W-Z: Wade through Zook

Source: The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company

Wade, Melancthon S., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ohio in 1802. He took a deep interest in military affairs from early youth, rose to a brigadier-generalship in the Ohio militia about 1840, and continued in command till 1849. He offered his services to the government in 1861, was commissioned a brigadier-general of volunteers by President Lincoln, and was for some time in command of Camp Dennison until he resigned his commission March 18, 1862. General Wade died August 11, 1868.

Wadsworth, James S., brigadier-general, was born in Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, October 30, 1807. He was the son of James Wadsworth, an extensive landowner and philanthropist of Geneseo, under whose care he received a thorough rudimentary education, after which he was sent to Harvard college and thence to Yale college, where he completed his studies. Soon after graduating he entered upon the study of law in Albany, finishing his course in the office of the great statesman and lawyer, Daniel Webster, and was admitted to the bar in 1833, but did not practice his profession, as the charge of his immense estate required his whole attention. A few years later Mr. Wadsworth turned his attention somewhat to local politics. A Federalist by education and a Democrat by conviction, he early took part in the "Free Soil" movement that divided the Democracy of the state, giving a zealous support to the presidential candidate of that party in 1848 and to the Republican candidates of 1856 and 1860. Like his father, he manifested a deep and active interest in the cause of education. He founded a public library at Geneseo; was a liberal subscriber to the endowment of Geneseo college; aided in the establishment of the school district library system; and in every way did what lay in his power to relieve suffering and diffuse the benefits of our free institutions. Acting as a commissioner under an appointment from the legislature of New York to the Peace Convention held in Washington in 1861, when it became evident that war was inevitable he was prompt to offer his services to the government. When communication with the capital was cut off he chartered two ships upon his own responsibility, loaded them with provisions and proceeded with them to Annapolis, where they arrived most opportunely to supply the pressing necessities of the government. Commencing his military career as a volunteer aide to General McDowell at the first battle of Bull Run, upon the recommendation of that general, Wadsworth was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers in August, 1861, and in March, 1862, became military governor of the District of Columbia. In the election of governor of New York in November, 1862, General Wadsworth was the Republican candidate, but was defeated by Mr. Seymour. In the following December he was assigned to the command of a division in the Army of the Potomac. At Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville he displayed great military skill, and at Gettysburg his Page 288 division saved the first day. Upon the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac for the campaign of 1864, General Wadsworth was assigned to the command of the 4th division, 5th corps, at the head of "which he bravely met his death, in the battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864.

Wagner, George D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ohio, but removed to Indiana in early life and was residing in that state at the outbreak of the Civil war. On June 14, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 15th Indiana infantry, a regiment that was organized at Lafayette, Indiana, and mustered in for three years. With this regiment he moved to Clarksburg. W. Virginia, then marched to Rich mountain, which was reached during the progress of the battle there, and joined in the pursuit of the enemy, capturing many prisoners. He was stationed in Elkwater Valley until November 19. being engaged in the repulse of Lee's forces and at the battle of Greenbrier. He joined Buell's forces at Louisville and participated in his campaign. He was engaged at Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, took part in the battle of Perryville, and moved for Nashville in November, 1862. Colonel Wagner was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers November 29, 1862, and continued to serve in that capacity until August 24, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the service and resumed the pursuits of civil life. General Wagner died February 13, 1869.

Walcutt, Charles C, brigadier-general, was born at Columbus, Ohio, February 12, 1838, son of John Macy and Mariel (Broderick) Walcutt (originally spelled Wolcott). He was educated in the public schools of his native city and at the Kentucky military institute, near Frankfort, Kentucky, where he was graduated in 1858. He then entered upon the avocation of civil engineering and was elected county surveyor of Franklin county, Ohio, in 1859. On the first call for troops in April, 1861, he raised a company of men, but Ohio's quota being full it was not accepted. In June, 1861, he was commissioned major and assigned to duty as inspector in West Virginia on the staff of General Hill. In 1862 he was made colonel, and on July 30, 1864, was made brigadier-general of volunteers for bravery and especial gallantry at the battle of Atlanta, receiving the thanks of General Blair for saving the 17th army corps. General Walcutt's service was most of the time with General Sherman, and he participated in all of the engagements of that command. He was wounded in the left shoulder at Shiloh and carried through life the bullet lodged there. He was at Vicksburg. Jackson, Mississippi. Missionary ridge, relief of Knoxville, Kennesaw mountain, Dallas, Burnt Hickory and Noonday creek. He was engaged in the battles of Ezra Church, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, Georgia, and was in command at the battle of Griswoldville, the most important on Sherman's march to the sea. Early in this action General Walcutt was severely wounded by the explosion of a shell and from that time was compelled to be carried in a captured carriage. For special gallantry in this action he was made a major-general of volunteers by brevet. He was mustered out in February, 1866, and took charge of the Ohio penitentiary, but after remaining there a few months he was appointed and accepted a commission as lieutenant-colonel of the 10th U. S. Cavalry. He remained in this service about six months, when he resigned and resumed the position of warden of the Ohio penitentiary. In this capacity he served until July 1, 1869. his executive ability being of great service, as the institution, formerly an expense to the state, was made more than self-supporting. In May, 1869, he was appointed U. S. collector of internal revenue, serving until Page 289 July, 1883. In April, 1883, he was elected mayor of the city of Columbus and was reelected in 1885. In 1875 he was elected a member of the school board of Columbus, was its president for seven years and remained a member until the term of 1894. During this time he devoted himself to the building up and making efficient the public schools of the city, which owe to him much of their present high standard. General Walcutt was chairman of the state Republican committee 1872-73, and contributed to the second election of General Grant to the presidency. He was one of the Grant electors in 1868; was for a number of years a member and president of the Franklin county agricultural society; as a member of the Loyal Legion was senior vice-commander and one of the charter members of the Ohio commandery; and was a Knight Templar Mason. General Walcutt died May 2, 1898.

Wallace, Lewis, major-general, was born at Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, April 10, 1827. He did not take kindly to the restraints of school and an attempt to put him through college resulted in failure. He was passionately fond of reading, however, and at an early age showed a talent for drawing and painting, which might have made of him an artist had it been cultivated. He wore in those days a white oil-cloth cap, and when taken to church against his will was apt to decorate the crown with faithful likenesses of the preacher and various members of the congregation. After leaving college he studied law in his father's office, was admitted to the bar and practiced regularly for a number of years, but never developed any real liking for the profession. He took part in both the Mexican and Civil wars. In the former he attained the rank of first lieutenant and in the latter that of major-general of volunteers. In 1861 he was adjutant-general of the state, but he resigned this office for a commission as colonel of the 11th Indiana infantry. His services in the field were conspicuous and valuable. He led a division at the capture of Fort Donelson, being the first Federal officer of rank who entered the fort. He also contributed largely to the victory at Shiloh by his gallant fighting on the second day. After the war he served upon the commission before which those accused of the assassination of Lincoln were tried, upon the returning board in Florida in 1876, as governor of New Mexico from 1878-81 and as U. S. minister to Turkey, 1881-85. After his return from Turkey he made his home at Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he engaged in literary work, being widely known as the author of Ben Hur. General Wallace died in 1905.

Wallace, William H. L., brigadier-general, was born in Urbana, Ohio, July 8, 1821, was educated for the law, served in the Mexican war. and in 1853 was elected state attorney for the 9th judicial circuit of Illinois, to which state he had removed with his parents in his youth. As colonel of the 11th Illinois infantry, he joined the depot at Cairo during the early stages of the war; held a command in the troops sent to attack Fort Henry; distinguished himself in the siege of Fort Donelson, where he commanded a brigade in General McClernand's division of General Grant's army; and for his gallantry on that occasion was made a full brigadier-general of volunteers by Congress on March 21, 1862. With that rank he went with the expedition up the Tennessee river and died at Savannah, Tennessee, on April 10. 1862, from a wound received at the battle of Shiloh.

