Hispanics in the American Civil War 1

Hispanics in the American Civil War

Hispanics in the American Civil War

Firstrow

David Farragut • Santos Benavides • Augusto RodriguezSecond row

Federico Fernández Cavada • Julius Peter Garesché • Luis F. EmilioThird row

Loreta Janeta Velazquezas herself (right) and disguised as "Lieutenant Harry Buford" (left)

Hispanics in the American Civil War fought on both the Union and Confederate sides of the conflict. Not all theHispanics who fought in the American Civil War were "Hispanic-Americans", in other words citizens of the UnitedStates. Many of them were Spanish subjects or nationales from countries in the Caribbean, Central and SouthAmerica. Some were born in a US Territory and therefore did not have the right to US Citizenship. It is estimatedthat approximately 3,500 Hispanics, mostly Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans (Puerto Rico and Cubawere Spanish colonies) living in the United States joined the war: 2,500 for the Confederacy and 1,000 for theUnion. This number increased to 10,000 by the end of the war.Hispanic is an ethnic term employed to categorize any citizen or resident of the United States, of any racialbackground, of any country, and of any religion, who has at least one ancestor from the people of Spain or is ofnon-Hispanic origin, but has an ancestor from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central or South America, or some otherHispanic origin. The three largest Hispanic groups in the United States are the Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans,and Cubans.[1]

The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known asthe "Federal Army", the "U.S. Army", the "Northern Army" and the "National Army".[2] It consisted of the smallUnited States Army (the regular army), augmented by massive numbers of units supplied by the Northern states,composed of volunteers as well as conscripts.The "New Mexico Volunteer Infantry", with 157 Hispanics officers, was the Union Unit with the most officers ofthat ethnic background. Besides Colonel Miguel E. Pino and Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria Valdez who belonged tothe 2nd New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, the New Mexico Volunteer Infantry also included Colonel Diego Archuleta(eventually promoted to Brig. Gen.), the commanding officer of the First New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, ColonelJose G. Gallegos commander of the Third New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, and Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Perea,who commanded Perea's Militia Battalion.[3]

Another unit which was composed of Hispanics was D Company "The Spanish Company" of the Garibaldi Guard, 39th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The company served until July 1, 1865, when it was mustered out at Alexandria. They lost during its term of service 119 by death from wounds, and 159 by death from accident,

Hispanics in the American Civil War 2

imprisonment or disease, of whom 94 died in prison.[4]

The Confederate Congress provided for a Confederate States Army patterned after the United States Army. It was toconsist of a large provisional force to exist only in time of war and a small permanent regular army. The provisional,volunteer army was established by an act of the Confederate Congress passed February 28, 1861, one week beforethe act which established the permanent regular army organization, passed March 6, 1861. Although the two forceswere to exist concurrently, little was done to organize the Confederate regular army.[5]

Amongst the Confederate units, who either had a significant number of Hispanics or were composed entirely ofHispanics were the 5th Regiment (Spanish Regiment) of the "European Brigade", "Cazadores Espanoles Regiment"and the "Louisiana Tigers", all from Louisiana; the "Spanish Guards" and the "55th Infantry" both from Alabamaand "Florida's 2nd Infantry".[6][7]

Hispanics held various grades of ranks in the military, the highest being full Admiral of the Union Navy. ThreeHispanics were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for heroism awarded bythe United States. Hispanic women also participated, such was the case of Loreta Janeta Velazquez, a Cuban womanwho disguised as a male, fought and spied for the confederacy even after her gender was discovered a secondtime.[8][9]

Notable Military PersonnelThe following is an uncompleted list of notable Hispanics who participated in the American Civil War. Their namesare placed in accordance to the highest rank which they held during their military service.

Union Forces

Battle of Mobile Bay by Louis Prang.

