Captain James Harman Ward
American, 1806 - 1861
He organized the Potomac flotilla in May 1861 for Civil War service. This originally comprised the steamers "Thomas," "Freeborn," and the tugs, "Anacostia" and "Resolute." He participated in the engagement against the Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek, 31 May and 1 June 1861, clearing the Virginia banks of obstructions and opening the river. In the bombardment of Mathias Point, June 27, the party was fired upon by the 40th Virginia Infantry, and Captain Ward was hit on board his flagship. As he was sighting a gun on the shore, Captain Ward was struck by a minie ball and died within an hour, being the first naval officer killed in the Civil War. He died at Mathias Point, Virginia, on 27 June 1861.
He published: "Elementary Instructions on Naval Ordnance and Gunnery" (1845, enlarged edition, 1861); "Manual of Naval Tactics" (1859), and "Steam for the Millions" (1860).
Person TypeIndividual
American, 1783 - 1825
American, 1862 - 1932