David Hunter
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Image:David Hunter.jpg David Hunter (July 21, 1802 – February 2, 1886) was a Union general in the American Civil War.
Hunter was born in the District of Columbia and was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy from there in 1818, graduating in 1822. He served in the infantry for 11 years, and was appointed captain in 1833. After the election of Abraham Lincoln, Hunter was one of the officers to escort him from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington, D.C. During this duty, Hunter suffered a dislocated collarbone at Buffalo, due to a crowd pressing the president.
Hunter was severely injured at the First Battle of Bull Run and shortly afterwards was promoted to major general of volunteers. He served in the West under General John C. Frémont, and was appointed as commander of the Union's Western Department on November 2, 1861, after Frémont was relieved of command.
David Hunter attracted much attention by issuing his Order #11, emancipating the slaves in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. This order was quickly rescinded by Abraham Lincoln, who proclaimed that only the president has the power to emancipate the slaves, and that Lincoln was unwilling to delegate such responsibility to any military commander.
General Hunter was a strong advocate of arming blacks, and having them fight for the Union.
Hunter died in Washington, D.C.
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Categories: 1802 births | 1886 deaths | Mexican-American War people | American Civil War Generals | West Point graduates | United States military biographical stubs