Ward, John H. H., brigadier-general, was born in New York city June 17, 1823. He enlisted in the 7th U. S. infantry in 1841 and passed through the various grades of promotion until he was appointed sergeant-major in August, 1845. He was stationed at Corpus Christi, Page 290 participated in the siege of Fort Brown and the battles about Monterey under General Worth, and was subsequently under General Scott at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo and Huamantla. At the termination of the Mexican war he returned to New York city, was appointed assistant commissary-general of New York and served for five years in that capacity. In January, 1855, he was promoted to commissary-general and retired in 1859. At the commencement of the Civil war he recruited the 38th New York infantry, and was its first colonel. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run, in which his regiment lost 126 men, and participated in all the battles of the Peninsula under McClellan, including Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale and Malvern hill to the James river. When the army returned from the Peninsula he was engaged in the battles of the second Bull Run, Groveton and Chantilly, and on October 4, 1862, was promoted to be brigadier-general of volunteers. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, commanded the 2nd brigade, 1st division, 3d army corps, at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Auburn mills, and during the first day at Gettysburg, and on the second and third days at Gettysburg, Kelly's ford and Wapping heights he was in command of the 1st division. He also commanded a brigade at Mine run, Locust Grove, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and in a number of minor campaigns, and was mustered out of service July 21, 1864. Subsequently he was appointed clerk of the superior court of New York City.

Ward, William T., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Kentucky, and first saw military service as a member of a Kentucky regiment during the Mexican war. On October 4, 1847, he was commissioned major of the 4th Kentucky infantry and served in that capacity until July 25, 1848, when he was mustered out of the service. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he again tendered his services to the Federal government and on September 18, 1861, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. So faithful and meritorious was his service in this capacity that, on February 24. 1865, he was given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers, and on August 24, 1865, he was honorably mustered out of the service. General Ward died October 12, 1878. Warner, James M., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Vermont, was a cadet at the United States military academy from July 1, 1855. to July 1, 1860, when he was graduated and promoted in the army to brevet second lieutenant of infantry. He served on frontier duty at Fort Wise, Colonel, 1860-62, being commissioned second lieutenant in the 8th infantry February 28, and first lieutenant in the same regiment on May 30, 1861. On September 1, 1862, he was commissioned colonel of the 11th Vermont volunteers and served with heavy artillery in the defenses of Washington from the date of his commission until May 12, 1864. He then started with the Army of the Potomac on the Richmond campaign, was engaged in the battles of Spottsylvania, where he was severely wounded, and was on sick leave of absence as the result of his wound until July 8. He was then in command of the 1st brigade of General Hardin's division in the defenses of Washington during General Early's raid upon the capital. On August 1, 1864, he was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Spottsylvania; was in the Shenandoah campaign from August to December, being engaged in the skirmish at Charlestown and the battle of the Opequan; was in command of the 1st brigade, 2nd division, 6th army corps, at the storming of Flint hill, the battles of Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, and several skirmishes. On October 8, 1864, he was commissioned captain in the 8th infantry; was with the Page 291 Army of the Potomac in the Richmond campaign from December, 1864, to April, 1865, including the siege of Petersburg, the assault of the enemy's works on March 25, the attack which terminated the siege on April 2, the pursuit of the Confederate army, the battle of Sailor's creek, and the capitulation of General Lee at Appomattox. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, for gallant and meritorious services during the rebellion, and participated in the movements of the 6th army corps to Washington and until its disbandment in July, 1865. On April 9, 1865. he was brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the field during the rebellion, and on May 8, 1865, he was given the full rank of brigadier-general of volunteers. He was mustered out of the volunteer service January 15, 1866, and resigned from the regular army February 13, of the same year. He engaged in business as a paper manufacturer at Albany, New York, which was his chief occupation during a long and successful business career. On December 19, 1889, he was appointed postmaster at Albany and served in that position during the administration of President Harrison. General Warner died March 16, 1897.

Warren, Fitz Henry, brigadier-general, was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, in 1816. In 1844 he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he became interested in journalism and politics. He was appointed second assistant postmaster-general in 1849, afterward served as first assistant; was a member of the Iowa state senate in 1866; minister to Guatemala in 1867-68; and was a presidential elector on the Iowa Democratic ticket in 1872. During the war he was in command of the 1st Iowa cavalry, and in 1862 was promoted to be brigadier-general of volunteers, and major-general of volunteers by brevet. In journalism he was connected with the "Burlington Hawkeye" (Iowa), of which he was for a time the editor, and with the New York "Tribune" and "Sun."

Warren, Gouverneur K., major-general, was born at Cold Spring, Putnam county, New York, January 8, 1830. He entered the United States military academy in 1846; was graduated in 1850; was assigned to the topographical engineers; was employed in surveys on the lower Mississippi in 1850-54; in the West in 1855-59 as chief topographical engineer on General William S. Harney's staff; in the preparation of railroad maps in Dakota and Nebraska, and was the first explorer of the Black hills. In 1859 he became assistant professor of mathematics at West Point; in May. 1861, lieutenant-colonel of the 5th New York infantry (Zouaves), and in August its colonel. At Big Bethel he remained on the field to bring off the body of Lieutenant Greble. After serving before Yorktown he received command of a brigade in Sykes' division, Porter's corps, on the right of the Army of the Potomac. In that campaign he took part in various battles; but was slightly wounded at Gaines' mill; was engaged under Pope at Manassas; lost half of his regiment at Antietam; was made brigadier-general of volunteers on September 26, 1862, and served under Burnside at Fredericksburg. On February 2, 1863, he was placed on Hooker's staff as chief of topographical engineers, and on June 8 was appointed chief engineer of the Potomac. At Gettysburg on July 2, he occupied and defended Little Round Top, the key to the Federal position. In August he was commissioned major-general of volunteers, dating from Chancellorsville, May 3. On October 14 he repulsed A. P. Hill at Bristoe Station and was praised by Meade for "skill and promptitude." At Mine run he used his discretion in not carrying out a movement ordered by Meade and was approved Page 292 for so doing. From the reorganization of the army in March, 1864, he had command of the 5th corps and led it in the bloody actions of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, etc. He gave up his volunteer commission on May 27, 1865, having been made captain in the regular army in September, 1861 and major in June, 1864, and having received in succession all the brevets up to major-general. A soldier to the core, he never left the army, conducted various surveys and reached the grade of lieutenant-colonel in 1879. General Warren died at Newport, Rhode Island, Aug 8, 1882.

Washburn, Cadwallader C, major-general, was born at Livermore, Androscoggin county, Maine, April 22, 1818. He was brought up on a farm, went west in 1839, took part in the survey of Iowa, conducted that of Rock Island county, Illinois, and in 1842 was admitted to the bar and settled at Mineral Point, Wisconsin There, with his partner, C Woodman, he founded a bank in 1852, and dealt largely in real estate. He was in Congress as a Whig and a Republican from 1855-61. In 1859 he removed to La Crosse, later to Madison, Wisconsin, and went into the war as colonel of the 2nd Wisconsin cavalry. He was employed at first in Arkansas and rendered such good service at Grand Coteau, Louisiana, and elsewhere that he was promoted to brigadier-general of volunteers in July, and major-general in November, 1862. He bore a part in the operations about Vicksburg, commanded the 13th corps in the Department of the Gulf and a portion of it in Texas, where he took Fort Esperanza on Matagorda bay. From April, 1864, he had command of the District of West Tennessee at Memphis. He was again in Congress, 1867-71, and governor of Wisconsin, 1872-73. Defeated in his candidacy for a third term and for the U. S. senate, he turned to the care of his extensive lumber interests at La Crosse, built a flour mill at Minneapolis, invested largely in railroads, and was considered one of the leading business men of the northwest. He was a regent of the state university, president of the Wisconsin historical society, founder by gift or bequest of the Washburn observatory at Madison, of an orphans' home at Minneapolis, and of a library at La Crosse. He received the degree of LL. D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1873, and died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, May 14, 1882.

Watkins, Louis D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Florida, but in early like took up his residence in the District of Columbia, where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. On April 15, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. A.. 3d battalion, D. C infantry; was commissioned first lieutenant in the 14th U. S. infantry May 14; was transferred to the 2nd cavalry June 22, and to the 5th cavalry August 3. He engaged with that regiment in McLellan’s Peninsular campaign and was severely wounded at the battle of Gaines' mill. He was commissioned captain on July 17. 1862, was on mustering and disbursing duty at Cincinnati, Ohio, and aide-de-camp on the staff of General A. J. Smith during the invasion of Kentucky by the Confederates. He was then appointed chief of cavalry in the Army of Kentucky and engaged in General Carter's raid to East Tennessee in December, 1862. On February 1, 1863. he was commissioned colonel of the 6th Kentucky cavalry, then stationed at Nashville, and on the staff of General Granger engaged in skirmishes against the Confederates in Tennessee, commanding a brigade in the defeat of the Confederate General Wharton. He commanded the 3d brigade, 1st division, Army of the Cumberland, until September, 1863, and was engaged in guarding the railroad in the Atlanta campaign, defeating the Confederates in the battle of Lafayette, Georgia He was engaged in holding Resaca against the Confederate Page 293 General Hood, and with the Army of the Tennessee participated in the pursuit of Hood's army, commanding the ist cavalry division. Later he commanded the post of Louisville, Kentucky He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers June 24, 1864; was brevetted major, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious conduct in the defence of Resaca, Georgia; lieutenant-colonel, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services at the battles of Lafayette and Thompson's station; and colonel and brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the expedition to East Tennessee under General Carter. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 20th U. S. infantry in July, 1866, was stationed at the posts of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, and died at the latter place March 29, 1868.

