Rovuma
a river of East Africa, which rises on the E. of Lake Nyassa, and flows nearly due E., with a course of about 500 miles, to the Indian Ocean.
The Rovuma is not well adapted for navigation.
ROWE May 25, 1861; this being the first naval action of the war. He was promoted both captain and commodore, July 16, 1862, for gallantry in the Goldsborough expedition to North Carolina, and the engagements on Roanoke Island and Albemarle Sound. He forced the surrender of the forts at Newbern, N. C., and by the capture of Fort Mason restored National authority in the waters of North Carolina. He commanded the "New Ironsides" in the engagements with Forts Wagner, Gregg, and Moultrie; received a vote of thanks from Congress; and was promoted rear-admiral, July 25, 1866. After the close of the war Rear-Admiral Rowan was appointed to various executive offices; was promoted vice-admiral Aug. 15, 1870; and was chairman of the Lighthouse Board at the time of his retirement, Feb. 26, 1889. He died in Washington, D. C., March 31, 1890.