Henry W. Wessells
| Henry W. Wessells | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
February 20, 1809 Lietchfield, Connecticut |
| Died | January 12, 1889 (aged 79) Dover, Delaware |
| Buried | East Cemetery, Litchfield, Connecticut |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1833–1871 |
| Rank |
 Brevet Brigadier General
|
| Commands held |
6th US Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
6th US Infantry
8th Kansas Infantry
Division of the Albemarle
Seminole Wars
Mexican–American War
Henry Walton Wessells (February 20, 1809 – January 12, 1889) was a career United States Army officer, best known for his service during the American Civil War, including his surrender of Union fortifications during the Battle of Plymouth in 1864.
Wessells was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, Feb. 20, 1809. After he was graduated at West Point in 1833 he took part in the Second Seminole War, first as a second lieutenant of infantry and then as first lieutenant, being promoted on July 7, 1838. In Gen. Scott's Mexican campaign he was promoted captain and received the brevet of major for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco. In the former contest Capt. Wessells, though wounded, seized the regimental flag on the death of the color sergeant and put himself at the head of his men. On his return from the war the state of Connecticut voted him a jeweled sword, which was presented to him with military ceremonies. Capt. Wessells was on the Pacific coast in 1849-54, and was in the Sioux expedition of 1855, after which he served in the Northwest till the Civil war.
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