WALKER, William McCreary, naval officer, born in Baltimore, Maryland, 2 September, 1813; died in New York city, 19 November, 1866. He entered the navy as a midshipman, 1 November, 1827, became a passed midshipman, 10 June, 1833, and was promoted to lieutenant, 8 December, 1838, serving in Lieutenant Charles Wilkes's exploring expedition in command of the "Flying Fish," in which he participated in the discovery of the Antarctic continent in 1838-'42. He commanded the steamer " Union" on the home station in 184324, and cruised in the Mediterranean squadron as aide in 1844-'6. He was promoted 14 September, 1855, and commanded the frigate "Constellation " in 1856. He served on special duty on boards and inspecting duty until the beginning of the civil war, was commissioned a captain, 16 July, 1862, and commanded the steamer "De Soto" throughout the civil war. He was one of the most successful blockaders during the war, and captured more prizes than any other vessel. Captain Walker died of heart disease at the naval hospital in New York. He was the author of a work on "Screw Propulsion" (New York. 1861).