Naval Service
Herndon was appointed midshipman on 1 November 1828. He was promoted to passed midshipman in 1834 and lieutenant in 1841. He cruised in Pacific, South American, Mediterranean, and Gulf waters from then until 1842.
From 1842 to 1846, Herndon served in the Depot of Charts and Instruments of the US Naval Observatory with his first cousin and brother-in-law, Matthew Fontaine Maury. They prepared oceanographic charts and performing other scientific work invaluable to the safe and accurate navigation of the seas.
During the Mexican-American War, Herndon commanded the brig Iris with distinction.
Read more about this topic: William Lewis Herndon
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