Robert C. Buchanan

Robert Christie Buchanan (March 1, 1811 – November 29, 1878) was an American military officer who served in the Mexican War and then was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. In a career than spanned more than forty years, Buchanan held numerous commands (including several forts) and received multiple citations for bravery and distinguished service.

Early life and career

Buchanan was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the nephew by marriage of President John Quincy Adams, and received his appointment to United States Military Academy during Adams' administration. (His mother's sister was Louisa Adams, the First Lady.) He graduated from the Academy in 1830 and was assigned to the 4th U.S. Infantry as a brevet second lieutenant. His assignments included service in the Black Hawk War (he was in charge of gunboats during the Battle of Bad Axe) and against the Seminoles, as well as in the removal of the Cherokees to the Indian Territory. He was promoted to captain during his service in Florida.

Buchanan participated in the Mexican War in command of the Maryland Volunteers. He was in the Battle of Chapultepec, the Battle of Palo Alto, the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, the Battle of Molino del Rey, and the capture of Mexico City. For his service in Mexico, Buchanan was twice brevetted in recognition of his gallantry in action.

After the war, Buchanan was assigned to various posts and recruiting duty. In 1853, the 4th Infantry was assigned to the......
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