Webb, Alexander S., brigadier-general, was born in New York city February 15. 1835, a son of General James Watson Webb, and was educated at private schools and at West Point academy, where he was graduated in 1855. He was then commissioned lieutenant in the 2nd artillery; served in the Florida campaign and on frontier duty in Minnesota during the period from 1855-57; was then appointed assistant professor of mathematics at West Point, and in February, 1861, was detailed to form a new battery from among the soldiers there. It was from this company that young Webb was detailed to guard, with soldiers in citizens' clothes, the headquarters of General Scott, the old soldier refusing to allow any guard around his house. He was then detailed to light battery A and proceeded to Fort Pickens, Florida, then in a state of siege. He left Fort Pickens to take part with this battery in the first Bull Run battle; remained at Centerville to cover the retreat the night after McDowell's defeat; was then made assistant chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac; was next major of the 1st Rhode Island infantry, but never joined the regiment; served with the Army of the Potomac during the summer of 1862; was appointed assistant inspector-general with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and shortly afterward chief of staff of the 5th army corps on the special recommendation of General McClellan. In November, 1862, he was appointed inspector of artillery and assigned to duty at Camp Barry, Washington, where he remained till January, 1863, when he returned to the field and served as assistant inspector-general, 5th corps, until June 29, when he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in command of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 2nd corps. He was present with his brigade at the battle of Gettysburg, and in repulsing Pickett's famous charge on the third day was conspicuous for his bravery and military skill, being wounded while leading his men. Subsequently he was awarded by General Meade a bronze medal for "distinguished personal gallantry on that ever memorable field," and was brevetted major, U. S. A., for the part he took in that struggle. He was in command of the 2nd division, 2nd corps, for one year, and at Bristoe Station during the Rapidan campaign, his division, leading the 2nd corps, received the attack of the whole of Hill's corps. From this Confederate corps he took 6 guns and more than 2,000 prisoners. For this he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, U. S. A. He was in the battles of the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, was severely wounded during the last day's fight and forced to retire from active service for the rest of the year, being brevetted colonel, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services at Spottsylvania. While on sick leave, August 1, 1864, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and distinguished conduct at Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, the battles in the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. On January 11, 1865, he returned to Page 294 active service as chief-of-staff to General George G. Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac in the operations before Petersburg, and so served during the campaign which resulted in the surrender of the Confederates under General Lee. He was brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign which terminated with the surrender of General Lee, and at the same time was brevetted major-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services during the Civil war. In June, 1865, he was assigned to duty by the president with the rank of major-general, U. S. A., to act as inspector-general of the military division of the Atlantic. General Webb was mustered out of the volunteer service on January 15, 1866, and became principal assistant professor of geography, history and ethics, at West Point. On the reorganization of the army he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 44th infantry, which regiment he commanded in the Department of Washington, then as major-general, U. S. A., commanded the first military district, and was, at his own request, honorably discharged from the service on December 3. 1870. To finish his military career it is well to state that the retiring board, before which he appeared in 1870, wanted evidence of General Webb's disability, which he did not know it was necessary for him to furnish. Through this misunderstanding the board failed to recommend his retirement and General Webb resigned.

Weber, Max, brigadier-general, was born in Germany, but came to America in early life and at the outbreak of the Civil war was residing in the state of New York. On May 9, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 20th New York infantry, known as the "Turner Rifles," composed of volunteers from the Turner societies of New York city, and mustered into the U. S. service for a two years' term. For more than a month the regiment was quartered at the Turtle Bay brewery, and on June 13 it embarked for Fortress Monroe, where it encamped at Tyler's point for a month and then moved to Hampton. On August 20 it embarked for Fort Hatteras and participated in the capture of the fortifications, being quartered there until September 25, when it returned to Virginia. The ensuing winter was spent at Camp Hamilton, and on April 28. 1862, Colonel Weber was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, in which position he served until May 13, 1865, when he resigned from the service and returned to the pursuits of civil life. General Weber died June 15, 10o1. Webster, Joseph D., brigadier-general, was born at Old Hampton, New Hampshire, August 25, 1811. He graduated at Dartmouth college in 1832, was appointed a lieutenant of topographical engineers in 1838, and after serving in the Mexican war he resigned from the army in 1854 and went into mercantile business in Chicago. He reentered the army in 1861; had charge of the fortifications at Cairo, Illinois; became colonel of the 1st Illinois artillery and took part in the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson; had charge of all the artillery at Shiloh; was made chief of staff to General Grant and afterward to General Sherman; was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers November 29, 1862, and later was brevetted major-general of volunteers. General Webster died in Chicago, Illinois. March 12, 1876.

Weed, Stephen H., brigadier-general, a native of New York, graduated at West Point in July, 1854, and subsequently was made first lieutenant in the 4th U. S. artillery. When the 5th U. S. artillery was organized he was appointed captain. His ability and genius as a commanding officer, especially as an artillerist, had long been appreciated in the corps, and his brigadier-general's commission was the Page 295 reward of his gallant services at the battle of Chancellorsville. At the time of his death, July 2, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg, he was commanding the 3d brigade of regulars and fighting manfully when a bullet from the enemy struck his arm, passed into his lung, and inflicted a severe wound from which he died in a few hours.

Weitzel, Godfrey, major-general, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 1, 1835. At the West Point military academy he was graduated on July 1, 1851, and attached to the engineer corps. For the next four years he assisted in the construction and repairs of the fortifications guarding the approaches to New Orleans, Louisiana, and the following year was an assistant professor of engineering at the military academy. In the spring of 1861 he was attached to the engineer company which was on duty at Washington during the dark days which immediately preceded and succeeded the inauguration of President Lincoln. He was then ordered to Fort Pickens, Florida, arriving just in time to aid in preventing its seizure by the Confederates. In October, 1861, he became chief engineer on the staff of Brigadier-General Mitchel to fortify Cincinnati, Ohio, and in December took command of a company of sappers and miners in the defenses of Washington city. Being familiar with the approaches to New Orleans, he was appointed chief engineer of General Butler's expedition to capture that city. No little part of the success of the land attack was due to Weitzel, who planned it. Butler, recognizing the high merits of his young engineer, made him military commander and mayor of the place. Soon afterward he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in command of the forces in the successful La Fourche campaign of 1862, where' he won the brevet of major, U. S. A., for his gallantry in the battle of Thibodeaux. He then took command of the advance of General Banks' operations in western Louisiana, and soon afterward of a division in the siege of Port Hudson, where he was engaged in two assaults on the place, receiving for his meritorious services the brevet of lieutenant-colonel. In the 19th army corps he took a conspicuous part in the La Fourche campaign and Sabine Pass expedition of 1863, and after these repeated successes in Louisiana was ordered to take part in the operations before Richmond. As chief engineer of the Army of the James he was engaged in the actions at Swift creek and near Drewry's bluff, and constructed the defenses of Bermuda Hundred, James river and Deep Bottom. For his activity and gallantry here he was rewarded with the brevet of major-general of volunteers and given command of the 18th army corps, with which he aided in repelling the enemy's assault on Fort Harrison and took part in the attack on the Confederate intrenchments on the Williamsburg and Nine-mile roads, for which meritorious service he received the brevet of colonel, U. S. A., and the promotion to major-general of volunteers. At the head of the 25th army corps he was second in command of the first expedition to Fort Fisher, North Carolina Upon his return he took charge of all the troops north of the Appomattox river during the final operations against Richmond, of which city he took possession on April 3, 1865, and announced the triumph in his brief telegram: "We entered Richmond at 8 o'clock this morning;" the news sending a thrill of exultation throughout the loyal North. Although Weitzel had received four brevets in the Civil war and had risen from a lieutenant of engineers to major-general of volunteers, he was, on the termination of hostilities, awarded two more brevets, those of brigadier and major-general, U. S. A., and placed in command of the Rio Grande district, Texas, pending the government's demand that Maximilian and Page 296 his European allies should promptly evacuate Mexico. The Southern uprising having been suppressed, Weitzel was mustered out of the volunteer service and resumed his proper corps duties. He died at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1884. Wells, William, brigadier-general, was born in Waterbury, Vermont, December 14. 1837. He received an academic education in Vermont and New Hampshire and engaged in commercial business. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 1st Vermont cavalry as a private, was chosen first lieutenant October 14, and captain November 18 of the same year. On October 30 1862, he was promoted major, took part in the Shenandoah campaign with General Banks and in the Virginia campaign with General Pope, after which he served in the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac till August, 1864, when he was detailed to duty in the Shenandoah valley under General Sheridan, but returned to the Army of the Potomac in March, 1865. During his connection with the latter army he commanded the 2nd brigade, 3rd cavalry division, and for some time the division. From June, 1865, till he was mustered out of the service, on January 15, 1866, he commanded the 1st separate brigade, 2nd army corps, at Fairfax Court House. He was promoted colonel of his regiment June 4, 1864, brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers February 22, 1865, major-general March 30 following, and was promoted full brigadier-general of volunteers on May 14 of the same year. He was adjutant-general of Vermont 1866-72, collector of internal revenue, 1872-85, and state senator, 1886-87. General Wells died in New York city on April 29, 1892.

