David Farragut captured the city of New Orleans during the American Civil War and was made the first Rear Admiral of the US Navy (on July 16, 1862). But all of these achievements pale in the memory compared to the one exchange he is remembered for.At the battle of Mobile Bay, from his high perch, Farragut could see ships pulling back after one had been sunk by a tethered mine (then known as a torpedo). "What's the trouble?" was shouted through a trumpet from the flagship to a flanking vessel.
"Torpedoes!" was shouted back in reply. "Damn the torpedoes!" said Farragut, "Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!"
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