Schuyler Hamilton

Schuyler Hamilton (July 22, 1822 – March 18, 1903) was an American soldier, a grandson of Alexander Hamilton.

Early life

He was born in New York City, the son of John Church Hamilton (1792–1882). He graduated from West Point in 1841, served with great gallantry in the Mexican War, and was brevetted first lieutenant in 1846 and captain in 1847. He was an original member of the Aztec Club of 1847. From 1847 until 1854 he was aide-de-camp to Lieutenant General Winfield Scott.

Civil War service

He then resigned from the army, but upon the outbreak of the Civil War volunteered as a private in the Seventh Regiment, New York National Guard. He was rapidly promoted, becoming a lieutenant colonel on the staff of General Scott as military secretary.

He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in November 1861 and served as a staff officer in the Department of the Missouri. At the Battle of Island Number Ten Hamilton led the 2nd Division in the Army of the Mississippi. He was transferred to command the 3rd Division throughout much of the Siege of Corinth. Toward the close of that campaign Hamilton was elevated to command the Right Wing of the Army of the Mississippi, consisting of the 3rd and 4th Divisions. In September 1862 he was selected for promotion to major general but this promotion was never confirmed.

Sickness compelled him to resign in 1863. After the war, he joined the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Post war career

He was hydrographic engineer, in the Department of Docks, New York City in 1871-73, and superintendent of yards in 1873-75, and subsequently, owing to ill health, lived in retirement. He wrote A History of our National Flag (1852).

Assemblyman Robert Ray Hamilton (1851–1890) was his son. He was also brother-in-law of Henry Wager Halleck (and after his death, of George Washington Cullum) through his sister Elizabeth Hamilton.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: 

External links

• Works by Schuyler Hamilton at Project Gutenberg
• Schuyler Hamilton at Find a Grave