Joseph N. G. Whistler facts for kids

Joseph Nelson Garland Whistler (born October 19, 1822 – died April 20, 1899) was an important officer in the United States Army. He fought bravely in the Mexican–American War and earned a special honor called a brevet for his excellent service in the Battle of Contreras and the Battle of Churubusco.

When the American Civil War began, Whistler was captured by Confederate soldiers in Texas in April 1861. He was later released but couldn't fight again until August 15, 1862. In 1863, he became a colonel of the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery Regiment. He received more promotions and honors for his service during the Overland Campaign, especially at the Battle of North Anna, and during the Siege of Petersburg, particularly the Second Battle of Petersburg. He was recognized as a brevet brigadier general of volunteers in 1866. Whistler retired on October 19, 1886, as a colonel of the 15th U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Early Life and Military Start

Joseph Nelson Garland Whistler was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 19, 1822. His family had a strong military background. His grandfather, John Whistler, was an Irish soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War. His father, Colonel William Whistler, served in the Army for 60 years! Joseph's first cousin was the famous artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Joseph attended the United States Military Academy from 1842 to 1846. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 8th Infantry.

Fighting in the Mexican-American War

Whistler served in the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848. He was involved in many important battles. These included the Siege of Veracruz in March 1847 and the Battle of Cerro Gordo in April 1847.

He also fought in the Battle of Contreras and the Battle of Churubusco on August 20, 1847. For his brave actions in these battles, he was given the honorary rank of brevet first lieutenant. Whistler continued to fight in the Battle of Chapultepec and the Battle for Mexico City in September 1847.

Army Life Before the Civil War

After the Mexican-American War, Whistler was stationed in different places. He served at East Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 1848. Then he moved to frontier duty in Texas, including San Elizario, Texas and Fort Bliss, Texas, where he helped protect wagon trains.

For about ten years, he was stationed in New Mexico. During this time, he fought in small battles against the Apache and Navajo tribes. His posts included Fort Defiance, New Mexico. In 1852, he was promoted to first lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry. He continued to serve at various forts, including Fort Craig, New Mexico, and on recruiting duty.

Service in the American Civil War

The American Civil War began in 1861. On April 21, 1861, Whistler was captured by Texas troops at Indianola, Texas. He was released on parole, meaning he promised not to fight until he was officially exchanged for a Confederate prisoner. During this time, he was stationed at Fort Hamilton, New York.

Whistler was promoted to captain in the 3rd U.S. Infantry in May 1861. He also worked as an instructor at the United States Military Academy until March 1863. He was finally exchanged and able to return to combat on August 15, 1862.

In May 1863, Whistler became a colonel of the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery Regiment. He helped defend Washington, D.C. for about a year. He then joined the Army of the Potomac in the Overland Campaign. He fought in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House and the Battle of North Anna in May 1864. For his brave actions at North Anna, he was given the honorary rank of brevet major.

Whistler continued to fight in major battles, including the Battle of Cold Harbor and the assaults on Petersburg. During the Siege of Petersburg in June 1864, he was wounded. For his courage there, he received another honorary rank, brevet lieutenant colonel.

After recovering, Whistler commanded a brigade defending Washington, D.C. He helped protect the capital during the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864. He was promoted to major in the 13th U.S. Infantry Regiment in December 1864. For his overall service during the war, he received the honorary rank of brevet colonel.

In 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Whistler to be an honorary brigadier general of volunteers. The United States Senate confirmed this appointment.

Later Military Career and Retirement

After the Civil War, Whistler continued his military career. He commanded troops at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He was later transferred to the 31st U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Whistler spent many years on frontier duty in the Dakota Territory. He commanded forts like Fort Rice, Fort Totten, North Dakota, and Fort Randall. He also led an escort for the Northern Pacific Railroad Survey in 1871.

In 1874, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He continued to serve in various frontier posts, including Fort Ripley, Kansas, and Fort Keogh, Montana. He was involved in court-martial duties and commanded regiments.

On May 31, 1883, Whistler was promoted to colonel of the 15th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He commanded the regiment and the post at Fort Buford, Dakota.

Joseph Nelson Garland Whistler retired from active service on October 19, 1886, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 64. He passed away on April 20, 1899, at Fort Wadsworth, New York, at the age of 77. He was buried at Vale Cemetery in Schenectady, New York.