Welsh, Thomas, brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania, but lived for a number of years in Ohio and then returned to his native state, residing at Columbia, Pennsylvania He served during the war with Mexico, and for gallant conduct in the battle of Buena Vista was promoted to a lieutenancy. At the commencement of the Civil war he entered the service as lieutenant-colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania infantry, was subsequently promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, and during 1863 was made a brigadier-general of volunteers. General Welsh died at Cincinnati, Ohio, August 14, 1863, of congestive fever acquired during the campaign in Mississippi.

Wessells, Henry W., brigadier-general, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, February 20, 1809. After he was graduated at West Point in 1833 he took part in the Seminole war of 1837-40, first as a second lieutenant of infantry and then as first lieutenant, being promoted on July 7, 1838. In General Scott's Mexican campaign he was promoted captain and received the brevet of major for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco. In the former contest Captain Wessells, though wounded, seized the regimental flag on the death of the color-sergeant and put himself at the head of his men. On his return from the war the state of Connecticut voted him a jeweled sword, which was presented to him with military ceremonies. Captain Wessells was on the Pacific coast in 1849-54, and was in the Sioux expedition of 1855, after which he served in the Northwest till the Civil war. On June 6, 1861, he was promoted major, and on August 22 of that year he received the colonelcy of the 8th Kansas infantry. After serving on the Missouri border he resumed his commission in the regular army February 15, 1862, and in March was transferred to the Army of the Potomac. He was made a brigadier-general of volunteers April 25 and served in the Peninsula, receiving the regular army brevet of lieutenant-colonel for gallantry at Fair Oaks, where he was wounded. In McClellan's change of base he commanded the rear-guard, and then engaged in the defense Page 297 of Suffolk, Virginia, afterward serving in North Carolina. After serving at Kinston, Goldsboro, and New Berne, he was placed over the sub-district of the Albemarle, taking command May 3, 1863. On April 17, 1864, he was attacked at Plymouth, North Carolina, where he had a garrison of about 3,0oo men, by General Robert F. Hoke with about 15,000 Confederate troops and the iron-clad "Albemarle." After a gallant defense which lasted three days General Wessells surrendered the town. He was taken to Libby prison, whence he was transferred successively to Danville, Macon and Charleston. At the last-named place he was one of the officers that were placed under the fire of the Union batteries on Morris island. On August 3, 1864, he was exchanged, and on November 11 he became commissary of prisoners, which post he held until the close of the war. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel February 16, 1865, and brevetted colonel to date from April 20, 1864, "for gallant and meritorious services during the rebel attack on Plymouth, North Carolina" On March 13 he was given the regular army brevet of brigadier-general. He then served on the northwestern frontier till January 1, 1871, when he was retired. After that time he resided in his native place, but at the time of his death he was on a visit to Delaware. General Wessells died in Dover, Delaware, January 12, 1889.

West, Joseph R, brigadier-general, was born in the state of Louisiana, but in early manhood took up his residence in California, and from there enlisted as a soldier for the Mexican war. He became a private in the mounted volunteers July 17, 1847; was promoted captain July 25; was later attached to the Maryland and District of Columbia volunteers, and was honorably mustered out of the service on August 10, 1848. He then returned to California, in which state he was residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. On August 5, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 1st California infantry, which was organized in pursuance of the president's first call upon the state of California for troops. On the completion of the organization the regiment moved to Camp Latham, between Los Angeles and Santa Monica. On June 1, 1862, Lieutenant-Colonel West was promoted to the position of colonel and the regiment became a part of the California column, under command of General Carleton, which marched from San Pedro to the Rio Grande and assisted in the recapture of New Mexico. Colonel West was warmly commended in Carleton's official report of the expedition, and was recommended for promotion. Said Carleton: "I send you a set of colors which have been borne by this column. They were hoisted by Colonel West on Forts Breckinridge and Buchanan. and over Tucson, Arizona," etc. On October 25, 1862, Colonel West was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and continued to serve in that capacity until the close of the war, being honorably mustered out January 4, 1866, when he was given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers. General West died October 31, 1898.

Wheaton, Frank, brigadier-general, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, May 8, 1833. He received his early education at the public schools of Providence and became a surveyor. He went to California in 1850 and was employed as a civil engineer on the Mexican boundaries. In 1855 he was commissioned first lieutenant in the 1st U. S. Cavalry, serving in Kansas and Missouri. He was in the engagement with the Cheyenne Indians at Wood's river, near Fort Kearny, Nebraska, in 1855. at Solomon's fork in 1857, and in the expedition against the Mormons in 1858. In March, 1861, he received promotion to the rank of captain. He was on recruiting service in the East when the 2nd Rhode Island infantry was mustered into the U. S. service in July, 1861, and he accepted a Page 298 commission as lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, being in the same month made colonel. He fought in the first battle of Bull Run, served during the Peninsular and Maryland campaigns, and was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers in November, 1862. He commanded a brigade in the Army of the Potomac in 1863-64, and a division of the 6th corps up to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He received the brevet of major-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious service at the battles of Winchester, Fisher's hill, and Middletown, Virginia, and brevets in the regular army to the grade of major-general for the battles of the Wilderness, Cedar creek and Petersburg, respectively. General Wheaton was promoted in the regular army to major of the 2nd cavalry November 5, 1863; lieutenant-colonel of the 39th infantry July 28, 1866; transferred to the 21st infantry March 15, 1869; colonel of the 2nd infantry December 15, 1874; brigadier-general in 1892 and assigned to the command of the Department of Texas with headquarters at San Antonio. He was retired May 8, 1897, and died at Washington, D. C, June 18, 1903.

Whipple, Amiel W., major-general, was born in the state of Massachusetts in 1817, was a cadet at the U. S. military academy at West Point from July 1, 1837, to July 1. 1841, when he was graduated and entered the army as second lieutenant in the 1st artillery. He was transferred to the topographical engineers September 28. 1841; served as assistant topographical engineer on the hydrographic survey of Patapsco river, Maryland; on military reconnoissance of the approaches to New Orleans, Louisiana, 1841-42; on the trigonometrical and hydrographic survey of Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire, 1842-44; was assistant astronomer upon the northeastern boundary survey between the United States and the British provinces, 1844-49, and upon the Mexican boundary survey, 1849-53. On April 24, 1851, he was commissioned first lieutenant of topographical engineers, and was engineer in charge of the explorations and surveys of a railroad route near the 35th parallel, from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. 1853-56. On July 1, 1855, he was commissioned captain of topographical engineers for fourteen years' continuous service, was engineer in charge of the ship channel over St. Clair flat. 1856-61, and of the ship channel through Lake George and Neebish Rapids on St. Mary's river, Michigan He served during the Civil war, first as chief topographical engineer of the defenses at Washington, D. C, south of the Potomac, from June 1, to July 15, 1861, and in the Army of the Potomac in the Manassas campaign, being engaged in the battle of Bull Run. On July 21, 1861, he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious services in the Manassas campaign, was commissioned major of topographical engineers September 9: was chief topographical engineer of General McDowell's division in the defenses of Washington until March 13. 1862, and then of the 1st army corps until April 2. On April 14, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and was in command of a brigade in the defenses of Washington, south of the Potomac until September 8. then of a division until October 10. and was then in the Rappahannock campaign in command of the 3d division, 3d corps. Army of the Potomac, until May 4. 1863, being engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. in the latter of which he was mortally wounded. On December 13, 1862, he was brevetted colonel, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Fredericksburg; brigadier-general, U. S. A.. May 4. 1863. for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Chancellorsville: was given the commission of major-general of volunteers. May 6. 1863, and the Page 299 next day was given the brevet rank of major-general. U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services during the rebellion. General Whipple died of his wounds at Washington, D. C, on May 7. 1863.

