Background
Asten was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in September 1834, and he entered the United States Navy in Chicago, Illinois, during the Civil War.
Asten was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in September 1834, and he entered the United States Navy in Chicago, Illinois, during the Civil War.
In 1864, he served aboard the United States Ship Signal, a United States. tinclad, during the Red River Campaign. On May 4, 1864, the United States Ship Signal was ordered to proceed up the Red River with a bearer of dispatches from Major General Nathaniel Prentice Banks, the commander of the Union Red River Campaign forces. After traversing about 20 miles (32 km) on the river, the United States Ship Signal met Confederate forces, and the ensuing conflict, which also involved the United States Ship Covington and Army transport ship John Warner, continued into the night.
On May 5, the Signal was disabled and the crew, including Asten, reluctantly abandoned the ship.
Having surrendered, they were captured on land. Charles Asten died on September 14, 1885, in Nova Scotia.
He was interred at Saint Francis Cemetery in Providence County, Rhode Island. "Served on board the United States.S. Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864.
Proceeding up the Red River, the United States.S. Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the Federal ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was raised.
Although on the sick list, Q.G. Asten courageously carried out his duties during the entire engagement.".