodore Thatcher was appointed to the
command of the Western Gulf squadron
and under Admiral Farragut co-operated
with General Candy in the operations of Mo.
bile Bay and the reduction of Mobile. 1t
was Thatcher who received the surrender of
the Confederate naval force in those waters.
Admiral Thatcher's chief characteristic was
prompt and unhesitating obedience to the
orders of his superior officers, let the conse-
quences be what they might. 1t is narrated of
him that while the fleet under Earragut was
steaming up Mobile Bay in line of battle BY
divisions to attack the rebel fleet, also in line
of battle, near the head of the bay, Commo-
dore Thatchers ship the Colorado, suddenly
came to a stop. The Colorado was Just in
front of the Hartford, in the rigging of which
stood Farragut, overlooking the scene
Noticing the halt of the Colorado, Farragut
shouted out: Whats the matter, Thatcher?''
Thatcher, from his quarter deck-"Torpe-
does directly in front, sir.
Farragut-'sGo ahead and d-n the tor
pedoes.'
Thatcher-''Aye, aye, sir" Then turn
ing to his executive officer: Captain.
d--n the torpedoes and go ahead
The Colorado was pushed forward at speed,
escaped the torpedoes by miracle and was
soon holly engaged with the enemy 1t was
for cool gallantry in this action especially
that Thatcher was appointed rear admiral in
the navy.
Admiral Thatcher has lived in this vicinity
during the most of the time since his retire
ment from active service. He owned places
at Winchester and at Nahant, but passed the
winter months at the Evans House in this
city. He leaves wife and daughter. For
several years past he has held the office of
President of the Massachusetts Society of
the Cincinnati, having succeeded his grand
father, General Knox, as member of the So
ciety. Appropriate action will be taken by
the society in this city at a meeting called
for tomorrow, and the funeral will be at
tended by the naval officers at this station
Boston Trareiier, Of the 18th.