Jacob Eugene Duryée facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob Eugene Duryée
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|---|---|
| Born | March 7, 1839 |
| Died | May 25, 1918 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1862, 1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 7th New York State Militia Regiment 5th New York Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands held | 2nd Maryland Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | Brigadier General Abram Duryee (father) |
Jacob Eugene Duryée (March 7, 1839 – May 25, 1918) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a lieutenant colonel and was later honored with the special rank of brevet brigadier general in 1867. This special rank was given for his brave actions during the war.
A Young Soldier's Journey
Jacob Eugene Duryée was the son of another Union general, Abram Duryee. Jacob began his military journey as a private in the 7th New York State Militia Regiment. Soon after, he became a lieutenant and then a captain in his father's regiment, the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry. This group was famously known as the "Duryee Zouaves" because of their colorful uniforms.
In June 1861, Lieutenant Duryée was with his regiment at the early Battle of Big Bethel. He and about 40 other soldiers bravely charged across an open field. They faced strong Confederate defenses. Even though they had to stop their advance, their courage was clear.
In September 1861, Duryée moved to the 2nd Maryland Infantry as its lieutenant colonel. This regiment played a part in Major General Ambrose Burnside's successful plan to take back the North Carolina port of New Bern. This led to a battle in March 1862.
In April 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Duryée took full command of the regiment. His soldiers had some small fights with Confederates. They also destroyed a bridge to stop enemy movements.
The regiment then joined Major General John Pope's Army of Virginia. They fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run. After that, they joined the Maryland Campaign under Major General George B. McClellan.
Bravery at Antietam
At the famous Battle of Antietam, Duryée showed great leadership. He led his regiment as they tried to cross the difficult Burnside's Bridge over Antietam Creek. They faced heavy enemy fire from the hills.
Duryée kept encouraging his men, even as they suffered many injuries. The fighting was very intense. Sadly, almost half of the men in his regiment were hurt or killed. Because of these huge losses, Lieutenant Colonel Duryée decided to resign his command in September 1862. General Burnside understood his frustration and accepted his resignation. After Antietam, very few of the original soldiers from his regiment were left. Duryée was especially upset that the governor of Maryland had not visited his wounded soldiers.
After the War: A General's Honor
On July 5, 1867, President Andrew Johnson gave Duryée a special honor. He was nominated for the brevet rank of brigadier general of volunteers. This rank was given for his "gallant and meritorious services," meaning brave and excellent service. The U.S. Senate officially approved this honor on July 19, 1867.
Jacob Eugene Duryée was also a member of the Holland Society of New York. His family, the Duryees, were French Huguenots who came to New York in 1675.