Whipple, William D., brigadier-general, was born in Nelson, Madison county, New York, Aug 2, 1826. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1851, and on September 9 of that year became second lieutenant in the 3d infantry. He took part in the Gila expedition against the Apaches in 1857, the Navajo expedition of 1858, and the defense of Fort Defiance, New Mexico, in 1860. He was promoted first lieutenant in December, 1856, and when the Civil war broke out was on quartermaster's duty at Indianola, Texas After General Twiggs' ignoble surrender to General Ben McCulloch in February, 1861, and the consequent cession of all U. S. military posts, Whipple managed to make his escape through the enemy's lines, reached Washington shortly afterward, was commissioned captain and assistant adjutant-general, and was present at the battle of Bull Run. He served at the headquarters of the Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia until June, 1862, when he became lieutenant-colonel and additional aide-de-camp, serving in the Middle Department with the 8th corps, and was chief-of-staff to General Cadwallader. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers July 17, 1863, assigned as chief-of-staff to General George H. Thomas, and took part in the operations near Chattanooga, the battles of Missionary ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw mountain, siege of Atlanta, and Nashville. Subsequently he was at the headquarters of the Department of the Cumberland. He received the brevets of brigadier and major-general in the regular army March 13, 1865, for gallant conduct in the Atlanta campaign and the battles before Nashville, afterward served as assistant adjutant-general at the headquarters of various military divisions, and in 1873-81 acted as aide-de-camp to the general of the army. He was promoted colonel in the adjutant-general's department February 28, 1887. General Whipple was retired from the service August 2. 1890, and died April 1, 1902.

Whitaker, Walter C., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Kentucky, and was one of the sons of the "dark and bloody ground" that served as a soldier in the war with Mexico. On October 1, 1847, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the 3d Kentucky infantry and served as such until July 21, 1848, when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He then returned to Kentucky and followed civil pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil war. In September, 1861, he was commissioned to raise a regiment at Eminence, Kentucky, and the men he recruited were brought to Camp Sigel, Louisville, and there the 6th Kentucky infantry was organized, of which Colonel Whitaker became colonel on December 24. The regiment was brigaded with the 41st Ohio, 9th Ind., and the 1st Ohio battery, under Colonel William B. Hazen, and in February, 1862, the division to which the regiment belonged was ordered to the mouth of Salt river, whence it proceeded by transport to Paducah and up the Cumberland to Nashville. It accompanied Buell's army to Pittsburg landing and was heavily engaged in the second day's battle of Shiloh, being employed during the whole day, skirmishing, resisting and making charges, supporting batteries and making reconnoissances. From Shiloh Colonel Whitaker with his regiment proceeded to Corinth, thence to Athens, Alabama, and in the summer and fall of 1862 accompanied Buell in the march to Louisville. After the battle of Perryville he marched as far as Columbia, Kentucky, then to Nashville and Murfreesboro and in the battle of Stone's river his regiment lost 107 in killed and wounded. During the spring of 1863 his regiment was with the extreme Page 300 left of Rosecrans' army in its organization and was twice engaged with the enemy—at Readyville and Woodbury, Tennessee On June 25, 1863, Colonel Whitaker was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served in that capacity until August 24, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the service, being given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign against Atlanta. General Whitaker died July 9, 1887.

White, Julius, brigadier-general, was born in Cazenovia, New York, September 29, 1813. He removed to Chicago in 1836, engaged in business and political affairs, and was appointed collector of the port of Chicago by President Lincoln. But he soon resigned this office, raised an infantry regiment for the Federal service and went to the front. He served as a colonel of the 37th Illinois, infantry under General Fremont in the early Missouri campaign; commanded a brigade and was wounded in the battle of Pea ridge; was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers in June, 1862, and was transferred to the Army of Virginia under General Pope. At the defense of Harper's Ferry, he was taken prisoner and after being exchanged was ordered to Kentucky to fight guerrillas. On the reorganization of the 23^ army corps in 1863 he was given command of the 2nd division, led the right wing of General Burnside's Army of the Ohio into Tennessee and took part in the battles of Loudon and Knoxville. He was conspicuous in several of the campaigns of 1864 till compelled by failing health to resign, and was brevetted major-general of volunteers at the close of the war. In 1872 he was appointed United States minister to the Argentine Republic. Four days before his death he was elected commander of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion. General White died in South Evanston, Illinois, May 12, 1890.

Wild, Edward A., brigadier-general, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1825. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1844 and at the Jefferson medical college soon afterward; took a course of medical lectures in Paris; was a medical officer in the Turkish army during the Crimean war; returned to Brookline and practiced till the beginning of the Civil war. Early in 1861 he was commissioned a captain in the 1st Massachusetts infantry, with which he served at Bull Run and in the Peninsular campaign, being severely wounded at Fair Oaks. He was promoted major while yet disabled, lieutenant-colonel on his recovery, and colonel of the 35th Massachusetts infantry on its organization. He returned to the front in time to take part in the battle of South mountain, where he was again wounded and lost an arm. On April 23, 1863, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers and afterward assisted in raising the regiments of colored troops known as Wild's African brigade, which he commanded till the close of the war. Subsequently he became superintendent of the Diana mine at Austin, Nev. At the time of his death he was engaged in mining operations in South America. General Wild died in Medellin, Colombia, South America, August 28, 1891.

Willcox, Orlando B., brigadier-general, was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 16, 1823. After receiving a common-school education he entered West Point academy in 1843, graduated in 1847 and was commissioned second lieutenant in the 4th artillery. He took part in the closing operations of the Mexican war, served on the frontier and after participating in the last campaign against the Seminoles resigned from the army September 10. 1857. When the Civil war opened he was engaged in the practice of law in Detroit, but at once offered his services to the governor of his native state and on May 1, 1861. was appointed Page 301 colonel of the 1st Michigan infantry. He aided in the capture of Alexandria, Virginia; took part in the first battle of Bull Run, where he was wounded and taken prisoner; was confined at Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, until August 17, 1862, when he was exchanged and promoted to be brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission dating from July 21, 1861. He took part in the operations of the Army of the Potomac in the autumn of 1862, and in the spring and early summer of 1863 commanded the District of Central Kentucky. During the draft riots he was in command of the District of Indiana and Michigan and then served in eastern Tennessee until March, 1864. He was promoted major-general of volunteers by brevet August 1, 1864; led a division of the 9th corps in the Richmond campaign, rendering notable services at Spottsylvania; was the first to enter Petersburg, and from April 26, 1865, until peace was declared, served in North Carolina. He was brevetted brigadier--and major-general in the regular army for his services during the war; was mustered but of the volunteer service January 15, 1866, and on July 28, 1866, was appointed colonel of the 29th infantry. On March 15, 1869, he was transferred to the 12th infantry, was on recruiting service in New York city for two years and then until 1887 was stationed in the South and West. As commander of the Department of Arizona he effectively suppressed the raids of the Apache Indians, and for his services in this connection received a vote of thanks from the Arizona legislature. On October 13, 1886, he was promoted brigadier-general and on April 16, 1887, was placed on the retired list on account of age.

Williams, Alpheus S., brigadier-general, was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, in 1810. He graduated at Yale college in 1831; began the practice of law in Detroit. Michigan; was judge of probate from 1840 to 1844; from 1843 to 1847 was owner and editor of the Detroit "Daily Advertiser;" also served as recorder of Detroit, and in 1849 was appointed postmaster of that city by President Taylor. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the Mexican war and on the breaking out of the Civil war he became a major-general of militia, afterward becoming a brigadier-general of volunteers in the army. He served on the upper Potomac and had command of a division at Winchester. He succeeded General Banks as a corps commander and after General Mansfield was wounded commanded the 12th corps at Antietam. He took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and accompanied Sherman's army in the "march to the sea,4' during which he was made brevet major-general of volunteers. He was minister resident in San Salvador from 1866 to 1869. was elected to Congress from Michigan in 1874 and was reelected in 1876. General Williams died in Washington, D. C, December 1, 1878.

