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(1809-1877), a Confederate naval commander, served for many years in the American navy, including the Mexican War, and in 1861 joined the Southern side. In the period just before the commencement of hostilities, he was very active in procuring supplies for the naval department of the new Confederacy. As commander of the "Sumter" he captured many American merchantmen until he was blockaded at Tangier. He then sold the "Sumter," and in 1863 assumed charge of the "Alabama." In this privateer he made sixty-two captures, but the "Alabama's" career was ended off Cherbourg, June 19, 1864, by the "Kearsage." (See "Alabama" and "Kearsarge.") Semmes escaped in a British vessel, made his way to the South, and was appointed rear-admiral. He was arrested in 1865 after the close of the war, but was released.