17th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item CDV-10284

Description

17th Pennsylvania Infantry
Francis E. Patterson
Colonel & Brigadier General
Frontmark: Philadelphia
Accidentally shot himself while cleaning his pistol in his tent.

Patterson, Francis E., brigadier general was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., June 24, 1827. He was graduated at the
University of Pennsylvania, served in McCullough's "Texas
Rangers" in the Mexican war, and on June 24, 1847, was
appointed 2nd lieutenant in the 1st U. S. artillery. He was
promoted 1st lieutenant in 1848 and captain in the 9th infantry
in 1855, resigned his commission in 1857 and became engaged in
mercantile pursuits. He became colonel of a Pennsylvania
regiment at the beginning of the Civil war, was commissioned
brigadier general of volunteers, April 11, 1861, and commanded
the 3d brigade, Hooker's division, Heintzelman's corps, at
Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. He was killed by the accidental
discharge of his own pistol and died at Fairfax Court House,
Virginia, November 22, 1862.
Source: The Union Army, volume 8