Williams, David H., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Pennsylvania. On July 23, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 82nd Pennsylvania infantry (known as the 31st until after the battle of Fair Oaks), which was recruited largely from the city of Philadelphia, but the regimental organization was effected in Washington. D. C. It was assigned to the 1st brigade, 1st division, 4th corps, and occupied the defenses of Washington for about six months, engaged in drill, guard and fatigue duty. On March 9, 1862, it advanced with the army to Manassas, returned again after a few days to its old quarters, and two weeks later proceeded to Fortress Monroe, whence it moved upon McClellan's Peninsular campaign. After being detained for a month at Yorktown, Colonel Williams crossed the Chickahominy with his regiment May 22 and on the 31st engaged the enemy Page 302 at Fair Oaks, displaying commendable coolness and bravery. During the retreat to Harrison's landing he was engaged at Charles City cross-roads and Malvern hill, his regiment suffering severely in the latter battle. He was in line but not active at Chantilly and was only slightly engaged at Antietam. On November 29, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served as such until March 4, 1863, when, his commission having expired by limitation, he left the service and returned to the pursuits of civil life.

Williams, Seth, brigadier-general, was born in Augusta, Maine, March 22, 1822. He was appointed a cadet to the military academy at West Point in 1838, graduated in 1842 and received the appointment of brevet second lieutenant of artillery. During this initiatory period of his military career he showed those qualities of careful performance of duty by which he was distinguished and well known throughout the service, and he gained an honorable position in a class remarkable for its talent. In the ordinary routine of promotion he became first lieutenant of artillery in 1847, went with the army into Mexico, where he received the appointment of aide-de-camp to Major-General Patterson and won the brevet of captain for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Cerro Gordo. In September, 1850, Captain Williams was appointed adjutant of the military academy and served in that capacity until September, 1853, having received in August, 1853. the appointment of assistant adjutant-general with the brevet rank of captain in the adjutant-general's department. In 1861 he was appointed major in the same corps, and in September, 1861, brigadier-general of volunteers. In this last capacity he served as adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac under its different commanders until the close of the war, when he was relieved, and after serving upon several army boards, was appointed adjutant-general of the department under General Meade's command. In 1864 General Williams was transferred to the staff of General Grant as acting inspector-general of the armies of the United States, and the same year he was made major-general of volunteers by brevet. He held the full rank of lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, but was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general ''for gallant and meritorious services during the war." General Williams died of inflammation of the brain in Boston, Massachusetts, March 23, 1866.

Williams, Thomas, brigadier-general, was born in New York in 1815. He was taken in youth to Michigan, was graduated at West Point in 1837. served for two years in Florida, taught mathematics at West Point, and was on the staff of General Scott 1844-50. In the Mexican war he was brevetted captain and major for gallantry at Contreras and Chapultepec. He was commissioned captain in September, 1850, served in various garrisons, again in Florida, 1856-57, in Utah in 1858, became major and inspector-general of the Department of Virginia in May, 1861, and in September brigadier-general of volunteers. He had command of Fort Hatteras till the spring of 1862; then went south with General Butler; led a brigade in the Ship Island expedition; helped to open the lower Mississippi; led the land forces in the first attempt on Vicksburg; and cut the canal that was meant to supply a new channel for the river. After this he was sent to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which he held against a Confederate attack under General Breckinridge, and was killed while leading the charge which won the day, August 5, 1862. Williamson, James A., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Kentucky, but in early life removed to Iowa and was residing there at the outbreak of the Civil war. On August 8, 1861, he was appointed Page 303 first lieutenant in the 4th Iowa infantry, afterward being made adjutant, and with that regiment proceeded to St. Louis, thence to Rolla, Missouri, where the command remained until January, 1862, making an expedition to Licking, Texas county, where it dispersed a body of the enemy and captured a number of cattle, horses and mules. In January the regiment left Rolla for the purpose of giving battle to Price, then at Springfield, at which place a skirmish occurred on the evening of February 12, but the enemy left during the night without offering battle. At Pea ridge the regiment won high praise for its valor. On April 4, 1862, Adjt. Williamson was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and the following day led his regiment to Batesville, Arkansas, thence toward Little Rock, but was compelled to return on account of the shortage of supplies. In June he was at Jacksonport with his men in a half-starved condition, they having lived on such scanty supplies as they could pick up in the country, and to escape actual starvation they marched 10o miles to Clarendon only to find the troops and supplies gone, which compelled them to march to Helena. While at this point, July 21, 1862, Colonel Williamson was commissioned colonel and with his regiment engaged in several minor expeditions and brought in quantities of cotton, horses and supplies. In December he proceeded to Vicksburg with Sherman's army to join Grant's advance on that place, and was in the disastrous attack on Chickasaw bluffs, where his regiment moved without support upon an open point, carried the first line of works and held them under a murderous fire while waiting for help that never came, Colonel Williamson being wounded several times. In January, 1863, the regiment went into camp in the swamp below Vicksburg and spent two whole months there, then moved to Greenville, the enemy being met and driven several times and large quantities of supplies were picked up. Colonel Williamson then returned with his command to Milliken's bend, took part in the movement on Jackson, his being one of the first regiments to enter that place, and he then returned to Vicksburg and was engaged at Haynes' bluff. In the siege of Vicksburg he was almost constantly under fire, and he took part in the siege of Jackson and accompanied the pursuit of Johnston as far as Brandon. With his regiment he then went into camp near the Big Black river, where he remained until the middle of September, when he embarked for Memphis, moved thence to Corinth and marched to Iuka, from which point he was ordered to Cherokee Station, Alabama, where he was in repeated engagements with the enemy until October. He then joined Sherman's army at Eastport and proceeded to Chattanooga, where he arrived on November 23 and took position with Hooker at Lookout mountain. On the morning of the 25th he moved to Rossville with his own and two other regiments, turned the enemy's left and took a strategic position, from which he took part in the battle that followed. He was engaged at Ringgold, where he held an important position against heavy odds and saved two railroad bridges. He then moved to Bridgeport, Alabama, and from there to Woodville, where his regiment went into camp. In May, 1864, he joined in the Atlanta campaign and was in nearly every battle and skirmish of that movement. At Atlanta on July 22, the brigade to which he was attached made a gallant charge with other regiments, retaking De Gress' famous battery of 20-pounder Parrott guns, the skirmishers of his regiment being the first to reach it. On January 13, 1865, Colonel Williams was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, having been given that rank by brevet on December 19, 1864. for gallantry and good conduct in the campaigns against Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Atlanta, and he Page 304 was brevetted major-general of volunteers on March 13, 1865, for gallant conduct during the war. On August 24, 1865, he was honorably mustered out of the service, and on January 17, 1895, he was awarded a medal of honor for having led his regiment at Chickasaw bluffs against a superior force strongly intrenched and holding his ground when all support had been withdrawn. General Williamson died September 7, 1902.

Willich, August, brigadier-general, was born near Konigsberg, Prussia, in 1810, and at the age of twelve years entered the military academy at Potsdam. Three years later, in 1825, he entered the military academy at Berlin, completed his education in 1828, in 1841 passed the requisite examination, was commissioned second lieutenant of the royal artillery and received a commission as captain. In 1846 he tendered his resignation, but it was not accepted and he was assigned to duty at a distant point in Pomerania. He refused to act under the king's order, renewed his application for a discharge every month, and at the end of a year sent an open letter to the king, for which he was court-martialed and discharged from the service. He at once entered into active cooperation with the revolutionists and commanded the forces at the battle of Candarn, where he was defeated. In 1849 he commanded a corps in the German revolution, but the campaign of fourteen weeks proving unsuccessful, he fled to Switzerland and afterward to England. In 1853 he came to the United States and began work as a carpenter, at which trade he wrought about a year in eastern New York. He finally procured a position on the U. S. coast survey, and in 1858 became the editor of the "Republikana," a working-men's paper in Cincinnati. On May 8, 1861, he was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the 9th Ohio infantry and was commissioned major when the regiment was mustered into the service June 13. With this regiment he served in West Virginia, being in the engagement at Rich mountain. He was then called to Indiana, where he organized the 32nd Indiana infantry, of which he was appointed colonel, moved with his regiment to Munfordville, Kentucky, in December, as part of R. W. Johnson's brigade, McCook's division, and was engaged in picket duty on the south side of Green river. He was stationed at Bowling Green and Nashville in February, 1862, and participated in the battle of Shiloh, for gallantry in which engagement he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers July 17, 1862. He continued to serve in that capacity until the close of the war, being mustered out January 15, 1866, and then resumed his residence in Cincinnati, where he died January 23, 1878.

