Civil War Bayonet. No marks. PROVENANCE: Quackenbush Family By Descent, Great Granddaughter. Commodore Stephen P. Quackenbush, naval officer, born in Albany, New York, 23 January, 1823.He entered the United States navy as a midshipman in 1840, became lieutenant in 1855 and lieutenant-commander in 1862. His first cruise was in the sloop of war Boston around the world and since he has been actively engaged in duties pertaining to his progression. He participated in the naval engagement at Vera Cruz during the Mexican War serving on board the sloop of war Albany as Passed Midshipman. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was a Lieutenant on board the United States frigate Congress, flagship of the Brazilian Station. When war was declared the Congress returned home and during continuance of the war he was actively engaged commanding the following vessels: Delaware, Unadilla, Mingo, Pequot and Patapsco, which vessel was blown up by a torpedo off Fort Sumter and out of a crew of 104, 61 men were lost and 7 officers out of 12. While commanding the Unadilla off Charleston Harbor he captured the blockade runner Princess Royal, a most important acquisition as she was intended for a cruiser in the Confederacy and had on board steam engines for an iron clad, Whitworth guns, powder, shot and shell in large quantities and a machine for cutting steel pointed shot. From the sale of this vessel and cargo the Treasury gained nearly one quarter of a million dollars. While in command of the steamer Pequot Commodore Quackenbush captured the blockade runner steamer Don, having blankets for the Confederate troops. His services in the sounds of North Carolina were recognized and appreciated by Flag Officer Goldsborough and General Burnside and also by Vice Admiral Rowan, then Captain, whose flag he carried on board the Delaware, which ship Commodore Quackenbush, then Lieutenant Commander commanded in the battle of Roanoke Island, Elizabeth City and New Berne. Promoted to Commodore in 1880, Quackenbush took charge of the Pensacola Navy Yard and was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 1884 after nearly 44 years of continuous service. He was placed on the retired list in January 1885 and died in Washington, D.C. in February 1890.

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