Lincoln's Tragic Admiral

Colonel Kevin Weddle talked about his book Lincoln’s Tragic Admiral: The Life of Samuel Francis Du Pont, published by University of Virginia Press. In his book, military historian Kevin Weddle looks at the life and career of Admiral Du Pont and his experiences in both the Mexican-American and Civil Wars. Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont had been largely regarded as one of the best officers in the United States Navy until he lead the Union naval attack on Charleston in 1863. He is credited with stressing the importance of math and engineering during the creation of the U.S. Naval Academy’s curriculum and Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. memorializes him today. close