wzh55
Posts: 188
Joined: 3/17/2001
From: Sacramento, CA USA
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Characters: 3506 + (edited online, not sure now, sorry) ALL changes in BOLD. If too long, let me know, I will edit offline and repost.
(sparse info)
Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool
John Ellis (Elias?) Wool (b: February 20, 1784; d: November 10, 1869) was an officer in the US Army during 3 consecutive wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American 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 also known for his severe discipline. A native of Newburgh, New York and an orphan, his early education was meager, but before he was 21 he was owner of a bookstore in Troy, New York. Losing his property by fire, he studied law, and was practicing law in Troy at the outbreak of the War of 1812. He volunteered and became a captain in the infantry. He fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812, where he was wounded when leading troops up a fisherman’s path into the British artillery on top of the heights. When he recovered he was promoted to major. He emerged from the war with the rank of colonel. He 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 Army and participated in the deportation of the Cherokees from Georgia and Tennessee. In 1841, he was promoted to brigadier general. The Mexican War gave Wool another opportunity to distinguish himself. His gallant leadership earned him a Congressional sword, a vote of thanks, and the brevet of major general. He commanded the forces of northern Mexico until the end of the war. The Civil War provided Wool one last opportunity for military service. He was 77 years, and in seniority and rank, second only to Gen. Winfield Scott. He was one of the four general officers of the US Army in 1861, and was the one who saw the most Civil War service. Despite his advanced age, Wool performed duties of remarkable variety and intensity. As commander of the Department of the East, first from Troy, with its nearby Watervliet Arsenal, and then from New York headquarters, he mobilized the resources of the most populous region for military service. In the early days of the Civil War, Wool’s quick and decisive moves secured Fort Monroe, Virginia for the Union which would serve as the principal supply depot for McClellan’s Peninsular Campaign. While headquartered at Fort Monroe, he extended the Union line by the capture of Norfolk and the surrounding towns, but became quite critical of Gen. McCellan for his dilatory program in preparing his forces for the capture of Richmond. He even explains his reasons for requesting reinforcements for the defense of Fort Monroe, located on the tip of the York Peninsula as follows: FORT MONROE, VA., May 19, 1862. (Received May 20, 10.20 a.m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: "The desponding tone of General McClellan in calling for more troops induced me to ask for more troops. The calling for troops on his part creates a suspicion of weakness, and consequently may lead to defeat. It is therefore I called for more troops, to be ready to meet coming events foreshadowed by calls made on the Government." JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General. His final tour of duty was in 1863, as military commander of New York City, which was so important politically and economically for the war. Here, he helped the police and State Militia to suppress the draft riots in July 1863, which nearly destroyed the city. Instead of support and commendation for his efforts, he was retired from active duty in August 1863, and he returned to Troy, where he stayed for the remainder of the war. Despite his 79 years, he was never fully reconciled to retirement perhaps as much for the manner as the fact of what he regarded as a peremptory dismissal. He was the oldest officer to execute active command in either army during the war. From his home, almost to his death on November 10, 1869, Gen. Wool continued to write long letters to the War Department and Gen. Grant demanding a kind of exoneration, if not reinstatement. He lived in Troy for the remaining 5 years of his life and is buried there. On his death, he received a ceremonial funeral befitting a war hero in his hometown.
All these points below are up for debate if any has better info /ideas:
Ratings:
Leadership: 3
Tactics: 2
Initative: 3
Command: 4
Cavalry: 0
Teaching: Disciplined ; Steady ; Obedient
< Message edited by wzh55 -- 8/2/2007 3:28:10 AM >
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Bill Hawthorne
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