USA Bio John F. Reynolds

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Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds (b. 1820, d. 1863) A trusted and respected leader of Federal troops, John Fulton Reynolds was one of the top commanders in the Army of the Potomac when he was shot down by a Confederate volley near Gettysburg July 1, 1863. Reynolds was a native of the Keystone state, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Sept. 20, 1820, Reynolds attended schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland before earning an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, thanks to family friend Sen. James Buchanan, in 1837. Reynolds graduated smack in the middle of the Class of 1841, 26th of 52, and was posted as a brevet second lieutenant in the Third U.S. Artillery Regiment. Posted in Maryland, Florida and South Carolina, Reynolds was sent to Texas in 1846 with the onset of the Mexican War. His first action came during the assault on Monterrey. He received a brevet promotion to captain there. At Buena Vista, Reynolds’ unit played a key role on the American left and he earned a brevet to major. After the Mexican War, Reynolds’ postings took him to the Rogue River Indian War in Oregon and the Morman War in Utah Territory. In September 1860, he was named commandant of cadets and tactics instructor at West Point. When war broke out, Reynolds was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the reactivated 14th U.S. Infantry May 14, 1861. He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers Aug. 26, 1861 (to date from Aug. 20). After serving on a review board, he commanded a brigade in the Pennsylvania Reserves. In June of 1862, Reynolds briefly served as the military governor of Fredericksburg, but was ordered to join Gen. Fitz John Porter’s V Corps near Mechanicsville, Virginia, during the Peninsular Campaign. At the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, Reynolds defensive line held during Confederate assaults. Covering the retreat of McClellan’s right wing, Reynolds’ forces were overrun July 27, 1862. Reynolds was captured at dawn of July 28, and sent to Libby Prison. Exchanged back Aug. 13, 1862, he was assigned to command the 3rd Division, Pennsylvania Reserves. This division was attached to Gen. McDowell’s III Corps, Army of Virginia, during the Second Manassas Campaign. On the final day, Reynolds assembled a defensive line on Henry House Hill. The stand saved Pope’s army and was finished by a downhill charge led by Reynolds himself. After that, Pennsylvania Gov. Andrew Curtain insisted Reynolds be returned to command state troops. After the Maryland Campaign, Reynolds was returned to regular army duty. He was promoted to major general Nov. 29, 1862, and given command of I Corps of the Army of the Potomac, part of Gen. Franklin’s Left Grand Division. One of his divisions, led by Gen. Meade, actually got into the Confederate lines at the Battle of Fredericksburg. At Chancellorsville, I Corps was not actively engaged. Called to a meeting with Pres. Abraham Lincoln June 2, 1862, Reynolds reportedly was offered command of the Army of the Potomac. Reynolds insisted on complete independence if he took charge. When told that wasn’t possible, Reynolds declined. His subordinate, Gen. Meade, was given command and Meade immediately made Reynolds command of the Army of the Potomac Left Wing of the I, III and XI Corps and John Buford’s cavalry. When the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia moved north, Reynolds put his men on the march to meet the invasion. Buford’s troopers first made contact early July 1 near Gettysburg. Starting with the 1st Division of I Corps, which was placed across the Chambersburg Pike. He personally directed each advancing unit into place and led the 2nd Wisconsin Regiment into a charge. Leading the advance, Reynolds spurred his men, “For God’s sake, forward!” Reynolds was hit in the back of the neck by Confederate fire and was dead before he hit the ground. Reynolds was buried in Lancaster July 4, 1863.

[Gil R.]

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