He entered the Navy in October 1841 , at the age of 17 and served as a midshipman in the Gulf of Mexico during the Mexican - American War , resigning his commission in May 1848 .
Graham was born in New York City .
Graham entered the Navy in October 1841 , at the age of 17 and served as a midshipman in the Gulf of Mexico during the Mexican - American War , resigning Graham 's commission in May 1848 .
Graham was born in New York City .