Charles Stewart (1778–1869)

Charles Stewart (1778–1869) was a prominent United States Navy officer whose distinguished career spanned over six decades, from the Quasi-War through the American Civil War. He is best remembered for his command of the famed USS ''Constitution'' during the War of 1812, where he achieved a decisive victory in the Capture of HMS Cyane and HMS Levant. His service earned him a Congressional Gold Medal and later the rank of Rear Admiral. Beyond his naval exploits, Stewart also had a brief political career and was the grandfather of the Irish nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell.

Early life and naval career

Born in Philadelphia to Scottish immigrant parents, he went to sea as a cabin boy at age thirteen. Securing a midshipman's warrant in March 1798, he served with distinction during the Quasi-War against France aboard the USS ''Constellation'' under Captain Thomas Truxtun. He participated in the capture of the French frigate ''L'Insurgente'' in 1799. Promoted to lieutenant in 1800, Stewart saw further action in the Mediterranean Sea during the First Barbary War, serving on the USS ''Enterprise'' and later commanding the USS ''Siren''. His early commands included the brig USS ''Syren'' and the famed frigate USS ''Chesapeake'' prior to the War of 1812.

War of 1812 service

Appointed to command the USS ''Constitution'' in 1813, Stewart achieved legendary status. After a successful commerce-raiding cruise, he confronted two Royal Navy warships off Madeira on 20 February 1815. In a brilliant tactical engagement, he simultaneously defeated and captured both the HMS ''Cyane'' and the HMS ''Levant'' in the Capture of HMS Cyane and HMS Levant. This victory occurred after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent but before news had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, cementing his reputation. For this feat, he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal by a grateful United States Congress.

Later naval career and commands

After the war, Stewart served on the Board of Navy Commissioners in Washington, D.C.. He commanded the Mediterranean Squadron from 1816 to 1820 and again from 1830 to 1832. During the 1820s, he oversaw the construction of the USS ''Pennsylvania'', at the time the world's largest warship. He later commanded the Home Squadron from 1842 to 1843. Though placed on the reserve list in 1855, he was reactivated at the outbreak of the American Civil War and served on the Retirement Board until 1862. He was promoted to the newly created rank of Rear Admiral on the retired list in 1862.

Political career

Stewart briefly entered politics, serving as a Jacksonian Senator from Pennsylvania from 1838 to 1839, filling a vacancy. His political tenure was short-lived, and he did not seek re-election, preferring to return to active naval service. His political connections, however, were maintained through his family, most notably through his daughter Delia Tudor Stewart Parnell and his famous grandson, the Irish Home Rule movement leader Charles Stewart Parnell.

Personal life and legacy

Stewart married Delia Tudor, daughter of a prominent Boston merchant, in 1813. Their home, known as Mount Stewart in Bordentown, New Jersey, became a center of social life. He died there in 1869 and was buried in Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia. His legacy is preserved in the name of the destroyer USS ''Stewart'' and the township of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. He is remembered as one of the United States Navy's most skilled frigate commanders, whose career bridged the early republic and the American Civil War.

Category:1778 births Category:1869 deaths Category:United States Navy rear admirals (upper half) Category:United States Navy personnel of the Quasi-War Category:United States Navy personnel of the War of 1812 Category:United States Navy personnel of the American Civil War Category:Jacksonian members of the United States Senate Category:United States senators from Pennsylvania