He officially accepted the surrender of New Orleans, Louisiana in April 1862
(1805-77) A native of New York, he was appointed midshipman on January 1, 1818. In 1820-21, he cruised aboard the Cyane with Captain Trenchard, capturing several slavers off the coast of Africa. On March 3, 1827, he was commissioned lieutenant. In 1833, he sailed on a round the world cruise aboard the Vincennes, and made another round the world cruise aboard the frigate Constellation. Bailey was promoted to commander on March 6, 1851, and to captain on December 15, 1855. At the start of the Civil War, he commanded the frigate Colorado, and on May 2, 1861, he participated in the blockade of Pensacola, Florida. Joining Admiral Farragut's squadron as second in command, he led the attack on New Orleans in April 1862 in the gunboat Cayuga, and it was Bailey who accepted the surrender of the city. In November 1862, he took command of the East Gulf Blockade Squadron, and during the next 18 months his force captured some 150 blockade runners. He was later promoted to Rear Admiral, and retired in 1866 because of ill health.
Signature Cut From Naval Pay Document: 3 x 2, partly printed form, signed by Bailey in ink at the bottom. Part of the imprint reads: Purser of the U. States Navy, [A]ccount of my Pay, &c. Nicely signed, "T. Bailey." Very fine. |