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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Edwin Vose Sumner Biography SUMNER,
Edwin Vose (1797-1863). An American soldier, born in Boston, Mass. He was
educated at Milton Academy, entered the United States army, serving in the Black
Hawk War, and on the Western frontier. In 1838 he took charge of the school of
cavalry practice at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. In the Mexican
War, having attained
the rank of major, he participated in all engagements of Scott's army from Vera
Cruz to the city of Mexico, was wounded at Cerro Gordo, and for gallantry in
holding in check a body of 5000 Mexican lancers at Molino del Rey was brevetted
colonel. In March, 1861, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, and
relieved Albert Sidney Johnston (q.v.) of the command of the Department of the
Pacific. In the following year he was recalled and placed in command of the
First Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He distinguished himself in the
Peninsular campaign, particularly at Seven Pines (q.v.); was twice wounded in
the Seven Days' Battles; was brevetted major general in the regular army and was
appointed major general of volunteers; and took part at Antietam, where he was
again wounded. He commanded the right wing of Burnside's army at Fredericksburg.
Relieved at his own request after the appointment of Hooker to succeed Burnside,
he was assigned to the command of the Department of Missouri, and died suddenly
while on his way thither. |