Once revered as one of the finest officers in the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont is now, when remembered at all, criticized for resisting technological advancement and for half-heartedly leading the disastrous all-ironclad Union naval attack on Charleston. Although his reputation appeared unshakable after he won the first major Union victory of the Civil War in South Carolina, the failed attack on Charleston brought his career to an abrupt end. Relieved of his command, he was also maligned in the press. In Lincoln's Tragic Admiral: The Life of Samuel Francis Du Pont, Kevin J. Weddle challenges this reduction of Du Pont's legacy, combining new and known sources to uncover a thoroughly modern, though flawed, Du Pont.

The early years -- The Mexican War -- A strategy for a modern navy -- The Efficiency Board of 1855 -- From China to the Philadelphia Navy Yard -- The Blockade Board of 1861 and Union naval strategy -- The great southern expedition -- The objective is Charleston -- Charleston and its aftermath.