WARD, James Harman, naval officer, born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1806; died near Matthias point, Potomac river, 27 June, 1861. He was appointed as a midshipman in the navy, 4 March, 1823, and was allowed to remain under instruction in the military school at Norwich, Vermont, with several other midshipmen. He made a cruise in the " Constitution" in 1824-'8, became a passed midshipman, 23 March, 1829, and was commissioned lieutenant, 3 March, 1831. He was an instructor at the naval academy at Annapolis from its establishment on its present basis in 1845 till 1847. He commanded the steamer "Vixen" of the home squadron in 1849-'50, and was promoted to commander, 9 September, 1853. He was appointed to command the Potomac flotilla in May, 1861, and immediately essayed to open that river and silence the Confederate batteries on its banks. His flotilla consisted of three small improvised gun-boats, the steamer " Freeborn," "Anacostia," and "Resolute." He attacked and silenced the batteries at Acquia creek, 20 May, 1861, the first time the navy engaged the Confederate batteries during the war. The next day the battle was renewed, and Ward's flotilla was re-enforced by the arrival of the "Pawnee " under Commander Stephen C. Rowan. Ward conducted a series of fights with his flotilla, and succeeded in clearing the banks and keeping the river open. On 27 June, 1861, he planned a landing expedition at Matthias point, and in the bombardment of the batteries he was killed while sighting a gun. He was the author of "Elementary Course of Instruction in Naval Ordnance and Gunnery" (Philadelphia, 1851);" Manual of Naval Tactics" (New York, 1859); and "Steam for the Million" (1860). The first two were used as a text-book at the United States naval academy for many years.