Aug 10, 1862 published in The Nation –
Rear Admiral John C. Beaumont, US Navy Retired, died Newmarket, NH on Wednesday at age 61.
Death of Admiral Beaumont — Portsmouth, NH – Aug 4th
“Rear Admiral John C. Beaumont died very suddenly Wednesday evening in Newmarket, NH, where he was passing the summer with his family. The deceased was a native of Pennsylvania, from which State he was was appointed acting midshipman in March 1, 1838, and passed through various grades. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in November 1881, and placed on the retirement list, Feb. 1882, since which time he resided in this city. He has been twice married. His wife and three children survive. His age was 61 years. Cause of death of Rear Admiral Beaumont , which occurred last evening, was heart disease. He was Commandor, Portsmouth Navy Yard.”
USS “Sebago” departed Portsmouth on 6 April 1862 and headed for Hampton Roads, VA to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and reached Newport News, VA on the 11th. Preparations for the naval assault on Charleston moved into their final week. Rear Admiral Du Pont sent ironclads U.S.S. “Passaic”, “Montauk”, “Patapsco”, and “Keokuk” to the North Edisto River and gunboat “Sebago” to Calibogue Sound.
To Commander John C. Beaumont, commanding “Sebago”, the Admiral wrote that his objective was “to cover the approaches to the west end of Hilton Head Island and prevent any descent upon it from boats with troops, etc., and to give notice by signal to the picket stations on shore, you will use your own discretion as to your position.” Du Pont assigned Captain Charles Steedman to protect the Army at Hilton Head Island while he himself led the offensive against Charleston.
Then, on 30 June, after General Robert E. Lee had defeated McClellan in the Seven Days Campaign and had driven the Army of the Potomac from the York to the James River, “ Sebago” steamed downstream, rounded Old Crown Point Comfort, and ascended the James River escorting Army transports. She was ordered to the York River and its tributaries supporting Union Army operations.
Asssistant Secretary of the Navy Gustavus V. Fox (6th from left, 2nd row) with Russian officers and officers of Miantonomoh and Augusta, during his visit to Europe in 1866. Others identified in this group are: Captain Alexander Murray, USN, Commanding Officer, Augusta (3rd from left, 2nd row); and Commander John C. Beaumont, USN, Commanding Officer, Miantonomoh (7th from left, 2nd row). (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 50747.
