John E. Wool
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John Ellis Wool (February 20, 1784 - November 10, 1869) was an officer in the United States Army during three consecutive U.S. wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War. By the time of the Mexican war he was widely considered one of the most capable officers in the army and a superb organizer. He was one of the four general officers of the United States Army in 1861, and was the one who saw the most Civil War service. When the war began, Wool, at age 77, a brigadier general for 20 years, commanded the Department of the East.
War of 1812
A native of Newburgh, New York, Wool was practicing law in Troy, New York at the outbreak of the War of 1812. He quickly joined the army and became a captain in the 13th United States Infantry. He fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812 where he was wounded. He had led a group of American soldiers up a fisherman's path to the British artillery stationed on top of the heights. Then, in the face of an infantry charge led by famed British general Isaac Brock, he rallied his men and held his ground, repulsing the charge and leading to the death of Brock. When he recovered he was promoted major of the 29th Unites States Infantry which he led with distinction at the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. After the battle he was a major of the 6th United States Infantry. He emerged from the war with the rank of colonel and the office of inspector-general. An orphan with little formal education, Wool remained in the service, where he had the opportunity to visit Europe to observe foreign military organizations and operations. He became the Inspector General of the U.S. army and participated in the deportation of the Cherokees from Georgia and Tennessee. In 1841 he was promoted brigadier general in the U.S. army and commanded the Eastern Department.
Mexican War
The Mexican War gave General Wool another opportunity to distinguish himself. He took command of the Center Division and led the Chihuahuan Expedition which resulted in the capture of Saltillo. After leading his troops 900 miles from San Antonio, he joined General Zachary Taylor at the Battle of Buena Vista. There his gallant leadership earned him a Congressional sword, a vote of thanks, and the brevet of major general. After the battle he commanded the occupation forces of northern Mexico. He commanded the Eastern Department and the Department of the Pacific at the end of the war.
Civil War
In the early days of the Civil War, Wool's quick and decisive moves secured Fort Monroe, Virginia for the Union. The fort guarded the entrance to Chesapeake Bay and the James River, overlooking Hampton Roads and the Gosport Navy Yard, which the Confederates had seized. It was to serve as the principal supply depot of General George B. McClellan's Peninsular Campaign. In May 1862, Wool's troops occupied the navy yard, Norfolk, and the surrounding towns after the Confederates abandoned them; he was then promoted to the full rank of major general. General Wool was reassigned to command the Middle Department, then the VII Corps. In January 1863, he again assumed command of the Department of the East, and led military operations in New York City during and after the draft riots the next July. Shortly thereafter, General Wool retired from the army following more than fifty years of service. He was the oldest officer to execute active command in the army at the time. He lived in Troy, New York for the remaining five years of his life.