Thomas Macdonough - Later Days

Later Days

Macdonough relieved Isaac Hull of command of the Portsmouth Navy Yard on 1 July 1815. In command there for three years, he returned to the Mediterranean Squadron as commander of the USS Guerriere, a frigate of 44 guns. In April 1818 Macdonough was stricken with tuberculosis but he still remained on duty for as long as possible. After returning to America later in the year, he was given command of the USS Ohio a ship of the line, bearing 74 guns under construction in New York harbor. From 1818 to 1823 Macdonough served as her captain. After submitting several requests for active sea duty, Macdonough received command of the 44-gun frigate USS Constitution in 1824. However, his health continued to worsen. On 14 October 1825, Macdonough had to relieve himself of his command. Intending to return to New York, Macdonough departed the Mediterranean in USS Edwin. On 10 November 1825, he died aboard ship while it was passing Gibraltar.

Macdonough's body was returned to the United States and was buried in Middletown, Connecticut. He was laid to rest alongside his wife Ann Shaler, a lady of a prominent family in Middletown, she having died just a few months earlier.