Charles Boggs

Rear Admiral Charles Stuart Boggs (28 January 1811 - 22 April 1877) served in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War.

Early life and career

Boggs was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was appointed a Midshipman in November 1826 and was assigned to the Boston Navy Yard until 1830, when he began two years at sea on board the brig "Porpoise".

For the rest of the 1830s and the 1840s he had duties ashore and afloat, receiving his commission as Lieutenant in 1837, while serving in the ship of the line "North Carolina".

He was an officer in the steamer "Princeton" during the Mexican-American War and executive officer of the frigate "St. Lawrence" in 1851.

Promoted to the rank of Commander in 1855, Boggs commanded two mail steamers during the next four years and was a lighthouse inspector at San Francisco, California in 1860-1861.

Civil War service

In December 1861 Boggs was given command of the gunboat "Varuna", fighting her with distinction during the Battle of New Orleans the following April. Varuna was lost in the battle with 184 casualties. Receiving his Captain's commission in July 1862, during the rest of the American Civil War he was commanding officer of the steam sloops "Juniata" and "Sacramento", with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, the steam cruiser "Connecticut" in the West Indies, and had special duty at the New York Navy Yard.

Post-war service and last years

In 1866-1868 Boggs commanded the steamer "DeSoto". As a Commodore, he had another tour of lighthouse inspection service in 1869-1870, receiving promotion to Rear Admiral during this time.

His final seagoing service was as commander of the European Fleet in 1871. Retired in January 1872, he remained on duty as Secretary of the Light House Board until mid-1873.

Rear Admiral Charles S. Boggs died at New Brunswick, N.J., on 22 April 1877. He is buried in the churchyard of Christ Episcopal Church.

Namesake

The destroyer USS "Boggs" (DD-136) was named for him.

ee also

References

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