Rear Admiral Raphael Semmes, Confederate States Navy, (1809-1877)Semmes took command of CSS Alabama on 24 August 1862 at sea off the island of Terceira, Azores, beginning his career of raiding American commerce. In February 1865, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and commanded the James River Squadron during the last months of the Civil War. When the fall of Richmond, Virginia, forced the destruction of his ships, he was made a Brigadier General and led his sailors as an infantry force. Briefly imprisoned after the conflict, he worked as a teacher and newspaper editor until returning to Mobile, where he pursued a legal career. Raphael Semmes died on 30 August 1877.