Wikipedia

Henry Augustus Wise

Not to be confused with Henry A. Wise or Henry A. Wise (New York state senator).

Henry Augustus Wise (May 24, 1819 – April 3, 1869) was an author and United States Navy officer.

Henry Augustus Wise in naval uniform

Biography

edit

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to George Stewart Wise and Catherine Standsberry. The Wise family moved to Virginia and his Naval career began in 1834 as a midshipman. Henry served in the U.S.–Mexican War as a lieutenant on board the razee Independence, seeing action in the Gulf of California. He dedicated his consequent naval service in becoming an expert in gunnery. When the American Civil War broke out he considered serving with his home state of Virginia when they left the Union but opted to stay in the U.S. Navy as a captain. Promoted to commander of the USS Niagara in 1862, he was soon ordered to destroy the Gosport Navy Yard, near his old home. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln appointed Wise chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, and he was promoted to captain in 1866; he held the ordnance position until his resignation in 1868. He died in Naples, Italy, the following year. In 1850 he married Catherine Brooks Everett, daughter of Edward Everett and Charlotte Gray Brooks.


Wise's naval career began around 1834 at the age of 15, influenced by his guardian and cousin, Henry Alexander Wise, who was the representative for Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives[1]. Wise embarked on a typical midshipman's path, filled with rigorous training and firsthand experiences in navigation and naval warfare.

In 1840, Wise was promoted to Passed Midshipman and served on the coasts of Florida during the Seminole War.[1] His early years in the Navy provided him with invaluable experience in naval operations and warfare tactics. By 1847, Wise had risen to the rank of Lieutenant. During the Mexican-American War, he served with distinction aboard the Razee Independence.[1] His proficiency in the Spanish language and his darker skin tone allowed him to carry important dispatches through hostile lines in Mexican-controlled territory, a notable achievement that showcased his resourcefulness and bravery.[1]

Wise's service during the Mexican-American War included participation in numerous naval operations in the Gulf of Mexico. He was instrumental in various engagements and missions, demonstrating tactical acumen and leadership. His actions during this period earned him recognition and respect within the naval community.

During the California Gold Rush, Wise was assigned to San Francisco, placing him at the heart of a transformative period in American history. It was here that he developed a significant relationship with Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, which would later influence his military career.[1] His assignment in San Francisco also involved managing naval logistics and operations in a rapidly changing and often chaotic environment, further honing his leadership skills.

Between the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, Wise participated in several secret missions in Europe and Japan, reflecting the global scope of his naval service. Notably, he succeeded in a covert operation to uncover the source of Krupp steel discoveries, a critical resource for naval armaments. This mission highlighted Wise's ability to operate effectively in international and clandestine contexts, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and versatile officer.

When the Civil War began, Wise faced conflicting interests due to his Virginia upbringing and his cousin Henry Alexander Wise's service to the Confederacy. Ultimately, he decided to remain loyal to the Union. This decision led to his promotion to Lieutenant-Commander and later to Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln. In this role, Wise was responsible for overseeing the development and supply of naval ordnance, playing a crucial part in the Union's naval strategy and effectiveness.

Throughout the Civil War, Wise's contributions were significant. He managed the logistics of ordnance supply, ensuring that Union ships were well-armed and equipped for battle. His efforts were instrumental in maintaining the Union Navy's operational readiness and effectiveness throughout the conflict.

Wise's naval career was marked by significant contributions to American military efforts, both in war and in peace. His experiences in various roles and missions shaped his legacy as a dedicated and versatile naval officer. His ability to navigate complex and often dangerous situations, combined with his linguistic skills and deep understanding of naval warfare, made him an invaluable asset to the United States Navy.

Children

edit
  1. Charlotte Everett Wise (1851–1935) married Archibald Hopkins
  2. Katherine Wise (1852–1920) married Jacob W. Miller
  3. Edward Everett Wise (1854–1891) married Marion McAllister
  4. Henrietta Augusta Wise (1860–1920) married (1) Lt. John Downes (2) W.K. Nicholsen

Principal works

edit

Under the pen name of "Harry Gringo"

References

edit
Notes
  1. ^ a b c d e Nelson, Paul David (February 2000). Wise, Henry Augustus (1819-1869), naval officer and author. American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.0300544.
  2. ^ Christopher Hapka (ed.). "Frederick Shepherd Converse". USOpera. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
Sources
edit
 
Wikisource has the text of a 1905 New International Encyclopedia article about "Henry Augustus Wise".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Henry_Augustus_Wise&oldid=1229676028"