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Lot Essay
Born in Virginia on Christmas Eve 1809, Henry Walke served on several naval vessels before entering the Naval School in Norfolk, Virginia in 1833. Walke continued to serve throughout the 1830s in the Pacific and East Indies and was commissioned lieutenant in 1839. During the Mexican War, Walke participated in the captures of Vera Cruz, Tuxpan and Tobasco, all expeditions led by Commodore Matthew C. Perry. By 1855, Walke was promoted to commander and placed on the reserve list where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Walke's career during the Civil War was marked both for its bravery and controversy. Court martialed for rescuing his fellow officers, sailors, civilians and their families at Pensacola against orders, Walke was reinstated as the Union Navy suffered setback and defeat. Commissioned a Commodore in 1866, Walke subsequently commanded a naval station in Illinois and retired the year following his promotion to rear admiral in 1870 to Brooklyn and a career of setting to oil his experiences he had sketched on paper.
A note in 19th century handwriting affixed to the modern backing of this painting reads, Mexican War - 1847 - Commodore Matthew Galbraith Perry Commanding, U.S. Squadron - Capture of Tabasco. - Officers + men landing, with artillery for shore attack..-
Walke's career during the Civil War was marked both for its bravery and controversy. Court martialed for rescuing his fellow officers, sailors, civilians and their families at Pensacola against orders, Walke was reinstated as the Union Navy suffered setback and defeat. Commissioned a Commodore in 1866, Walke subsequently commanded a naval station in Illinois and retired the year following his promotion to rear admiral in 1870 to Brooklyn and a career of setting to oil his experiences he had sketched on paper.
A note in 19th century handwriting affixed to the modern backing of this painting reads, Mexican War - 1847 - Commodore Matthew Galbraith Perry Commanding, U.S. Squadron - Capture of Tabasco. - Officers + men landing, with artillery for shore attack..-