• Admiral David Farragut (1801–1870) -Farragut was promoted to vice admiral onDecember 21, 1864, and to full admiral on July25, 1866, after the war, thereby becoming thefirst person to be named full admiral in theNavy's history. Farragut's greatest victory wasthe Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864.Mobile, Alabama at the time was theConfederacy's last major port open on the Gulfof Mexico. The bay was heavily mined withtethered naval mines, also known as torpedoes.When the USS Tecumseh, one of the shipsunder his command, struck a mine and wentdown, Farragut shouted through a trumpetfrom his flagship to the USS Brooklyn, "What's the trouble?" "Torpedoes!" was the reply, to which Farragut thenshouted his now famous words "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"[10] The fleet succeeded in entering thebay. Farragut then triumphed over the opposition of heavy batteries in Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines to defeat thesquadron of Admiral Franklin Buchanan.[11] Farragut was promoted to vice admiral on December 21, 1864, andto full admiral on July 25, 1866, after the war, thereby becoming the first person to be named full admiral in theNavy's history.[12]

• Brigadier General Diego Archuleta (1814–1884) - was a member of the Mexican Army who fought against the United States in the Mexican American War. During the American Civil War he joined the Union Army (US Army) and became the first Hispanic to reach the military rank of Brigadier General. He commanded The First New Mexico Volunteer Infantry in the Battle of Valverde.He was later appointed an Indian (Native Americans)

Hispanics in the American Civil War 3

Agent by Abraham Lincoln.[13]

• Brevet Brigadier General [14] Henry Clay Pleasants (1833 – 1880) - was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Pleasants, who at the time was a Lieutenant Colonel, devised an plan to break the Confederate stranglehold on thecity of Petersburg, Virginia. He organized the building of an underground tunnel filled with explosives under theConfederate lines outside the city. His actions led to the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. It was supposed togive the Union troops an opportunity to break the defense of Petersburg. The poorly executed "Battle of theCrater" failed and his troops continued to fight for eight more months. Pleasants, however, was promoted toBrevet Brigadier General.[6]

• Colonel Carlos Alvarez de la Mesa (1828–1872) - Alvarez de la Mesa, a resident of Worcester, Mass., was aSpanish national who fought at Gettysburg for the Union Army in the Spanish Company of the "Garibaldi Guard"of the 39th New York State Volunteers.[15] He received a stomach contusion at Gettysburg and was medicallydischarged on September 30, 1863, for intermittent fever and chronic ankle ulcer.[16] Over 200 letters written byCarlos Alvarez de la Mesa during the Civil War were donated to the NY State Military Museum.[17] Alvarez de laMesa is the grandfather of Major General Terry de la Mesa Allen, Sr. commanding general of the First InfantryDivision in North Africa and Sicily, and later the commander of the 104th Infantry Division during World WarII.[15]

Sketch made by Col.Federico Fernandez Cavada from Thaddeus Lowe'sConstitution balloon.

Lieutenant Colonel José FranciscoChaves

• Colonel José Guadalupe Gallegos (1828 -1867) - Gallegos was the Post Commander atHatch Ranch on Nov 22, 1861. His unit wasunder special order 187, Nov 9, 1861 toconstruct a road between Las Vegas and FortUnion. Gallegos served as commander of theThird New Mexico Volunteer Infantry in theArmy of the United States from August 26,1861, until March 6, 1862. This was just priorto the Battle of Glorieta Pass, fought fromMarch 26 to 28, 1862, the decisive battle of theNew Mexico Campaign.[18]

• Colonel Miguel E. Pino - Prior to the CivilWar, Pino was the Commanding Officer of anexpedition which was organized in Santa Fe,New Mexico against the Navajos. During theCivil War, Pino commanded the 2nd Regimentof New Mexico Volunteers, which fought atthe Battle of Valverde from February 20 toFebruary 21, 1862, and the Battle of GlorietaPass from March 26 to March 28, 1862. Pinoand his men played an instrumental role in thedefeat Confederate Army, derailing any plansof an invasion of New Mexico.[19]

• Colonel Federico Fernández Cavada(1831–1871) - Cuban born CavadaCommanded the 114th Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry regiment when it took the field in the

Hispanics in the American Civil War 4

Lieutenant Colonel FranciscoPerea

Peach Orchard at Gettysburg. Because of his artistic talents, he was assigned tothe Hot Air Balloon unit of the Union Army. From the air he sketched what heobserved of the enemy movements. On April 19, 1862, Federico sketched enemypositions from Thaddeus Lowe's Constitution balloon during the PeninsulaCampaign in Virginia. Cavada was captured during the Battle of Gettysburg andsent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. Cavada was released in 1864 andlater published a book entitled "LIBBY LIFE: Experiences of A Prisoner of Warin Richmond, VA, 1863-64", which told about the cruel treatment which hereceived in the Confederate prison[20][21]

