Although Raphael Semmes is best known for his success as the captain of a Confederate cruiser during the Civil War, the published records of his journeys on land and sea, during both that war and the Mexican War, have earned him the right to be included within the ranks of travel writers. Raphael Semmes was born on 27 September 1809 to middle-class Roman Catholic parents, Catherine Middleton Semmes and Richard Thompson Semmes, in Charles County, Maryland. Raphael was the elder of two surviving children (another died in infancy) born to this couple. His mother died before her third wedding anniversary, and his father died in 1823. Raphael and his brother Samuel went to live in Georgetown, D.C., with their uncle, also named Raphael Semmes. Although the boys made their home with the elder Raphael, they also visited with another uncle, Benedict Semmes, physician and delegate to the state house.

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