The French Admiral Hamelin, whose death has just been announced, was the co?djutor of Admiral Deans Dudas in the Black Sea, during the Crimean war. He was born Sep 2, 1796. He was the nephew of Admiral Baron Hamelin, a sailor who saw much service under the First Empire. At the age of eleven years his uncle placed him as a midshipman on board the Venus, and while yet a boy he saw a great deal of fighting. In 1812, having obtained a commission, he took part in the expedition to the Scheldt. His promotion was rapid, notwithstanding the peace which followed the battle of Waterloo. In 1828 he became a Captain, and in 1842 a Rear-Admiral. The Crimean war found him Maritime Prefect at Toulon, and he was then selected for the command of the Black Sea fleet. The memorable landing of the French troops previous to the battle of the Alma was effected under his direction. During the attack on Sebastol forts of Oct 17, a shell struck the quarter-deck of the Ville de Paris, and killed Lieut. Sommelier, by Admiral Hamelin's side. He himself was knocked down by the shock. He rose and continued to command his vessel amidst a storm of Russian projectiles. His conduct on that day was rewarded by his promotion to the rank of a full Admiral. On the death of M. Du???, he was appointed Minister of Marine, which office he held from 1855 to 1860, when he received the post of Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor. He leaves a son, who is a Captain in the navy, and at this moment second in command of the Bretagne. His daughter was married only a few weeks before his death. The wedding had been fixed for Jan 5 but the Admiral, feeling his end approaching, advanced the time in order that he might be present at the nuptials. The Emperor has ordered that he should be buried in the Invalides.

Source: NY Times, Saturday, Feb 6, 1864

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