• Lieutenant Colonel José Francisco Chaves (1833–1904) - Chávez had been an officer in the Mexican Armybefore he joined the Union Army. He entered the Union Army as major of the 1st New Mexico InfantryRegiment. Chávez fought in the Battle of Valverde in the American Civil War alongside Colonel Kit Carson.Chávez later became the first Secretary of Education for New Mexico.[22]

• Lieutenant Colonel Julius Peter Garesché (1821–1862) - When the American Civil War broke out, Gareschédeclined a commission as brigadier general of volunteers, and was made Chief of Staff, with the rank ofLieutenant Colonel in the regular army, to Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans. In this capacity he participated in theoperations of the Army of the Cumberland at the Battle of Stones River. Riding with General Rosecrans towardthe Round Forest, Garescé was decapitated by a cannonball.[23]

• Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Perea (1830–1913) - On December 1861, Perea organized and commanded Perea'sMilitia Battalion for the defense of New Mexico. Perea was later elected as a Republican to the Thirty-eighthCongress. He served in said position for two years (March 4, 1863-March 3, 1865).[24]

• Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria Valdez (1841–1884) - Valdez commanded the 3rd New Mexico volunteers atValverde. Both he and Colonel Pino were cited by Union General Canby in his official report for their efforts inthis action.[3]

• Major Manuel Antonio Chaves (1818–1889) - Chaves was in charge of Fort Fauntleroy in northwestern NewMexico. On March 28, 1862, Chaves led 490 New Mexico volunteers on a daring raid. As the main Union troopsfought the Confederates, Chaves's men lowered themselves down a 200 foot slope, taking a small Texan guardcompletely by surprise and capturing the Confederates' supply train. They destroyed the wagons and burned allthe supplies.[21]

Hispanics in the American Civil War 5

Captain Adolfo FernándezCavada

• Major Salvador Vallejo (1813–1876) - Vallejo organized First Battalion ofNative Cavalry one of the California units which served with the Union Army inthe West. Vallejo set out with 469 men to New Mexico upon rumors of aConfederate advance and served as far east as Arizona, which at the time was partof the New Mexico Territory. The advance never happened and therefore Vallejodid not have a battlefield role in the Civil War.[19][25]

• Captain Román Antonio Baca - Baca was an officer in the New MexicoVolunteers a Union force. In 1862, he became the first Hispanic spy for theUnited States.[19]

• Captain Stephen Vincent Benet (1827 - 1895) - was a descendant of Minorcans,a Hispanic group from the Balearic Islands. During the Civil War he taught thescience of gunnery at West Point.[26][6]

• Captain Adolfo Fernández Cavada (1832–1871) - Cavada served in the 114thPennsylvania Volunteers at Gettysburg with his brother, Colonel FedericoFernandez Cavada. He served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac fromFredericksburg to Gettysburg and was a "special aide-de-camp" to General Andrew A. Humphreys.[20][27]

• Captain Luis F. Emilio (1844–1918) - The son of a Spanish immigrant, Emilio was among the group of originalofficers of the 54th selected by Massachusetts War Governor John Albion Andrew. Captain Emilio emerged fromthe ferocious assault on Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863 as the regiment's acting commander, since all of the otherranking officers had been killed or wounded. He fought with the 54th for over three years of dangerouscombat.[28]

• Lieutenant Augusto Rodriguez (1841–1880) - Rodriguez was a Puerto Rican native who served as an officer inthe 15th Connecticut Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, of the Union Army. Rodríguez served in thedefenses of Washington, D.C. and led his men in the Battles of Fredericksburg and Wyse Fork.[29]

Confederate Forces

Colonel Ambrosio José Gonzales

• Colonel Ambrosio José Gonzales (1818–1893) - Gonzales, a native Cuban,became a U.S. Citizen in 1849 and settled in Beaufort, South Carolina. Gonzaleswas active during the bombardment of Fort Sumter and because of his actionswas appointed Lt. Colonel of artillery and assigned to duty as Chief of Artilleryin the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Gonzales, who servedas a special aide to the governor of South Carolina, submitted plans for thedefense of the coastal areas of his homeland state. According to Major D.Leadbetter in a letter to the Secretary of War:

"The project of auxiliary coast defense herewith, as submitted by Col.A. J. Gonzales, though not thought to be everywhere applicable, isbelieved to be of great value under special circumstances. In theexample assumed at Edisto Island, where the movable batteries rest on defensive works and arethemselves scarcely exposed to surprise and capture, a rifled 24-pounder, with two small guns, rallyingand reconnoitering from each of the fixed batteries, would prove invaluable. A lighter gun than the24-pounder, and quite as efficient, might be devised for such service, but this is probably the best nowavailable. Colonel Gonzales’ proposed arrangements for re-enforcing certain exposed and threatenedmaritime Posts seem to be judicious and to merit attention."

