Wilkes

CHARLES, (wilkz,) an American naval officer, D. in the city of New York, 1801, was sent in command of a U. S. exploring expedition, 1838-42, during which he discovered the Antarctic Continent, and made the circuit of the globe. In 1861, by his conduct in boarding an English mail-steamer, and taking therefrom the Confederate envoys, Me rs. Slidell and Mason, he nearly involved the U. States in a war with Great Britain. He became a rear-admiral in 1866. D. 1877. Wilkes, in Georgia, a N.E. co.; area, 300 sq. m.; C. Washington. Pop. 11,796.-In N. Carolina, a N.W. co.; area, 550 sq. m.; C. Wilkesborough. Pop. 15,539. [s. 961]