FOR THE RECORD: PRESIDENTS IN UNIFORM, PART III


Rutherford B. Hayes followed Grant in office. Hayes began the Civil War serving with the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, rising from the rank of major to major general. He took part in over 50 engagements and was wounded several times, once seriously. He had four horses shot out from under him. At the Battle of Couth Mountain, he was severely wounded in the left arm, but continued to direct his troops until they succeeded in scattering the Confederate forces opposing them. He was later a brigade commander in the clash with Morgan’s Raiders, and later under General Philip Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. At Cedar Creek, he had one of his horses shot out from under him, badly wrenching his leg. After this, he was promoted to brigadier general. In March of 1865, he was brevetted major general of volunteers, and mustered out of the army in June of 1865.

Hayes did not run for re-election, and was succeeded by James Garfield. Garfield served in the Union Army during the Civil War from August 1861 to December 1863. He began as a lieutenant colonel in the 42nd Ohio Regiment and rose to the rank of major general. He distinguished himself as a brigade commander at the Battle of Middle Creek in January 1862, and was promoted to brigadier general. He participated in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862 and then served as Chief of Staff to General William Rosecrans at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. For his role in that battle, he was promoted to major general of volunteers.

There was some controversy surrounding Garfield in this battle. General Rosecrans made a crucial error in moving troops out of the line to another location where they were not needed. The Confederates took advantage of the opening, dealing Rosecrans’ army a decisive defeat. Later in his career, Garfield’s opponents tried to blame the mistake on him, but Garfield was able to produce Rosecran’s commendation of him which read: “I feel much indebted to him for both counsel and assistance in the administration of this army. He possesses the instinct and energy of a great commander.” Garfield was elected to Congress in September 1862, and resigned his commission to take his seat in December 1863.

After Garfield was assassinated, Chester Arthur became President. Arthur had served in the New York State militia from February 1858 to December 1862. He rose from the position

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