Samuel Phillips Lee

Samuel Phillips Lee
Samuel Phillips Lee, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral
Born(1812-02-13)February 13, 1812
Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S.
DiedJune 5, 1897(1897-06-05) (aged 85)
Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1825–1873
Rank Rear admiral
Commands
Battles / wars
Spouse(s)
(m. 1843)
RelationsLee family
Signature

Samuel Phillips Lee (February 13, 1812 – June 5, 1897) was an officer of the United States Navy. In the American Civil War, he took part in the New Orleans campaign before commanding the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, covering the coastlines and inland waters of Virginia and North Carolina, and finally the Mississippi River Squadron. As a cousin of Robert E. Lee, his refusal to join the Confederates' side by remaining loyal to the U.S. demonstrated how the war had divided families. Lee married Elizabeth Blair the daughter of Francis P. Blair Sr., and their house in Washington is now the president's official guest house.