The Biographical Dictionary of America/Beale, Edward Fitzgerald

​BEALE, Edward Fitzgerald, soldier, was born in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 1822, grandson of Thomas Truxton, U.S.N. he was appointed a midshipman in the navy and was graduated from the U.S. naval school in Philadelphia in 1842. He saw his first actual service on the Pacific coast under Commodore Stockton during the war with Mexico. He attained distinction for his services in making his way thorough the enemy's lines to procure relief for Kearney's command, and for this gallant exploit was presented with a sword by his fellow officers. At the close of the Mexican war he resigned his commission in the navy and became superintendent of Indian affairs for California and New Mexico. He subsequently attained the rank of brigadier-general, and quelled an Indian insurrection in California. President Lincoln made him surveyor-general of California in 1861, and in 1876 President Grant appointed him minister to Austria. He remained there but one year, returning to devote his remaining years to the care of his California estates. He died April 22, 1893.