Wilson, James H., major-general, was born in Illinois in 1838 and was graduated at West Point in 1860. He took part in the Port Royal expedition and for his services in the capture of Fort Pulaski was made major on April 1I, 1862. He was on McClellan's staff at South mountain and Antietam. was inspector-general of the Army of the Tennessee in the Vicksburg campaign of 1863, and after the battle of Chattanooga was made lieutenant-colonel. From May to August. 1864, he commanded the 3d cavalry division. Army of the Potomac, and was promoted to the rank of colonel for his services in the Wilderness. He was commander of the cavalry division of the Mississippi from October, 1864, to July, 1865, and took part in all the engagements of General Thomas' campaign, being made a brevet brigadier-general, U. S. A.. after the battle of Nashville. He led a cavalry expedition into Alabama and Georgia in March and April, 1865, capturing Selma. Montgomery, Columbus and Macon, and on May 10. 1865, captured Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy. He was made major-general Page 305 of volunteers April 20, 1865, and lieutenant-colonel of the 35th infantry July 28, 1866. He retired from the army on December 31, 1870, and engaged successfully in railroad management in the United States and China. Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he was commissioned major-general of volunteers, May 4, 1898, and served through that conflict. On April 12, 1899, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served in that capacity until March 2, 1901, when he retired from 'he service, having been given the full rank of brigadier-general, U. S. A., February 11, 1901.

Wistar, Isaac J., brigadier-general, was born in the city of Philadelphia November 14, 1827, and was educated at Westtown and Haverford, Pennsylvania On June 28, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 71st Pennsylvania infantry, originally known as "the California regiment," which was recruited in Philadelphia during April and May, 1861, by Edward D. Baker, U. S. senator from Oregon, under special authority from President Lincoln. On July 1 the regiment proceeded to Fortress Monroe and was immediately assigned to picket and scouting duty. After Bull Run it moved to Washington, and on September 11 it first came under any considerable fire, when Colonel Wistar displayed a spirit which proved his excellent material. Early in October the regiment moved to Poolesville. Maryland, where with other regiments it formed the Philadelphia brigade, commanded by Colonel Baker, a part of General Stone's division of General Banks' army. In the first serious engagement at Ball's bluff Colonel Baker fell at the head of his command while cheering his men, and on November 11, 1861, Lieutenant-Colonel Wistar was commissioned colonel of the regiment, going into winter quarters with his men while their decimated ranks were recruited. In the spring he led his regiment in McClellan's Peninsular campaign, assigned to Sedgwick's division, Sumner's corps. He was engaged at Fair Oaks, in the actions along the Chickahominy, at Savage Station, and Charles City cross-roads, and his regiment acted as artillery support at Malvern hill. He made a forced march with Sumner's corps, reaching the battle field of the second Bull Run toward the close of the action, and his regiment served as rear-guard to Pope's retreat, constantly skirmishing as far as Chain bridge. He was in reserve at the battle of South mountain, but was heavily engaged at Antietam, where he was severely wounded while leading a charge. On November 19. 1862, Colonel Wistar was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served in that capacity until September 15. 1864. when he resigned his commission and returned to the pursuits of civil life, in which he won distinction as a writer and speaker on penology.

Wood, Thomas J., major-general, was born at Munfordville, Kentucky, September 25, 1823. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1845 and was assigned to the topographical engineers, but requested a transfer to the 2nd dragoons, and on December 2, 1846, was made a second lieutenant. He served in the Mexican war, was subsequently aide-decamp to General Harney in Louisiana and Texas, and was adjutant of the 2nd dragoons until 1854. He was appointed first lieutenant in 1854 and captain in the 1st cavalry in 1855. He served in Kansas during the border troubles of 1856 and accompanied the Utah expedition under Albert Sidney Johnston in 1857. On March 16, 1861, he was promoted major, on May 9 lieutenant-colonel, in October brigadier-general of volunteers, and as such commanded a division in the Tennessee and Mississippi campaigns, being actively engaged in the battle of Shiloh and in the siege of Corinth. Later in the year he served under General Buell in Kentucky; aided in the pursuit of the Confederate Page 306 forces under General Bragg; was promoted colonel of the 2nd cavalry on November 12 and was one of a number of officers who were wounded in the battle of Stone's river. He commanded a division of the 21st corps, Army of the Cumberland, till November, 1863, and was engaged in the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary ridge. He also took part in the operations for the relief of Knoxville and in the invasion of Georgia, and received a severe wound in the engagement at Lovejoy's Station in September, 1864. He commanded the 4th corps during the battles of Franklin and Nashville and took part in pursuing the Confederate forces to the Tennessee river. In January, 1865, he was promoted major-general of volunteers and had command in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi until September 1, 1866, when he was mustered out of the volunteer service. He was brevetted first lieutenant, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Buena Vista, brigadier-general for bravery at Chickamauga, and major-general for distinguished service at Nashville. General Wood was retired from the service with the rank of major-general, June 9, 1868 (changed to brigadier-general by act of March 3, 1875). He died at Dayton, Ohio, on February 6, 1906.

Woodbury, Daniel P., brigadier-general, was born at New London, Merrimack county, New Hampshire, December 16, 1812. He graduated at West Point in 1836, was soon transferred from the artillery to the engineers, was employed until 1840 upon the Cumberland road in Ohio, and for the next seven years at Boston harbor and elsewhere on the coast. Between 1847 and 1850 he constructed Forts Kearny and Laramie for the defense of the route to Oregon, and afterward Forts Jefferson and Taylor at the Tortugas and Key West. He became a captain in 1853, a major and lieutenant-colonel in 1861, and a brigadier-general of volunteers in March, 1862. He bore a part in preparing the defenses of Washington, in organizing the engineer corps of the Army of the Potomac, and as commander of the brigade of engineers was of great service at Yorktown and in the operations about Richmond, especially in the Seven Days' battles. At Fredericksburg he won the brevet of brigadier-general in the regular army by his gallantry in throwing bridges across the river under a heavy fire. In March, 1863. he was sent to command at Key West, Florida, and there received the brevet of major-general, U. S. A. General Woodbury died at Key West, Florida, of yellow fever, August 15, 1864.

Woods, Charles R., brigadier-general, was born at Newark. Ohio, in March, 1829, was graduated at the U. S. military academy on July 1, 1852, and assigned to the infantry, with which he served on frontier duty till the outbreak of the Civil war. His first duty in this conflict was in command of the troops sent in the "Star of the West" for the relief of Fort Sumter. Then, after a short service on quartermaster duty, he became colonel of the 76th Ohio infantry October 13. 1861, He was in command of the 44th and subsequently of the 10th Ohio infantry in the western Virginia campaign, being engaged in the pursuit of General Floyd's Confederate forces from Cotton mountain. He spent the time from November 20, 1861, to February 9, 1862. in organizing his regiment at Newark, Ohio, and was in General Grant's Tennessee campaign, being engaged in the battle of Fort Donelson. the movement to Adamsville and the battle of Shiloh. He was in command of a brigade in the advance upon the siege of Corinth and the march to Memphis, Tennessee, and Helena, Arkansas; in command of land forces in the joint naval and military expedition down the Mississippi river to Milliken's bend, which resulted in the destruction of much of the enemy’s property and some captures; in command of a regiment on General Sherman's expedition Page 307 to Chickasaw bluffs and the capture of Arkansas Post; and in command of a brigade in the Vicksburg campaign, in which he was engaged in the advance to Grand Gulf, the skirmish at Fourteen-mile creek, the capture of Jackson and destruction of much railroad and other property in its vicinity, the capture of Walnut hills, and assault on May 22, the siege from that date to July 4, and the pursuit of General Johnston's army to Canton, including the reoccupation of Jackson and extensive destruction of railroad property. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers August 4, 1863, and participated in the march via Memphis to Chattanooga with frequent skirmishes, the battle of Chattanooga and the action at Ringgold, Georgia He was in northern Alabama, guarding the Memphis & Charleston railroad, from December, 1863, to May, 1864; in command of a brigade and subsequently of a division of the 15th army corps in the Atlanta campaign, being engaged at Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw mountain, the passage of the Chattahoochie, battles and siege of Atlanta, and the battle of Jonesboro. He then took part in the pursuit of the Confederate army under General Hood, and the march to the sea, taking part in the action of Griswoldville. On November 22, 1864, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for long and continued services and for special gallantry at Griswoldville. He was in command of a division of the 15th army corps in the invasion of the Carolinas; was engaged in the capture of Columbia, the battle of Bentonville, the occupation of Raleigh, and participated in the march to Richmond and Washington. He then served in command of the 1st division, 15th army corps, at Louisville, Kentucky, until July, 1865; of the Department of Alabama, with headquarters at Mobile, until April, 1866, of the Department of the South with headquarters at Macon, Georgia, until August, 1866, and was mustered out of the volunteer service on September 1, 1866. For his gallant and meritorious services during, the war he received four brevets in the regular army, besides the appointment of brigadier-general and the brevet of major-general of volunteers. After the war, till he was retired as colonel December 15, 1874, he was engaged in the ordinary duties of his arm of service. General Woods died February 26, 1885, in the place of his birth, at the early age of 56.

