The Biographical Dictionary of America/Baldwin, Charles H.

BALDWIN, Charles H., rear-admiral, was born in New York city, Sept. 3, 1822. In 1839 he was graduated from the Annapolis naval academy, and appointed midshipman on the frigate Brandywine. He received promotion to passed-midshipman in 1845, and was attached to the Congress, on which frigate he remained throughout the Mexican war. In 1853 he received a lieutenant's commission, resigning in 1854 to act as commander of a Vanderbilt steamer which ran to the Pacific coast. In 1861 he re-entered the navy, and was appointed commander of the Clifton, which was in several engagements, notably the capture of New Orleans, and the first attack on Vicksburg. During these engagements Commander Baldwin rendered gallant service, and in acknowledgement of this, was promoted to be commander of the Vanderbilt in 1862, on which steamer he also gave valuable service. He received steady and well-earned promotion, was captain of the fleet of the North Pacific squadron in 1865-'69, was promoted captain in 1869; inspector of ordnance at Mare Island, Cal., 1869- '71; was made commodore, Aug. 8, 1876; a member of the board of examiners, 1876-79, and Jan. 31, 1883, was commissioned rear-admiral, and given the command of the Mediterranean squadron. He was retired in 1884, and died Dec. 17, 1888.