Profiles in Service
An academic exploration of a career U.S. Army officer's journey through pivotal American conflicts.
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Biographical Overview
Birth and Education
Henry Stanton Burton was born in September 1818 in West Point, New York, where his father was employed as a sutler. His academic journey began at Norwich University from 1832 to 1835. Subsequently, he received an appointment to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, representing Vermont. He graduated on July 1, 1839, marking the commencement of his distinguished military career.
Military Service Dates
Burton's dedicated service to the United States Army spanned several decades. His active duty commenced in 1839 and concluded with his passing in 1869, encompassing a remarkable 30-year period of commitment through peacetime and significant conflict.
Death and Burial
Henry Stanton Burton died on April 4, 1869, at the age of 50. His final post was Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. He was laid to rest with military honors at the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery in West Point, New York, the place of his birth and the institution that shaped his early career.
Early Career and Conflicts
Florida and Early Commissions
Following his graduation from West Point, Burton was appointed as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment. His initial service from 1839 to 1842 was marked by participation in the challenging Second Seminole War in Florida. During this period, on November 11, 1839, he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. From 1843 to 1846, he contributed to the development of future military leaders as an assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics at West Point.
Service in California
During the Mexican-American War, Burton was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel within the U.S. Volunteers, commanding the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. His regiment undertook a significant journey around Cape Horn to California, where they served as garrisons. Elements under his command were instrumental in the Pacific Coast Campaign in Baja California, participating in the Battle of La Paz, the Siege of La Paz, and the decisive Skirmish of Todos Santos. His unit remained stationed in Baja California until the conclusion of the war.
Personal Life and Land Ownership
As the Mexican-American War concluded, Burton played a role in facilitating the transition for residents of Baja California wishing to relocate to Alta California and become U.S. citizens. He returned to Monterey with his command and evacuated civilians. On July 9, 1849, he married Maria Amparo Ruiz, one of the refugees, in Monterey. After his volunteer regiment disbanded in October 1848, Burton returned to his regular army service, having been promoted to Captain on September 22, 1847. He later acquired Rancho Jamul near San Diego in 1852 and established a homestead. In 1855, he commanded the Post at Mission San Diego de Alcalรก, establishing Camp Burton.
The Mexican-American War
Volunteer Command and Pacific Operations
During the Mexican-American War, Henry Stanton Burton served as Lieutenant Colonel of U.S. Volunteers, leading the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. His command was deployed to California, participating in the Pacific Coast Campaign. Key engagements included the Battle of La Paz, the Siege of La Paz, and the Skirmish of Todos Santos, where Mexican forces were ultimately defeated. This service demonstrated his leadership in a challenging theater of operations far from the main conflict.
Post-War Transition and Marriage
Following the cessation of hostilities, Burton was involved in the complex process of establishing U.S. governance in Alta California. He facilitated the relocation of Baja California residents, marrying Maria Amparo Ruiz, a refugee from the region, in Monterey in 1849. This personal connection highlights the human dimension of territorial expansion and post-conflict integration.
The American Civil War
Early War Service
Captain Burton remained stationed in California until 1862. With the outbreak of the American Civil War, he was promoted to Major on May 14, 1861, and ordered to Delaware. There, he assumed command of Fort Delaware, a crucial Union stronghold that also served as a military prison, holding Confederate prisoners of war until 1863.
Command and Combat Roles
His wartime service saw significant advancement. On July 25, 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the 4th U.S. Artillery Regiment. Shortly thereafter, on August 11, 1863, he achieved the rank of Colonel in the 5th U.S. Artillery Regiment. He commanded the vital Artillery Reserve of the Army of the Potomac from 1863 to 1864, playing a critical role in major engagements. He also served as an inspector of artillery during the intense Richmond Campaign and was a member of the retiring board.
Brevet Rank and Recognition
For his distinguished service, particularly related to the capture of Petersburg, Virginia, Burton was promoted to the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General in the U.S. Army on March 13, 1865. This recognition underscored his contributions to the Union victory.
Post-War and Final Years
Continued Command
Following the conclusion of the Civil War, Colonel Burton continued his military service. He commanded the 5th U.S. Artillery Regiment across various strategic locations, including Fort Monroe in Virginia, Columbia in South Carolina, Richmond in Virginia, and Fort Adams in Rhode Island. These assignments reflect the ongoing need for military presence and administration in the post-war era.
Court Martial Duty
From October 1868 until March 1869, Burton was engaged in court martial duties in New York City. This role involved adjudicating military justice matters, a significant responsibility during a period of military restructuring and transition.
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References
References
- The California State Military Museum, Historic California Posts: Camp Burton
- The California State Military Museum, Historic California Posts, Post at Mission San Diego de Alcalรยก
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