Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Wainwright, Richard (junior)

WAINWRIGHT, Richard, naval officer, b. in Washington, D. C., 17 Dec., 1849. He was appointed to the naval academy, where he was graduated in 1868. He then served on the “Jamestown,” of the Pacific fleet, and was promoted to ensign, 19 April, 1869; master, 12 July, 1870; and later serving on the “Colorado,” flag-ship of the Asiatic fleet. He was commissioned lieutenant, 25 Sept., 1873, and later commanded the coast-survey vessel “Arago.” He was flag-lieutenant to Admiral Patterson, commanding the Asiatic station, and later served on the “Tennessee” on the North Atlantic station. He was secretary to Admiral Jouett, commanding the North Atlantic squadron, served on the “Galena,” and was on duty at the naval academy. He was appointed lieutenant-commander, 16 Sept., 1894, and was executive officer of the battle-ship “Maine” when she was blown up in Havana harbor, in February, 1898. During the war with Spain he was in command of the “Gloucester,” and took part in the destruction of Admiral Cervera's squadron. Commander Wainwright's father, Richard (q. v.), died near New Orleans, 10 Aug., 1862, while commanding Farragut's famous flag-ship, the “Hartford.”