WINSLOW. John Ancram. American naval officer: b. Wilmington, N. C., 19 Nov 1811i d. Boston, Mass., 29 Sept 1873. He was appointed midshipman in the navy in DIV, was promoted lieutenant in 1839, and served in the Mexican War, participating in the expeditions against Tabasco, Tampico and Tuspon. He was made commander in 1855, in 1861 joined the Mississippi flotilla, and in 1862 was com missioned captain. In 1863-64 he was in com mand of the steamer Kearsarge, assigned to the special duty of pursuing the Confederate pri vateer Alabama. On 14 June 18S4 be found the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, and blockaded her in that harbor until 19 June. when Captain Semmes notified Winslow of hi. intention to fight. The Kearsarge steamed seven miles out from shore in order to be on neutral waters, and then turned to meet the privateer. The Alabama fired the first shot, and the battle continued for an hour and a hali.
the vessels fighting in circles, which brought them constantly closer until the distance be tween them was I.m 600 yards. The Alabama then began to sink and raised the white flag. Winslow numbered but three killed and wounded out of his crew of 163 officers and men, and took 65 prisoners. It was the most important sea tight of the war between two ships, and Captain Winslow received a vote of thanks from Congress, and was promoted commodore, his commission dating from the hour of his vic tory. He was in command of the Gulf squad ron in 1866-67, was promoted rear-admiral in 1870. and was commander-in-chief of the Pacific squadron in 1870-72. Consult Ellicott. 'The Life of John Ancrum Winslow' (New York 1902).