Raphael Semmes Historical Figure Nationality: United States (Confederate States, 1861-65) Date of Birth: 1809 Date of Death: 1877 Occupation: Sailor Turtledove Appearances: Southern Victory POD: September 10, 1862 Appearance(s): American Front Type of Appearance: Indirect posthumous reference Nationality: Confederate States Relatives: Gabriel Semmes (descendant)

Raphael Semmes (1809–1877) was an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1826 to 1860 and the C.S. Navy starting in 1860. He served during the Mexican War, but his ship was lost during a storm in the Gulf of Mexico. During the American Civil War he was captain of the famous commerce raider CSS Alabama, taking several prizes.

After the Civil War, Semmes faced treason charges, but these were dismissed in 1866. He became a professor, a judge, a newspaper editor, and an attorney. He also became a staunch "Lost Cause" advocate.

Raphael Semmes in Southern VictoryEdit

After the War of Secession, Raphael Semmes dabbled in politics briefly. Howerver, his descendant, Gabriel, used the family name to gain first the Vice Presidency^[1] and then the Presidency of the Confederate States.^[2] He became infamous for being the president who lost the Great War and presided over the hyperinflation of the postwar period.^[3]

Literary CommentEdit

Although the series never specifies Gabriel is descended from Raphael, Turtledove did confirm their relationship.

1. ↑ American Front, pg. 555, PB
2. ↑ Walk in Hell, pg. 55.
3. ↑ See, Breakthroughs, generally.

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