John Harlan, Jr.

Age 25, he enlisted and mustered on 2 September 1861 in Pottsville, PA as Sergeant Major of the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry.

Colonel Cake wrote of him at Crampton's Gap on 14 September 1862:

Sergt. Major John Harlan deserves especial mention for the great coolness he displayed in the fight. In forming the lines to renew the charge after the enemy had been routed at the foot of the hill his services were invaluable.

He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Company A on 28 September and promoted to First Lieutenant on 26 October 1862. He was appointed Captain on 1 March 1863. He was cashiered 10 February 1864 (in General Orders No. 3, HQ, Army of the Potomac) for drunkenness on duty and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline; also announced by the New York Times of 28 February 1864 as a result of his court martial.

His service basics from Bates1 and the Card File,2 also as John J. Harlan or Harland. The quote above is from Colonel Cake’s Official Report.

c. 1836