Biography

He entered West Point in 1822 and graduated in 1826. He served on frontier duty and in the recruiting service until 1836, when he was ordered to Florida to fight against Seminole Indians until 1842. He then served on the northern frontier. He then fought in the Mexican-American War. For his bravery in this war, he received the brevets of Major and Lieut. Colonel, and recognition from his native state, Rhode Island. He then embarked for California via Cape Horn. For three years, while on the Pacific Coast he was campaigning against Indians. He then returned to NYC for 3 years and served on the tactical boards and as a recruiter. He was sent back to the Pacific Coast to fight Oregon Indians with a new regiment and to protect the US Northwest Boundary from Britains (Canada). He was appointed Brigadier-General of U.S. Volunteers in 1861 and assigned to Washington. For his conduct in the Battle of Fair Oaks, in which he was wounded, he received the brevet of Brig. General, US Army, and was ommissioned as Major-General of US Volunteers. He resumed service in 1862 as command of the Provisional Brigade at Washington. From 1861 to 1865 he was also the President of the Board for the examination of Candidates for Officers of Colored Troops. He retired from the military in 1868 after 40 years of service.