James Madison Robertson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Madison Robertson
Born	(1817-05-28)May 28, 1817 New Hampshire
Died	January 21, 1891(1891-01-21) (aged 73) Plattsburgh, New York
Buried	Riverside Cemetery Plattsburgh, New York
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1838–1879
Rank	Brevet Brigadier General
Unit	2nd U.S. Artillery 3rd U.S. Artillery
Commands held	U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade
Battles/wars	Mexican-American War Third Seminole War American Civil War

James Madison Robertson (May 28, 1817 – January 21, 1891) was an important officer in the United States Army. He spent his whole career in the army, especially working with artillery. During the American Civil War, he led a special group called the First Brigade of the U.S. Horse Artillery.

Robertson's Life and Military Career

Early Years and First Steps in the Army

James Madison Robertson was born in New Hampshire in 1817. He joined the U.S. Army in 1838. For ten years, he served in two artillery units, Batteries F and H of the 2nd U.S. Artillery.

During the Mexican–American War, Robertson was a quartermaster sergeant. This meant he helped manage supplies. He was then given a special promotion to officer on June 28, 1848. Later, in September 1852, he became a first lieutenant. He also served in Florida during the Third Seminole War.

Interestingly, before 1854, Robertson might have used the last name "Robinson." Records show he changed it to Robertson around that time. People sometimes still called him Robinson by mistake.

Leading Artillery in the Civil War

In May 1861, when the Civil War began, Robertson became a captain. He was put in charge of Battery B, 2nd U.S. Artillery. Soon, his unit joined with another to form Battery B & L, 2nd U.S. Artillery. This combined unit had six powerful 3-inch cannons.

His unit was part of the U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade. This was a special group of cannons that could move quickly with cavalry. Robertson led his battery during the Peninsula campaign in 1862. He was recognized for his bravery at the Battle of Gaines' Mill. For this, he earned a special promotion to major.

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Robertson (second from left) and his staff during the winter of 1863-64.

After the Peninsula Campaign, Robertson took over as the leader of the First Brigade of U.S. Horse Artillery. This brigade worked closely with the Union Cavalry Corps. He stayed in this important role for the rest of the war. He fought in many major battles in the Eastern part of the war. For his excellent service at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

During the Overland Campaign in 1864, Robertson's brigade was with Brigadier General Philip Sheridan's Cavalry Corps. Robertson was again promoted, this time to colonel, on May 31, 1864. This was for his brave actions at the Battle of Cold Harbor.

At the end of the Civil War, Robertson received his highest honor. He was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier general. This was for his leadership of the Horse Artillery Brigade throughout the Wilderness Campaign. President Andrew Johnson officially recognized this promotion on July 25, 1866.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Robertson returned to his regular rank of captain in the army. He continued to serve and was promoted to major in June 1874.

In 1875, he moved to the 3rd U.S. Artillery. He retired from the army in 1879 after many years of service.

James Madison Robertson was married to Frances O. Fouquet. He passed away on January 21, 1891, in Plattsburgh, New York.

See also

• List of American Civil War brevet generals (Union)