Woods, William B., brigadier-general, was born in Newark, Ohio, August 3, 1824. He was sent to Western Reserve college at Hudson, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1841, and from there to Yale college, graduating in 1845 as valedictorian of his class. On leaving college he returned to Ohio, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1847, He demonstrated the possession of great oratorical powers: being also a skilled lawyer he became very popular, and was elected mayor of Newark in 1855. Two years later he was sent to the Ohio legislature as a Democrat, was reelected, and was speaker in 1858-59. As Democratic leader in the house in 1861. Mr. Woods succeeded in influencing legislative support of the war loan for the purpose of defending the state. In 1862 he joined the army as lieutenant-colonel of the 76th Ohio infantry and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out with the rank of brigadier-general and brevet major-general of volunteers. The war record of General Woods was highly creditable to him. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson. Shiloh, Chickasaw bluffs, Arkansas Post fin which he was slightly wounded), Resaca, Dallas. Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station and Bentonville, the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, and in many minor affairs and skirmishes. In 1866 he settled in Alabama where he became a leading Republican. Under the reconstruction act of 1868. General Woods was made state chancellor for six years, but after serving in Page 308 this position two years he was appointed United States circuit judge for the 5th district, which office he held for a number of years, making his residence in Mobile. In 1880 President Hayes appointed him associate justice of the U. S. supreme court. General Woods died in Washington on May 14, 1887.

Wool, John E., major-general, was born at Newburg, New York, February 20, 1784, son of a soldier of the War for Independence. He was for a time a book-seller at Troy and then a law student, but raised a company of volunteers at the beginning of the war of 1812, and through the influence of De Witt Clinton was made a captain in the 13th infantry in April, 1812. He was badly wounded in his first battle, that of Queenstown heights, received a major's commission April 13, 1813, took part at Plattsburg and was brevetted lieutenant-colonel. After the reduction of the army to a peace footing he was made colonel and inspector-general (1816). He was brevetted brigadier-general in 1826 and attained the rank by commission in 1841. In 1832 he went to Europe on a tour of inspection and witnessed the siege of Antwerp by the French. In 1836 he had charge of the removal of the Cherokees. In the early days of the war with Mexico he equipped and forwarded from the West 12.000 volunteers. Following them in person, he led 3,000 men from San Antonio to Saltillo and was next in command to General Taylor during the later operations in the interior. At Buena Vista he chose the ground, disposed the forces for action and led them in the beginning of the battle. For his services here he received the brevet of major-general, and at a later date was presented swords by New York and Congress, with the thanks of the latter. He had command in the East, with headquarters at Troy, 1847-54 and 1857-60; was in charge of the Department of the Pacific, 1854-57, taking the field in 1856 against hostile Indians in the northwest. His promptness in reinforcing Fortress Monroe in the spring of 1861 secured that important post to the Union, and in August he was placed there as commander of the Department of Virginia. He occupied Norfolk and Portsmouth May 10. 1862, was commissioned major-general. U. S. A., six days later, and in June was sent to Baltimore to command the Middle Military Department. From January to June, 1863, he had command of the Eastern Department and was stationed at New York, where he called on veterans to volunteer for the suppression of the draft riots. He was retired on August 1, 1863, being long past the age for active service, and died at Troy, New York, November 10, 1869.

Wright, George, brigadier-general, was born October 21, 1803, at Norwich, Vermont. in the picturesque valley of the Connecticut river. There he received his early education at Partridge's military school, which fitted him for West Point, where he was graduated on July 1, 1822, and assigned to the 3d infantry, in which he served on frontier duty and was its accomplished adjutant for five years. Upon the creation of the 8th infantry he was transferred to it with advanced rank in consideration of his soldierly qualifications. The success of the army in Florida, following the failure of the Armistead campaign of 1840, was in no small degree due to Wright, whose efficiency won for him the esteem and confidence of the army and the brevet of major from the government for his "zeal, energy, and perseverance." He accompanied Scott's army in the invasion of Mexico, was engaged in every conflict from the siege of Vera Cruz to the assault of Molino del Rey, where he intrepidly led the stormers and was severely wounded. For his "gallant and meritorious services" in this war he received the brevets of lieutenant-colonel and colonel. Upon the creation of new regiments Page 309 in 1855 he was placed at the head of the 9th infantry, and the following year, upon the breaking out of Indian hostilities in Oregon and Washington territories, was ordered with his regiment to Fort Vancouver. There, in command of the northwestern district, he so severely punished the hostile tribes that to this day Wright's name is a terror in their habitation. At the breaking out of the Civil war, Colonel Wright was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers and assigned to the important command of the Department of the Pacific, and it was the sleepless vigilance, unflagging energy, wise prudence, and uncompromising yet unpretending patriotism of General Wright and his coadjutors which saved this vast region from the horrors of civil war In 1865 General Wright was ordered to the command of the newly created Department of Columbia, and while proceeding to his headquarters was drowned, July 30, in the wreck of the steamer Brother Jonathan off the coast of southern Oregon.

Wright, Horatio G., major-general, was born at Clinton, Connecticut, March 6, 1820. He entered the U. S. military academy at West Point, in which he was graduated second in the class of 1841 and was appointed to the engineer corps. In 1842 he was made assistant professor of French at West Point and later appointed professor of engineering. In 1848 he was made first lieutenant and placed in charge of the construction of forts and improvements in Florida. After this service he was promoted captain in 1855 and served as assistant chief engineer at Washington until the outbreak of the Civil war. He superintended the construction of the defenses at Washington and was chief engineer of Heintzelman's division at the battle of Bull Run, also serving in the same capacity in the Port Royal expedition, which he organized, and in recognition of his services was appointed a major of the engineer corps in August, 1861. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers September 14, 1861, was at the capture of Hilton Head, South Carolina, commanded the land forces in the Florida campaign of 1862, and was commissioned major-general of volunteers July 18 of that year. In 1863 he was for a time in command of the Department of the Ohio, and he held the same position in the District of Louisville, Kentucky. until April, 1863, when he was given charge of a division of the Army of the Potomac in the Pennsylvania and Rapidan campaigns. For meritorious and gallant services and the capture of Rappahannock Station while in temporary command of the 6th corps, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and succeeded to the command of that corps upon the death of General Sedgwick, May 9, 1864. He was promoted colonel for gallant conduct at Spottsylvania. He was ordered to the defense of Washington when it was thought General Early was about to attack the Federal capital; hastily collected his troops and, in connection with a few regiments of the 19th corps, lately arrived, he succeeded in forcing the withdrawal of Early. On March 13, 1865, he received the brevet of brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services at Cold Harbor, and for his conduct at Petersburg he was brevetted major-general, U. S. A. On November 23, 1865, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel and acted on different engineering boards, being promoted colonel March 4, 1879, and on June 30 ot the same year was made chief of engineers with the rank of brigadier-general. General Wright was retired from active service March 22, 1884, and died July 2, 1899.

Zook, Samuel K. brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1823. When quite young he entered into the telegraph business and made several important discoveries in electrical science, which Page 310 gave him a wide reputation. When about twenty-five years of age he removed to New York and became connected with the local military organizations of the city. In 1857 he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 6th New York state militia, and at the outbreak of the Civil war, though much out of health, went with his regiment to the seat of hostilities and was appointed military governor of Annapolis. After his return he recruited the 57th New York infantry, of which he was commissioned colonel, and led it to the Peninsula. During that long and bloody campaign he generally held command of a brigade, though without the rank or commission properly belonging to his position. On November 29, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, the appointment being confirmed in March, 1865. He was placed in command of his old brigade, which was assigned to Hancock's division, 2nd army corps, and at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, Zook's and Kimball's brigades achieved the honor of approaching nearest to the fatal stone wall on Marye's heights. General Zook nobly distinguished himself in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, giving up his life on the latter field July 3, 1863, from a wound received the day previous.


Source: The Union Army, Vol. V. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.