Friday, May 21, 2021

Officers of USCSS Robert J. Walker-- Part 3: Carlile Patterson

Lieutenant (Commanding) Carlile P. Patterson (1816-1881) was the Walker's first  Coast Survey commanding officer, assuming his post in Mobile from Captain Evans of he Revenue Marine.

Patterson served with the Coast Survey with distinction as a naval officer on detached service, and commanded the Survey's first ship in the Gulf of Mexico, the schooner  Phoenix, in 1845.

After commanding the Walker, Patterson resigned and headed into merchant service with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company commanding the vessels Oregon and Golden Gate on their regular  voyages from Panama  to San Francisco from 1849 to 1853.  He was in command of the PMSSC Oregon when it brought news that California had been admitted to the Union.

Patterson remained in the West until 1861 with his family.  Returning east when the Civil War started he rejoined the Coast Survey and in 1874, became its Superintendent, a post he held until his death.

--Old B-Runner


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