Authors:
Historic Era:
Historic Theme:
Subject:
June 1961 | Volume 12, Issue 4
Authors:
Historic Era:
Historic Theme:
Subject:
June 1961 | Volume 12, Issue 4
Many naval historians dispute whether there ever was a mutiny in the history of the U.S. Navy, though they do agree that several near-outbreaks have occurred. In response to an inquiry from AMERICAN HERITAGE, Rear Admiral E. M. Eller, Director of Naval History in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, had this to say:
The so-called “Somers mutiny” was not a mutiny but rather an attempt to organize a mutiny. The unfortunate event gained much prominence and heated publicity because Midshipman Spencer was the son of the Secretary of War. Mackenzie was denounced in the public press. He was, however, acquitted by a court of inquiry and a court-martial, and later served as a naval diplomat and commanding officer of the Mississippi during the Mexican War.