William Henry French

(1815 - 1881)
Home State: Maryland
Command Billet: CO, Division
Branch of Service: Artillery
Unit: 3rd Division, II Corps

see his Battle Report

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He graduated from the USMA in 1837 (artillery duty), served in the Seminole and Mexican Wars, and on garrison duty. In 1861 (as Capt. , 1st US Artillery) he refused to surrender his garrison in Texas, marched them to the Gulf, and sailed to the Federal base at Key West. In September 1861 he was appointed BGen. of Volunteers, and commanded the 3rd Brigade/1st Division/II Corps in the Peninsula campaign and at the Seven Days.

In the Antietam Campaign:
Commanded the Third Division of the Second Army Corps (under MGen. Edwin V. Sumner).

The remainder of the War:
In November 1862 he was promoted to MGen. of Volunteers, and led the Division at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He commanded the District of Harpers Ferry, then III Corps at Mine Run. He was relieved of command in May 1864, and served on military boards.

After the War:
He continued his career Army service on garrison and administrative duty.

College: US Military Academy, West Point, NY Graduating Year: 1837

« Search for Another Participant