“D” is for Drayton, Percival (1812-1865). Naval officer. Born in Charleston, Drayton was appointed a midshipman in the U.S. Navy at the age of fifteen. At the time future naval officers began their professional lives by learning the ropes at sea as midshipmen. He served aboard frigates engaged in protecting U.S. commerce abroad or showing the flag on distant stations. Eventually he commanded the schooner USS Enterprise and served in a variety of vessels. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Drayton chose to remain with the Union. He commanded a ship in the November 1861 Port Royal expedition that captured Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Port Royal Island. In 1864 he was named flag captain under Rear Admiral David Farragut and commanded the admiral’s flagship, USS Hartford at the Battle of Mobile Bay.
“D” is for Drayton, Percival (1812-1865)