Hispanics in the American Civil War 6

Gonzales was able to fend off Union gunboat attempts to destroy railroads and other important points on theCarolina coast by placing his heavy artillery on special carriages for increased mobility. On November 30, 1864,Gonzales served as Artillery Commander at the Battle of Honey Hill. The Battle of Honey Hill was the thirdbattle of Sherman's March to the Sea fought in Savannah, Georgia.[30] Confederate President Jefferson Davisdeclined Gonzales's request for promotion to general six times. Davis' dislike for P. G. T. Beauregard deprivedGonzales of general's rank because he (Gonzales) had served under him. It is also believed that Gonzales'sexperience with Cuban filibusters, was no recommendation for command, nor were his contentious relationshipswith Confederate officers in Richmond.[31]

• Colonel Leonidas M. Martin (1824–1904) - Martin organized and was a Major in the 10th Texas Cavalry.Promoted to Colonel was placed in charge of the 5th Texas Partisan Rangers under the command of ColonelThomas C. Bass. Martin participated in the Battle of Honey Springs, the largest battle fought in Indian Territory,fought on July 17, 1863. The Union Forces were victorious and a result of the Confederate defeat in this battlewas that the Confederates were always short on supplies in the Indian Territory forcing the Texas Cavalry toabandon the territory.[32]

• Colonel Santos Benavides (1823–1891) - Benavides commanded his own regiment, the "Benavides Regiment."He was the highest ranking Mexican-American in the Confederate Army. On March 19, 1864, he defendedLaredo against the Union's First Texas Cavalry, whose commander was Colonel Edmund J. Davis, a Floridanative who had previously offered Benavides a Union generalship, and defeated the Union forces. Probably hisgreatest contribution to the Confederacy was securing passage of Confederate cotton to Matamoros, Tamaulipas,Mexico, in 1863. On March 18, 1864, Major Alfred Holt led a force of about two hundred men from thecommand of Col. Davis near Brownsville, Texas to destroy five thousand bales of cotton stacked at the SanAgustín Plaza. Colonel Santos Benavides commanded forty-two men and repelled three Union attacks at theZacate Creek in what is known as the Battle of Laredo.[20][33]

• Major David Camden DeLeón (1816-1872) - DeLeón a.k.a. "The Fighting Doctor", came from a SephardicJewish family. He was the first Hispanic to graduate from an Ivy League School (University of Pennsylvania -1836). In 1864, he became the first Surgeon General of the Confedrate States. The President of the ConfederateStates Jefferson Davis, assigned him the task of organizing the medical department of the Confederate Army.[19]

• Captain Michael Philip Usina (1840 - 1903) - was a member of the Confederate States Navy. He was born in St.Augustine, Florida, to Spanish parents. As Captain of several blockade runners, Usina managed to avoid captureon his many successful missions. Usina fought in Co. B in the 8th Georgia Infantry of the Confederate Armybefore being transferred to the Navy. He was wounded and captured in the Battle of Manassas, but managed toescape and reach the Southern lines.[6][34]

Hispanics in the American Civil War 7

Hispanic women in the Civil War

The Capture of the USS Columbine in the "Battle of Horse Landing"

Many women participated in the AmericanCivil War. Two of the most notableHispanic women to participate in thatconflict were Lola Sánchez and LoretaJaneta Velazquez. The similarities betweenthem were that both were Cuban born andboth served for the Confederacy. However,the difference between them was that oneserved as a spy while the other disguisedherself as a male and fought in variousbattles.

