US Navy Commodore. Henry was the grandson of Robert Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was appointed as midshipman on August 21, 1819 and by 1828 was promoted to lieutenant. Over the next decade and a half he served in various sea duty assignments as well as a tour of duty in New York City from 1839 to 1845. He then commanded the store ship "Southampton" in the Africa Squadron followed by a transfer to the New York Navy Yard where he spent the next five years. He was promoted to commander on October 12, 1849 where he was in charge of recruiting at New York from 1851 to 1853. His next sea command was on the sloop "Germantown" of the Brazil Squadron followed by additional sea duty in the Mediterranean Squadron. At the beginning of 1861 he had been in the navy for forty one years with seventeen years in sea duty and eleven years in shore assignments and twelve years awaiting orders in a navy with too few spots for assignments. At the start of the Civil War he became superintendent of engines and operations at the Washington Navy Yard. He was given the command of the sloop Pensacola and in it sailed south to join the West Gulf Blockading squadron. During the voyage while passing Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip he became involved in a cannon exchange with the Confederate's who ultimately scored numerous hits on the "Pensacola" killing four and wounding thirty three. On July 16, 1862 he was promoted to commodore and remained in command of the Pensacola. Unfortunately his health began to wane and he returned to New York City in an attempt to regain his health, however the attempt was in vain as he died only a year after resigning from the service.
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I believe that the photographs shown from 'Saratoga' and 'Ricky' are both incorrect. Saratoga's image is of Commodore Charles Morris (unrelated) who retired before the Civil War. I believe Ricky's view may also be Charles Morris towards the end of his naval career wearing facial hair that had come into fashion.
Contributor: Dale B. (49198352)