PARSEVAL-DESCHENES, Alexander Ferdinand (par-seh-val-day-shain), French sailor, born in Paris, France, 27 November, 1790; died there, 10 June, 1860. He followed his relative, Admiral Latouche-Treville, to Toulon in 1804, and embarked as a volunteer on board the "Bucentaure." He took part in the capture of Fort Le Diamant in Martinique, and on his return to Europe rose rapidly in the service. He was employed in a hydrographic survey of Brittany in 1815, and in 1817 as commander of the "Sauterelle," which formed part of the expedition that was sent to resume possession of French Guiana. He had charge of the local station of this colony for two years. His success in floating the frigate "L'Africaine," which was stranded on the coast of Newfoundland, gained him the cross of chevalier of the Legion of honor in 1822. From 1827 till 1839 he commanded various vessels, and took part in 1838 in the operations against Vera Cruz and the capture of San Juan d'Ulua, and next year in the occupation of the island of Martin-Garcia in the Argentine Republic. After his return from these expeditions he was made rear-admiral in 1840 and vice-admiral in 1846. In 1854 he was placed at the head of the third squadron for operations in the Baltic, displayed great talents for organization, and in December was promoted admiral.