History of Cold Spring, (Putnam County) New York United States of America

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Daniel Butterfield, soldier, was born at Utica, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1831; son of John Butterfield. After graduating from Union college in 1849 he became engaged in business as general eastern superintendent of the American express company. He joined the 71st regiment N.G. S., N. Y. in 1851, transferred to and had risen to rank of colonel of the 12th regiment in 1860, which regiment he took to Washington, D. C., in April, 1861. For his valuable services and ability he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel in the regular army and brigadier and major general of volunteers. At the head of his New York citizen regiment, he led the advance over the Long Bridge into Virginia, and afterwards at Hanover Court House he took the first trophy guns captured by the army of the Potomac. He was present at Mechanicsville, at Gaines' Mill, and at all the battles fought by McClellan and Pope in August and September, 1862. With his famous brigade he was sent by McClellan across the James at Harrison's Landing to cover the withdrawal of the army of the Potomac when it changed base to join Pope's columns. In November, 1862, he was promoted major-general of volunteers, and in July, 1863, he became colonel of the 5th U. S. infantry, commanding the 5th army corps in the battle of Fredericksburg, covering the withdrawal of the Union army across the river. At Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg he was chief of staff of the army of the Potomac, and he also acted as marshal of the field at the latter battle, during which he was seriously wounded. Subsequently transferred with the 11th and 12th corps to the army of the Cumberland, he served as chief of staff under General Hooker at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. In the Georgia campaign which followed he commanded a division of the 20th corps, under Generals Thomas and Hooker, at the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, and New Hope church, and at Lost and Kenesaw mountains. At Resaca he captured the only rebel guns Sherman became possessed of before the fall of Atlanta. For gallant and meritorious conduct he was brevetted brigadier-general and major-general of the regular army, and he received the nation's medal of honor for especial heroism at the battle of Gaines' Mill, where he was wounded. He was stern and severe in drill and discipline; his valor and fearlessness, as he dashed forward to an attack, captured the hearts of his men, who stood ready to follow his lead. After the close of the war he had charge of the recruiting service of the U. S. army, with headquarters at New York, and he had command of the forces at Bedloe's, Governor's and David's islands in New York harbor from 1865 to 1869, when he accepted the position of United States sub-treasurer at New York city. Later he resigned office, and travelled in Europe for several years. He was the originator of the system of corps badges, flags, and insignia adopted in the army of the Potomac and in others, afterwards worn by all veterans. After the war his organizing powers were frequently called into requisition on the occasion of great public demonstrations and parades, notably the Sherman funeral, and the Washington centennial celebration in New York city, May 1, 1889, when he organized one hundred thousand civilians into companies and divisions and planned and organized the military and civic procession that welcomed Admiral Dewey to the city of New York, Sept. 30, 1899. He received the degree of LL.D. from Union in 1892. He died at Cold Spring, N. Y., July 17, 1901.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Cold Spring, (Putnam County) New York

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