Samuel Mercer

Samuel Mercer (1799 – March 6, 1862) was an American officer in the United States Navy who commanded the during the Mexican–American War and the and the during the American Civil War.

Early life Mercer was born in 1799 in Maryland. On March 4, 1815, he received a midshipman's warrant in the United States Navy. He received a promotion to lieutenant on January 13, 1825 and to commander on September 8, 1841.

Mexican–American War He commanded the in the Home Squadron as tensions escalated in the Gulf of Mexico prior to the Mexican-American War. He and his crew spent the next year cruising along the Gulf Coast, providing security to American shipping in the region and helping suppress piracy. After war broke out April 25, 1846, they cruised on a blockade station off the Mexican coast, remaining there until June 17. He was promoted to captain on September 14, 1855. However, on April 6, President Lincoln overrode the order, placed Lieutenant David Dixon Porter in command of the Powhatan and ordered him to reinforce Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida instead. A telegram reversing the order and returning command to Mercer was issued, however the Powhatan was already under way and Porter ignored the order and continued to Pensacola. In October, 1861, the Wabash returned to port for repairs.

Mercer was relieved from active command due to age, and served on the Navy Retiring Board until his death in Philadelphia on March 6, 1862. He was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.