Cowley, Charles, 1832-1908

Charles Cowley (1832-1908) was an American naval officer and attorney from Massachusetts. During the American Civil War he was on Admiral John A. Dahlgren's staff and served as Judge Advocate, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron; in 1879 he published a personal history of that group's achievements and experiences during the war, entitled Leaves from a Lawyer's Life Afloat and Ashore. In the introduction, he writes, "Without concealing my predilection for the Cause of the Union, I have sought to treat the Lost Cause with entire candor." He also wrote on the subject of divorce and divorce courts, and was active in naval veterans' organizations.

From the guide to the Charles Cowley Letters, 1893-1906, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)