• Lola Sánchez (1844 - 1895) - Sánchezwas born in Armstrong, Florida of Cubandewcent. She became upset when herfather was accused of being a Confederate spy by the Union Forces and sent to prison. This event angered andinspired her to become a Confederate spy. The Union Army had occupied her residence in Palatka, Florida andshe overheard the officer's plans of a raid. She alerted the Confederates under the command of Capt. John JacksonDickison. Because of the information which she provided, the Confederate soldiers were able to surprise theUnion troops, in what became known as the "Battle of Horse Landing",[21] and capture the USS Columbine, aUnion warship in the only known incident in US history where a cavalry unit captured and sank an enemygunboat.[35]

• Loreta Janeta Velazquez a.k.a. "Lieutenant Harry Buford" (1842–1897) - Velazquez was a Cuban womanwho masqueraded as a male Confederate soldier during the Civil War. She enlisted in the Confederate Army in1861, without her soldier-husband's knowledge. She fought at Bull Run, Ball's Bluff and Fort Donelson, but hergender was discovered while in New Orleans and she was discharged. Undeterred, she reenlisted and fought atShiloh, until unmasked once more. She then became a spy, working in both male and female guises.[20]

Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed bythe President in the name of Congress on members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselvesthrough "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty whileengaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."[36].

Hispanics in the American Civil War 8

Medal of Honor(Army version)

Medal of Honor(Navyversion)

• Corporal Joseph H. De Castro (1844–1892) - De Castro served in Company I, 19th Massachusetts Infantry andwas the first Hispanic-American Medal of Honor recipient". During the battle, De Castro attacked a confederateflag bearer from the 19th Virginia Infantry regiment, with the staff of his own colors and seized the opposingregiment's flag, handing the prize over to General Alexander S. Webb. General Webb is quoted as saying:

"At the instant a man broke through my lines and thrust a rebel battle flag into my hands. He never saida word and darted back. It was Corporal Joseph H. De Castro, one of my color bearers. He had knockeddown a color bearer in the enemy's line with the staff of the Massachusetts State colors, seized thefalling flag and dashed it to me".

[37][37]

Reverse of the Medal of Honor awardedto Seaman John Ortega

• Seaman Philip Bazaar - Bazaar was a resident of Massachusetts, whojoined the Union Navy at New Bedford. He was assigned to the USSSantiago de Cuba, a wooden, brigantine-rigged, side-wheel steamshipunder the command of Rear Admiral David D. Porter. In the latter part of1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant ordered an assault on Fort Fisher, aConfederate stronghold. which protected the vital trading routes ofWilmington's port, at North Carolina.[38] On January 12, 1865, bothground and naval Union forces attempted a second land assault, after thefailure of the first. During the land assault, Bazaar and 5 other crewmembers carried dispatches from Rear Admiral Porter to Major GeneralAlfred Terry, while under heavy fire from the Confederates to MajorGeneral Alfred Terry. Bazaar was awarded the Medal of Honor for hisactions.[39][40]

• Seaman John Ortega (1840-????) - Ortega was a resident of Pennsylvaniawho joined the Union Navy in his adopted hometown in Pennsylvania. Ortega was assigned to the USS Saratogaduring the Civil War. The USS Saratoga was ordered to proceed to Charleston, South Carolina for duty in theSouth Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Ortega was a member of the landing parties from the ship who made severalraids in August and September in 1864, which resulted in the capture of many prisoners and the taking ordestruction of substantial quantities of ordnance, ammunition, and supplies. A number of buildings, bridges, andsalt works were destroyed during the expedition. For his actions Seaman John Ortega was awarded the Medal ofHonor and promoted to acting master's mate. He was the first Hispanic member of the U.S. Navy to receive theMedal of Honor.[41][42]

Hispanics in the American Civil War 9

Hispanic Union Units

The Garibaldi Guard, D Company "The Spanish Company"The 39th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Garibaldi Guard," was mustered into the U. S.service at New York, May 28, 1861. The unit was composed of three Hungarian companies, three German, oneSwiss, one Italian, one French, one Portuguese and one Spanish. The Spanish unit, 4th D Company, consisted of menfrom different Latin American countries. Puerto Ricans and Cubans were Spanish subjects at the time and inscribedas Spaniards. The unit fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, participated in the Mine Run campaign and in theWilderness campaign. The battalion participated in the pursuit of General Robert E. Lee's army and performedvarious routine duties in the vicinity of Richmond until July 1, 1865, when it was mustered out at Alexandria.[4]

