Charles William Read (May 12, 1840 – January 25, 1890), known commonly as "Savez", was an officer in the antebellum United States Navy and then in the Confederate Navy during the American Civil War. He was nicknamed the "Seawolf of the Confederacy" for his exploits and daring.

Early life and career

Charles William Read was born in Satartia, Mississippi in 1840. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1856 and graduated in 1860. He served briefly aboard USS Powhatan after graduation.

American Civil War

thumb|left|Read (seated, center) with fellow prisoners at Fort Warren

At the outbreak of the American Civil War Read resigned his commission with the United States Navy and accepted a position with the Confederate States Navy. Read was initially assigned to the at New Orleans, Louisiana as a midshipman and participated in the battle between batteries on Ship Island and the on July 9, 1861. On October 12, 1861, he participated in the attack on the Union blockading squadron at Head of the Passes on the Mississippi River.

At the end of the raid, Lieutenant Read had captured or destroyed twenty-two United States vessels. He and his crew were captured off Portland, Maine on June 27, 1863, while attempting to take the . Read was held at Fort Warren, Massachusetts, until he was exchanged at Cox Wharf, Virginia, on October 18, 1864.

Read earned his nickname "Savvy" or "Savez" due to his constant use of the term.

Charles Read died on January 25, 1890, in Meridian, Mississippi, and was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery.

See also

  • Commerce raiding

References

Further reading

  • Campbell, R. Thomas, Sea Hawk of the Confederacy: Lt. Charles W. Read and the Confederate Navy,
  • Jones, Robert A., Confederate Corsair: The Life of Lt. Charles W. "Savez" Read,
  • Shaw, David W., Sea Wolf of the Confederacy: The Daring Civil War Raids of Naval Lt. Charles W. Read

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  • Charles Read at Historical Marker Database

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