James Kelly

(? - 1871)
Home State: New York
Command Billet: Commanding Regiment
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 69th New York Infantry

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He was commissioned Captain in the (3-month) 69th NY State Militia on 9 May 1861 and mustered out 3 Aug 1861. He received a commission as Captain in the 16th US Infantry 26 Ocober 1861, and was appointed Lt Colonel of the (2-year) 69th N Y Volunteers on 8 November 1861.

In the Antietam Campaign:
He was in command of the 69th as they came up to the Sunken Road on the 17th, but was wounded in the face and shoulder during the charge, and had to leave the field for treatment. He was succeeded in command by Maj. James Cavanagh.

The remainder of the War:
On the consolidation of the 69th in June, 1863, he was ordered to join his regiment, the 16th Infantry, Regular Army, and was subsequently in command of the recruiting depot at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He then was transferred back to his old command as Lieutenant Colonel, mustering out with them on 12 June 1863. He then rejoined the 16th Infantry, and served under Sherman in his campaigns. He was dismissed from the service (why?) 24 June 1864.

After the War:
He was reinstated in the Army 16 September 1867 at his former rank of Captain with the 34th US Infantry. In April 1869 he was transferred back to the 16th Infantry.

References, Sources, and other notes:
Source: Heitman, Francis Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army 1789-1903, Washington, US Government Printing Office, 1903.

Birth State: IRELAND
Death Date: 9/24/1871

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