- Henry Atkinson
Henry Atkinson (1782 –
June 14 1842 ) was a U.S. army officer. He was a native ofPerson County, North Carolina . He entered the army in 1808 as acaptain in theinfantry , serving at various outposts on the Westernfrontier . He moved toNew York and was promoted tocolonel in theRegular Army , seeing considerable action during theWar of 1812 . He commanded the6th U.S. Infantry beginning in 1815.After the war, Atkinson led two expeditions to the
Yellowstone River in 1819 and 1825. He was appointed brevet brigadier general and was in overall command of U.S. forces during theBlack Hawk War . Although he delivered the final blow to the Black Hawk Indians at theBattle of Bad Axe , Atkinson was criticized for mishandling the operations of the war and his reputation did not prosper as did those of his subordinatesZachary Taylor andHenry Dodge .Atkinson later superintended removal of the Winnebago to
Iowa .Jefferson Barracks (near St. Louis) andFort Leavenworth were begun under his direction. He spent the remainder of his career stationed at Jefferson Barracks.He married Mary Ann Bullitt on
January 16 ,1826 they had a son Edward Graham Atkinson.ee also
References
* Nichols, Roger L., "General Henry Atkinson - A Western Military Career". Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
* Ghent, W. J. "Atkinson, Henry." "Dictionary of American Biography." Vol. 1, Charles Scribner's Sons. 1928.External links
* [http://members.aol.com/Rhenthorn1/atkinson.htm Henry Atkinson]
* [http://books.google.com/books?id=_PwBAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA210&dq=General+Henry+Atkinson+-+A+Western+Military+Career&as_brr=1 Letter to Ann Gentry]
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