This striking three-quarter bust of Admiral Farragut in military outfit was likely made circa 1850. This portrait is strikingly similar to cat. 770 in Young America: The Daguerreotypes Of Southworth & Hawes. Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (July 5, 1801 - August 14, 1870) rose from humble beginnings to become America's first admiral and one of the most celebrated naval heroes in U.S. history. Born to a naval officer father in Tennessee, Farragut was adopted by Commodore David Porter after his mother's death and entered naval service as a midshipman at just nine years old. His early career provided extensive combat experience during the War of 1812, and he continued to serve through the Mexican-American War, steadily rising through the ranks despite being a Southerner who remained loyal to the Union when the Civil War erupted.

Farragut's greatest achievements came during the Civil War, where his bold tactics and personal courage transformed naval warfare. His capture of New Orleans in 1862 was a strategic masterpiece, but he is perhaps best remembered for the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, where he famously ordered "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" when his fleet hesitated upon encountering underwater mines. This daring victory sealed his legacy and earned him unprecedented honors—he became the first person in U.S. naval history to attain the ranks of rear admiral, vice admiral, and finally full admiral. After the war, Farragut commanded the European Squadron and remained an active, respected naval leader until his death, with his funeral attended by President Grant and thousands of mourners who recognized his extraordinary contributions to American naval power.