Blackwell Reference Online

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(b. Westernville, N.Y., 16 January 1815; d. Louisville, Ky., 9 January 1872) He graduated third in his West Point class and was known as “Old Brains” for his books on military science. He served in California during the M exican W ar and resigned his commission in 1854. He reentered the army as major general in 1861, and was recommended by Winfield S cott to command the Army of the P otomac , but was instead given command of all western forces. Named “general in chief” of all Federal armies on 11 July 1862, he served primarily as Abraham L incoln's chief military advisor and exercised no significant control over the field armies. When Ulysses S. G rant assumed his position on 9 March 1864, Halleck functioned as a chief of staff by coordinating communications with the army's seventeen different commands and acting as liaison between Grant and Lincoln. Although reportedly the most unpopular man in Washington, Halleck played a major – and unappreciated – role in eventual Union victory. ... log in or subscribe to read full text