Some More on Henry Walton Grinnell-- Part 1: Distinguished Service in U.S. Navy During the War, Then, On to the Japanese Navy

From prabook.

Was born in New York on November 19, 1943.  He spent three years (1858-1861) at the New York Free Academy (later the College of the City of New York) and then entered the U.S. Navy where he was appointed a mate in June 1862.  Then acting ensign in November 1862 and acting master 1864 and acting volunteer lieutenant in 1865.

While on board the USS Monongahela in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, he took part in the Battles of New Orleans and Mobile.  On November 18,1863, he distinguished himself while commanding a landing party that helped army units ashore.

After the war, while serving on the USS Susquehanna of the Asiatic Squadron, he declined appointment as an ensign in the regular navy and was honorably discharged July 25, 1868.

He accepted instead, a commission as a captain in the Imperial Japanese Navy and began training seamen at the Heigo Naval School.

--Old B-Runner