The following is a list of the names of some of the Hispanics officers of the 4th D Company "The SpanishCompany" of the Garibaldi Guard: Captain Joseph Torrens, 1st Lt. Jose Romero, 2nd Lt. (later Colonel) CarlosAlvarez de la Mesa and 1st Sgt. Francisco Luque.[4]

New Mexico Volunteer Infantry RegimentMustered in August 1861, the New Mexico Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the Union Unit with the most officersof Hispanic background. On February 21, 1862 these units fought against Confederate Brigadier General Henry H.Sibley and his troops in the Battle of Valverde in February and the Battle of Glorieta Pass. In January 1864, ColonelKit Carson led a detachment of nearly 400 in the Battle of Canyon de Chelly. Later that year Carson led adetachment at the first Battle of Adobe Walls. Among the last engagements of the war in which the units participatedwas the Battle of Aro Pass, fought on July 5, 1865.[3] The regiment was mustered out on September 30, 1866.[43]

Hispanic Confederate Units

European Brigades and the Louisiana TigersThe 5th Regiment of the "European Brigade" was a home guard brigade of New Orleans, Louisiana made up of 800Hispanics who were descendents of immigrants from the Canary Islands. The brigade, under the command ofBrigadier General William E. Starke, was assigned to defend the city. Louisiana also had a brigade called the"Cazadores Espanoles Regiment" (Spanish Hunters Regiment)[44] and the "Louisiana Tigers", commanded by MajorChatham Roberdeau Wheat, which had men from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other Latin Americancountries. The brigades fought at the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg.[6]

The following is a list of the names of some of the Hispanics officers of the 5th Regiment of the "EuropeanBrigade": Capt. Domingo Fatjo, Capt. Magin Puig, Capt. Jose Quintana, Capt. A. Pons Valencia, 1st Lt. JoseAlbarez, 1st Lt. J. Barba, 1st Lt. John Fernandez, 1st Lt. S. J. Font, 1st Lt. Eduardo Villa, 1st Lt. Antonio Robira, 1stLt. Antonio Helizo, 2nd Lt. Dormian Campo, 2nd Lt. Lorenzo Carbo, 2nd Lt. J. B. Cassanova, 2nd Lt. Eduardo Deu,2nd Lt. Juan Fernandez, 2nd Lt. A. Fornaris, 2nd Lt. Valentin Hamsen, 2nd Lt. Juan Parra, 2nd Lt. AntonioMercadal, 2nd Lt. R. Martinez, 3rd Lt.[45] Antonio Barrera, 3rd Lt. Edward Bermudez, 3rd Lt. Jose Bernal, 3rd Lt. C.Garcia, 3rd Lt. Bernardo Rodriguez, 3rd Lt. Bernardo Heres, 3rd Lt. Jose Salor and 3rd Lt. F. Suarez.[46]

Among the Hispanic officers of the "Cazadores Espanoles Regiment" are the following: Lt. Col. J. M. Anquera,Capt. Jose Anguera, Capt. S. G. Fabio, 2nd Lt. Ceferino Monasteria, 1st Lt. Vicente Planellas, 1st Lt. L. Roca andSurgeon Francisco Ribot.[46]

Hispanics in the American Civil War 10

The Spanish GuardsThe home guard brigade of Mobile, Alabama, made of Hispanics, was called "The Spanish Guards". The guardserved as part of the Mobile County Reserves. Even though it was disbanded on April 12, 1865, many of its menjoined the other Confederate forces and surrendered with General Richard Taylor, at Citronelle, Alabama, on May 4,1865. Various brigades which had a significant number of Hispanic soldiers and which fought at the Battles ofAntietam and Gettysburg were Alabama's 55th Infantry and Florida's 2nd Infantry.[6]

The following Hispanic officers served with the Alabama forces: Maj. F. A. Moreno, 1st Lt. Andrew J. Pou, 2nd Lt.Jerome Eslava and 2nd Lt,. M. Franciscoa. Lt. Col. William Bayaand and 2nd Lt. Francis Baya served with theFlorida Infantry.[6]

Confederate units of TexasBesides serving in the "Benavides Regiment", many Hispanics who were from Texas served in other units of theConfederate Army. Known as Tejanos, they fought in the Battles of Gaines' Mill, Second Bull Run, Antietam,Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Appomattox Court House as members of the Sixth and EighthTexas Infantry and of Hood's Texas Brigade under the command of Col. John Bell Hood. Some Tejanos marchedacross the deserts of West Texas to secure the Mesilla Valley as members of Charles L. Pyron's company whichwere later incorporated into Gen. Henry Hopkins Sibley's Confederate Army of New Mexico and fought at the battleof Valverde.[47]

