Henry Jackson Hunt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gen. H.J. Hunt
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| Born | September 14, 1819 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | February 11, 1889 (aged 69) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Soldiers' Home National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1839–1883 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac 5th U.S. Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
Henry Jackson Hunt (born September 14, 1819 – died February 11, 1889) was a very important military officer. He was the main leader of the Artillery (big guns) for the Army of the Potomac. This was a major army during the American Civil War.
Many people at the time thought he was the best at using artillery in battles. He was a master at how to use cannons and even wrote a new rulebook for how armies should use their artillery. His brave actions and smart plans helped change the outcome of big battles. These included Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and especially Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, his decisions helped defeat a famous attack called Pickett's Charge.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Henry Jackson Hunt was born in Detroit, Michigan. Back then, Detroit was a small outpost on the edge of the frontier. His father, Samuel Wellington Hunt, was an Army officer. Henry was named after his uncle, Henry Jackson Hunt, who later became the second mayor of Detroit.
When Henry was a child in 1827, he traveled with his father. They went on an expedition to what is now Kansas Territory. This trip helped create Fort Leavenworth. Henry also had a brother, Lewis Cass Hunt, who became a general during the Civil War.
Military Career and Artillery Rules
Henry Hunt graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1839. He started as a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
He fought in the Mexican–American War under General Winfield Scott. He was promoted to captain for his bravery in battles like Contreras and Churubusco. He was also promoted to major after the Battle of Chapultepec.
In 1857, Hunt also served in the Utah War against the Mormons. He became a permanent captain in 1852 and a major in 1861.
Writing the Artillery Manual
In 1856, Hunt was part of a group that updated the rules for how field artillery should be used. The book they wrote, Instructions for Field Artillery, was published in 1861. It became the main guide for artillery soldiers in the Northern army during the Civil War.
Hunt believed that while infantry (foot soldiers) should have some cannons for close support, most cannons should be kept in a central "Artillery Reserve." This way, the army commander could use them more effectively in big battles.
Hunt's Role in the Civil War
From Bull Run to Chancellorsville
Henry Hunt became well-known during the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. His four cannons helped cover the retreat of the Union Army soldiers. Soon after, he became the chief of artillery for the area defending Washington, D.C..
As a colonel, Hunt worked for General George B. McClellan. He organized and trained the artillery reserve for the Army of the Potomac. He fought with them in the Peninsula Campaign. Throughout the war, he helped make artillery a much more effective part of the army.
At the Battle of Malvern Hill, his 250 cannons fired so powerfully that they stopped many Confederate attacks. The Union foot soldiers barely had to do anything. He even personally led 60 cannons, using them as one giant battery.
In September 1862, Hunt was promoted to brigadier general. He became the chief of artillery for the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Antietam. There, he used the Artillery Reserve very well. At the Battle of Fredericksburg in December, his cannons on Stafford Heights made it impossible for the Confederate army to attack across the river.
Before the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, the army commander, General Joseph Hooker, did not listen to Hunt. Hunt lost direct control of the Artillery Reserve. This lack of teamwork with the cannons was a big reason why the Union army lost that battle. Even though Hooker gave Hunt his command back later, it was too late to change the outcome.
Hunt also believed in firing cannons slowly and carefully. He would tell his gunners off if they fired too fast. He thought firing too quickly made shots less accurate and wasted ammunition. He famously said, "Young man, are you aware that every round you fire costs $2.67?"
Gettysburg: A Major Success
Hunt's most famous actions were at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. His new commander, General George G. Meade, trusted Hunt much more than Hooker did. Meade gave Hunt a lot of freedom to direct the artillery.
On July 2, Hunt helped place cannons on Cemetery Ridge. This was very important for the Union's success that day.
His handling of the cannons was key to stopping Pickett's Charge on July 3. In the morning, Hunt saw that the Confederates were getting ready for a big attack. Later, during a huge cannon attack from the Confederates, Hunt made a smart decision. He ordered his cannons to stop firing for a while. This saved ammunition for the main attack he knew was coming. He also made his cannons stop firing slowly, one by one. This made the Confederates think the Union cannons were being destroyed. This trick made the Confederates start their disastrous charge.
Hunt also secretly placed cannons north of Little Round Top. These cannons caused huge losses for the Confederate soldiers during their attack. For his great service, Hunt was promoted to colonel in the Regular Army.
Later War and Retirement
After Gettysburg, Hunt continued to serve in Virginia. He managed the cannon operations during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864 and 1865. He was promoted to major general in both the volunteer and regular armies.
After the war, in 1866, Hunt became a colonel of the 5th U.S. Artillery. He commanded Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island for several years. He retired from the Army in 1883.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring, Henry Hunt became the governor of the Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C.. He passed away in 1889 and is buried there. Fort Hunt Park in Northern Virginia is named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Henry Jackson Hunt para niños
