James L. Bates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James L. Bates
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| Born | August 11, 1820 Weymouth, Massachusetts |
| Died | November 11, 1875 Weymouth, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 12th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, V Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Lawrence Bates (born August 11, 1820 – died November 11, 1875) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was a colonel and later received an honorary promotion to brevet brigadier general. Before the war, he was a merchant who worked with leather in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Contents
Serving in the Civil War
James Bates started his military career on June 26, 1861. He became a captain in Company H of the 12th Massachusetts Regiment. This was a group of volunteer soldiers from Massachusetts.
Promotions and New Commands
Bates was promoted to major on August 6, 1862. He then moved to the 33rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. His old regiment, the 12th Massachusetts, faced many losses at the Battle of Antietam. Their leader, Colonel Fletcher Webster, was killed. Because of this, Bates was promoted to colonel on September 19, 1862. He took command of the 12th Massachusetts Regiment.
Key Battles and Injuries
While leading the 12th Massachusetts, Colonel Bates was injured during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. This was a very important battle in the Civil War.
In May and June 1864, Bates led the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division of the V Corps. After the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Bates found important information. This information helped guide the movements of the Army of the Potomac during the Overland Campaign. For his actions, he received thanks from Lt. Gen. Ulysses Grant, a very famous Union general.
End of Service and Honors
Bates left the army on July 8, 1864, in Boston, Massachusetts. After the war, in 1868, the United States Congress honored him. They gave him the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This was for his "gallant and meritorious service," meaning he showed great bravery and did excellent work.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, James Bates continued to serve his fellow veterans. He became the commander of the Department of Massachusetts for the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a special organization for soldiers who fought for the Union. It helped veterans and their families.
