Biography

At the age of 16, Harwood was appointed a Midshipman in the Navy in 1818. He served in the West Indies, the Mediterranean, and at the Philadelphia Navy Yard before being promoted to lieutenant in 1827. Two decades of further duty afloat and ashore, including a long assignment with the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, were recognized with Commander's rank in 1848. During 1852-1855 he made a Mediterranean deployment on the frigate Cumberland.[1]

After 1855 Captain Harwood served in shore posts, among them a tour as Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography in 1858-1862. Promoted to Commodore in mid-1862, he was in charge of the Washington Navy Yard and the Potomac Flotilla until December 1863.

Commodore Harwood subsequently was appointed as a member of the Board of Examiners and Secretary of the Light House Board, remaining on the job in retired status from October 1864 onward. Beginning in 1869, when he was promoted to Rear Admiral on the Retired List, he held legal positions, concluding with a year as the Navy's Judge Advocate in 1870-1871.