Page:Men of Mark in America vol 2.djvu/79

 CHARLES HEYWOOD EYWOOD, CHARLES, major-general and commandant United States marine corps, retired, at the time of his withdrawal from active service, received a tribute from the secretary of the navy, which shows the esteem in which he was held by those best qualified to judge of his character and his career: I wish "to say a word to you of my appreciation of your long and honorable service to the country, which by law ended today. Your splendid record in war and faithful service in peace must always remain an inspiration to the corps of which you have been the head. I need not recount the history of your career, or refer to the many brilliant incidents which it contains. I can not, however, refrain from the thought of your service in the last battle of the Cumberland. Whoever took part in that struggle is by that fact alone entitled to lasting remembrance." General Heywood has held every grade in the marine corps, from second lieutenant to major-general commandant; and when retired, his was the oldest commission on the active list of the army or the navy, his service having extended through forty-five years and six months.

He was born in Waterville, Maine, October 3, 1839. His father, Charles Heywood, was an officer in the United States navy. His mother's maiden name was Antonia Delgardo. Studying in Waterville and Boston until he was eighteen, he entered the United States marine corps as second lieutenant, April 5, 1858. He was assigned to the marine barracks at Washington for instruction. With a detachment of marines he assisted in quelling riots at quarantine, on Staten Island, New York, in September, 1858. He was then sent on special service to convey captured Africans back again to their country. From 1858-60, he was attached to the home squadron, stationed at Grey town, Nicaragua, looking after the filibuster Walker. In September, 1860, he was ordered to the United States steamer Cumberland, flagship, squadron of observation, and landed with a detachment of marines and took part in the destruction of the