Charles Wilkes

Charles Wilkes
Born	(1798-04-03)April 3, 1798 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	February 8, 1877(1877-02-08) (aged 78) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Known for	US Exploring Expedition Trent Affair
Military career
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Years	1818–1866
Rank	Rear admiral
Commands held	USS San Jacinto USS Wachusett USS Tioga USS Sonoma
Wars	American Civil War
Signature

Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an American naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842).

During the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865, he commanded USS San Jacinto during the Trent Affair in which he stopped a Royal Mail ship and removed two Confederate diplomats, which almost led to war between the United States and the United Kingdom.