Heintzelman, Samuel P., major-general, was born in
Manheim, Pa., Sept. 30, 1805. He was graduated at West Point
in 1826, served as lieutenant of infantry in the west and in
Florida until 1847 when he was promoted captain, and also
served in the Mexican war, being brevetted major for gallantry
at Huamantla. He was then in California until 1855, engaged
against Indians and in establishing Fort Yuma, operated
against Mexican marauders on the Rio Grande, 1859-60, was
brevetted lieutenant-colonel in May, 1861, for meritorious
services against Indians in California, and was ordered to
Washington. In the same month he was commissioned colonel of
the 17th U. S. infantry and made brigadier-general of
volunteers and inspector-general of troops at Washington. He
commanded the forces that captured Alexandria, Va., May 24,
1861, and distinguished himself at Bull Run, where he
commanded the 3rd division of McDowell's army, being wounded
in that engagement. He commanded the 3rd corps in the Army of
the Potomac in March, 1862, before Yorktown, at Malvern hill,
Beaver Dam, Oak Grove, Savage Station, and Frazer's farm, and
also in the Peninsular campaign. He won promotion to major-
general of volunteers for his action in the battle of
Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, and at Fair Oaks or Seven Pines,
Va., he distinguished himself in both the first and second
days' fighting, for which he was brevetted brigadier-general
in the regular army. He led the 3rd corps in the seven days'
fighting about Richmond, subsequently joined Pope in his
Virginia campaign, and at the second battle of Bull Run his
corps formed the right wing of Pope's army. He was in command
of the defenses of Washington during the Maryland campaign,
and later he was appointed to the command of the department of
Washington and the 23rd corps, which appointment he held
during the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was
relieved of his command in Oct., 1863, and from Jan. to Oct.,
1864, he commanded the northern department, including the
states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, serving after
that on court-martial duty. He was brevetted major-general U.
S. A. March 13, 1865, was mustered out of the volunteer
service in August of that year and in September resumed
command of his regiment, being stationed first in New York
harbor and subsequently in Texas. He was retired with the
rank of colonel, Feb. 22, 1869, and on April 29, 1869 was by
special act of Congress placed on the retired list with the
full rank of major-general to date from his retirement. He
died in Washington, D.C. May 1, 1880.

Item # CWB8320

Print email to a friend