Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-03

she accomplished; 20 be thrown into daily
intercourse with her distinguished COM
mander, TO see him upon this arduous service
cool capable, selfreliant, conslderate leader and
officer. While the ship In the hands OF the
obstinate, under his guidance she was always
reliable acting rs though she possessed n soul
responsive 90 his own, and dutifully and obe-
grander than to see this noble ship as she
moves 10 challenge and engage the formidable
forts and batteries lining the harbor AT Charles
ton. Presently. as she comes within range,
forts and batteries upon all sides open upon
her a furious shower Of shot and shell, and no
nothing but the viii OF her master .be
moves on through the storm OF battle until
approaching the desired position; then Rowan
the range. q Belknap." and the flash aud
report OF single gun follow. still, like
an assnsing angel, me snip moves on ti an
tncn guns with blast OF fire and sound OF many
thunders breaks the silence OF the ship, and she
is alive with flame and fury,-grest guns topple
over. the crests of the enemy 5 works go down
like grass before the scythe OF the mower, and
silence ensues again. 20 be followed by sue
cessive broadsides, until the enemy no longer
replies 30 day after day and month AFTER
month, while the monitors. with their deliber-
lenses OF the enemy, and hour sfter hour the
battle RACES undated, when the mighty man
oi-war moves majesticaiiy into position and
opens upon them, the enemy fee 10
their bomb-proofs for shelter, and their guns
are silent And yet so paradoxical the con-
dltlons of naval warfare, a single shot from one
of the heavy guns of the tiny monitors and the
proud career OF this formidable vessel would
nave been speedily brought 60 a close. In this
severe, eNacting aud arduous service Commo-
dore Rowan passed many months In command
OF the New Ironsides, engaged In almost daily
couuict with the enemy, aud upon each aud
every occasion Increased his brave earned
reputation. No one can appreciate but those
VINO have shared In the dangers, trials and pri-
rations the character Of this service, with its
days of toll and exposure, and It's nights OF I'M
rest and battle, where exhausted nature only
found repose mid the din and sound of the
conflict. In the spring OF 1854, the services of
the New lronsides' being no longer required
before Charleston. the ship ordered north
ana Commodore Rowan was shortly after re-
ieved Of the command.
Ia july, 1866, he was, by selection promoted
To a rear admiral, and ordered To the command
OF the Norfolk navy yard where he remained
two years. During the years 1S6S-69 he com.
manded with ability the Asiatic squadron.
W bile absent upon this duty from the United
States be was, upon the death OF Farragut and
and the promotion OF Porter, selected by Gen.
Grant as the vice admiral OF the navy, in recog
milton OF the conspicuous aud valuable service
lac had rendered 10 the republic. IL was tn,
pleasant duty OF the writer To be the first To an.
nounce To Vice Admiral Rowan his promotion
on his return TO the United states, and the FIRST
10 salute the Nag of the newly promoted vice
admiral. several years subsequently,. Vice Ad
mlral Rowan was in command OF the naval
station at New York, ana at present IL em
pioyed as president OF the board OF examiners.