Selfridge garduated from the US Naval Academy at age 17 and at the head of his class.
The US News and World report of April 18th had mention of him. He also participated in teh Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson and Wilmington campaigns. In 1862, he was in command of the USS Cairo when it was sunk by a Confederate mine in the Yazoo River near Vicksburg, December 12th.
Earlier, he had helped destroy the Norfolk Navy Yard and was an officer on the USS Cumberland when that ship was sunk by the CSS Virginia.
He briefly commanded the USS Monitor after Lt. John L. Worden was wounded. The Monitor later sank.
He also was briefly in command of the submarine USS Alligator and didn't think much of it. That vessel also sank (but not under his command at the time).
Transferred to the Mississippi Squadron, he also commanded the timberclad USS Conestoga, which also sank after a collision with the USS General Price. From March to May 1864, he commanded the USS Osage, which later sank.
During the attacks on forts Fisher and Anderson, he commanded the USS Huron, which did not sink.
This man seems to have had bad luck with ships.
Woe is to the Union Sailor Under His Command. Can You Swim?--Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
