Raphael Semmes was a Confederate naval officer during the American Civil War. Born on September 27, 1809, in Maryland, he became known for his command of the CSS Alabama, a commerce raider that targeted Union merchant ships. Semmes was skilled in naval tactics and played a significant role in the Confederate Navy's efforts to disrupt Union supply lines. After the war, Semmes faced challenges as a former Confederate officer. He wrote about his experiences in the war and published a book titled "Memoirs of Service Afloat," which detailed his naval career. Semmes passed away on August 30, 1877, in Mobile, Alabama.