Charles S. Wainwright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles S. Wainwright
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| Born | December 31, 1826 New York City |
| Died | September 13, 1907 (aged 80) Washington, D.C. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 1st New York Light Artillery Chief of Artillery, I Corps Chief of Artillery, V Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Farmer and produce merchant |
Charles Shiels Wainwright (born December 31, 1826 – died September 13, 1907) was a farmer from New York. He became an important artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Wainwright played a key role in the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. His cannons helped stop a major attack by the Confederate soldiers on Cemetery Hill. He also kept a detailed diary throughout the war. This diary is now considered one of the best historical records from that time.
Contents
Early Life and Farm Work
Charles Wainwright was born in New York City on December 31, 1826. He had a brother named William P. Wainwright, who later became a doctor and a Union general.
As a young man, Charles helped his father manage their large farm. It was called "The Meadows" and was located in the Hudson Valley. He often delivered fresh produce from the farm to markets in New York City. By 1860, he was a successful farmer living in Rhinebeck, New York.
In the autumn of 1861, at 34 years old, he decided to join the army. He left behind his elderly father and two sisters. He began writing in his famous diary on October 1, 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
Wainwright joined the army as a major in the 1st New York Artillery on October 17, 1861. He served as an artillery officer in the Army of the Potomac for the entire war.
His cannons were part of major battles like the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg, his artillery helped support an attack by Union soldiers on the Confederate side.
Key Role at Gettysburg
Wainwright became the chief of artillery for the I Corps at the Battle of Chancellorsville. His actions in this battle were highly praised by the army's chief of artillery, Brigadier General Henry J. Hunt.
At the Battle of Gettysburg, he led the artillery brigade of the I Corps. On July 2, 1863, during the fight for Cemetery Hill, Wainwright commanded all the cannons on the eastern part of the hill. His artillery was very important in stopping a nighttime attack by a Confederate group called the "Louisiana Tigers." The next day, his cannons fired heavily before the famous Pickett's Charge.
Later War Service and Diary
In 1864, the Army of the Potomac was reorganized. Wainwright then became the chief of artillery for the V Corps. He held this position until the end of the war. One of his successful actions was using his cannons to stop a Confederate attack at the Battle of North Anna. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general on August 1, 1864.
After his death, his personal journals were published in 1962 as A Diary of Battle: The Personal Journals of Colonel Charles S. Wainwright, 1861–1865. His journals give amazing details about how artillery was managed and used in battles. Wainwright also shared his strong opinions about the Union commanders he served with.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Charles Wainwright lived in Dutchess County, New York. He also spent time in Europe and later settled in Washington, D.C.. He was a member of the Metropolitan Club and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Charles S. Wainwright passed away in Washington, D.C., on September 13, 1907. He died at the George Washington University Hospital. He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Wainwright never married, so his brother inherited his important war diaries.
