James Edward Jouett
Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett, known as "Fighting Jim Jouett of the American Navy", was an officer in the United States Navy during the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. His father was Matthew Harris Jouett, a notable painter, and his grandfather was Revolutionary War hero Jack Jouett.
Biography
Born near Lexington, Kentucky, Jouett was appointed midshipman 10 September 1841. He served on the African coast on the Decatur with Matthew C. Perry and on the John Adams during the Mexican–American War.American Civil War
At the beginning of the Civil War, Jouett was captured by Confederates at Pensacola, Florida, but was soon paroled. He then joined the blockading forces off Galveston, Texas, distinguishing himself during the night of 7/8 November 1861 in the capture and destruction of Confederate schooner Royal Yacht, while serving on USS Santee. Jouett later commanded the Montgomery and R. R. Cuyler on blockading duty and in September 1863 took command of the Metacomet.In the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, his ship, the Metacomet, was lashed to Admiral David Farragut's flagship Hartford as the ships entered the bay. Monitor Tecumseh was sunk by an underwater "torpedo", but the ships steamed on, inspired by Farragut's famous command: "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Drayton go ahead! Jouett full speed!" Metacomet was sent after two Confederate gunboats, and in a short chase Jouett riddled the Gaines and captured the Selma.