Homer Crane Blake

Background

Homer Blake was born on February 1, 1822, in Dutchess County, New York, United States, the son of Elisha and Marilla (Crane) Blake. The next year his parents removed to Hancock County, Ohio.

Education

Blake studied one year, 1845-1846, at the Naval School, Annapolis.

Career

After serving as acting midshipman on board the frigate Constellation for sometime, Blake was warranted as midshipman on August 20, 1842, in accordance with the recommendations of his commanding officers. He saw service on several warships and in many seas. He became passed midshipman, 1846, lieutenant, 1855, and lieutenant commander, 1862.

On January 11, 1863, Blake was ordered by signal to chase a sail to the southeastward, which, when approached and hailed, at first pretended to be a British war-ship. Before a boat could be lowered the suspicious stranger hailed in her turn, announcing that she was the Confederate ship Alabama. A broadside immediately followed, to which the Hatteras replied. Commander Blake endeavored immediately to close with the enemy, which was of greatly superior power, in order to take her by boarding. This intention was frustrated by the Alabama's captain, and, after a sharp fight in which several shells exploded in the Hatteras, depriving Blake of the power of maneuvering his vessel or working the pumps to quench the fire which broke out, he was no longer able to continue the unequal battle, and surrendered his ship, which sank ten minutes after her crew had been taken off by the Alabama.

After being exchanged, Blake was exonerated and commended by the Navy Department, and received command of the gunboat Eutaw in the North Atlantic Squadron, taking part in several actions in the Virginia rivers. An interesting letter is extant in the Navy Department from representatives of the crew of the Hatteras, petitioning the Secretary of the Navy to place their "brave and excellent commander" in command of a "fast and well-armed steamer, and that in company with him we may seek out and capture our former foe, " a request which it was impossible to fulfil, as measures had already been taken which eventually resulted in the destruction of the Alabama. Blake was commissioned commander March 3, 1866, captain May 25, 1871, and commodore in 1879.

Achievements

• During his lifetime Homer Blake participated in the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War and the Korean Expedition. Nevertheless, he is best remembered for his gallant but ultimately doomed battle with the CSS Alabama in his ship USS Hatteras in the action off Galveston Light during the American Civil War.

Connections

Blake was married to Mary Flanagan, by whom he had two children.

Father:

Elisha Blake

Mother:

Marilla (Crane) Blake

Spouse:

Mary (Flanagan) Blake