Francis Hoyt Gregory: From War of 1812 to End of the Civil War

From Wikipedia.

Francis Hoyt Gregory (born 1789-October 4, 1866).  Officer in the U.S. Navy, eventually becoming a rear admiral who was impressed by the British, fought pirates, fought the British in the War of 1812, led two gallant raids, was captured in August 1814, refused to take parole and was held in England and held until June 1815.

He then served in the Navy until 1858 when he retired and then returned during the Civil War.

Born in Norwalk, Connecticut.  While in American merchant service, was impressed by the British, escaped and was appointed midshipman in U.S. Navy January 16, 1809 and reported to the USS Revenge under  the command of Oliver Hazard Perry.

He was later sent to the Gulf of Mexico and as acting captain of Gunboat 162 had three encounters with pirates.  On August 7, 1811, off Pensacola, attacked and crippled pirate schooner La Franchis.  Three days later, off Mobile, attacked and captured pirate schooner Santa Maria.  Then on September 11,captured pirate ship La Davina and schooners La Sophie and Le Vengeance.

He served in Lake Ontario during the War of 1812 under Commodore Isaac Chauncey and participated in attacks on Toronto, Kingston and Fort George.  There was no mention of his capture of the Black Snake, however.

In August 1814, he was captured by the British and refused to accept parole. Taken to England, he was held until June 1815 before release.

I will write about his Civil War service in my Running the Blockade blog.

Quite a Heroic Man I've Never Heard Of Before.  --Brock-Perry