Post WarAfter the war, the Confederate Army ceased to exist and many of the volunteer units of the Union were musteredout. Most of the former soldiers went home and returned to the civilian activities that they had prior to the war.Others continued in the military and joined the regular Army and Navy.Among the notable Hispanics who served in the war and who continued in the military was Admiral David Farragut.Farragut was promoted to Admiral on July 25, 1866.[48] His last active service was in command of the EuropeanSquadron from 1867 to 1868, with the screw frigate USS Franklin as his flagship. Farragut remained on active dutyfor the rest of his life, an honor accorded to only six other US naval officers.[48]

Both brothers, Colonel Federico and Captain Adolfo Fernández Cavada were named US Consuls in Cuba. Federicowas appointed United States consul at Trinidad and his brother Adolfo appointed United States consul at Cienfuegos.Both brothers resigned their positions upon the Cuban insurrection against Spanish rule that became known asCuba’s Ten Years' War (1868–1878).[21] Together they joined the insurgents and Federico was named General forthe District of Trinidad, Commander in Chief of the Cinco Villas. In April 4, 1870, Federico Fernández Cavada wasnamed Commander-in-Chief of all the Cuban forces.Federico was captured by the Spanish gunboat "Neptuno" in 1871 and taken to Puerto Principe. There he was triedtby he Spanish authorities and sentenced to die by firing squad. Federico was executed in July 1871.[49] In December18, 1871, Adolfo Fernández Cavada was killed in battle at the coffee estate “La Adelaida” near Santiago de Cuba.[49]

Captain Stephen Vincent Benet was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on June 23, 1874, and named Chiefof Ordnance. He authored various military related books.[26]

Among the veterans who entered politics such as Brigadier General Diego Archuleta, who was named Indian Agentby President Abraham Lincoln and later served in theMexico Legislature.[13] Lieutenant Colonel José FrancisoChávez, who became the first Secretary of Education for New Mexico[22] and Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Pereawho was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-eighth Congress. Perea served in said position for two years (March 4,1863-March 3, 1865).[24]

Those who resumed their life's as civilians was Colonel José Guadalupe Gallegos. Prior to the war Gallegos served in the New Mexico Territorial Legislature between 1855-1861. He was one of the founding members of the

Hispanics in the American Civil War 11

Historical Society of New Mexico and a founding associate in the incorporation of the New Mexican RailwayCompany[50] and the New Mexico Wool Manufacturing Company. However, little is known of what he did after thewar with the exception that five years later he drowned in a mysterious accident involving his horse drawnedcarriage .[18]

Captain Luis F. Emilio[28] went into the real estate business, first in San Francisco, and later in New York.Lieutenant Augusto Rodríguez became a firefighter in New Haven, proprietor of a cigar store, a bartender and saloonkeeper.Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Joseph H. De Castro was employed by the NY Barge Office when on May 8,1892, he died in his home at 244 West 22nd Street.[51]

The former Confederate Colonel Santos Benavides resumed his merchant and ranching activities. He also remainedactive in politics.[33]

Colonel Ambrosio José Gonzales pursued a variety of vocations, all of which were marginally successful, but likemany others he never provided the security he sought for his extended family. His efforts were similar to those ofother formerly wealthy Southerners who sought to recover their estates and social status.[52] Gonzales faced not onlyfinancial loss but also sorrows over the death of his wife and his sister-in-law's successful efforts to poison therelationships between Gonzales and his children.[31]

Major David Camden DeLeón moved to Mexico after the war. He returned to the United States at the request ofPresident Ulysses S. Grant, and settled in New Mexico where he practiced medicne and worte for medical journals.[19]

After the war, Confederate spy Loreta Janeta Velazquez a.k.a. "Lieutenant Harry Buford" wrote a Civil War memoir,about her exploits titled: "The Woman in Battle: A Narrative of the Exploits, Adventures, and Travels of MadameLoreta Janeta Velazquez, Otherwise Known as Lieutenant Harry T. Buford, Confederate States Army". She traveledin Europe as well as in the Southern United States promoting her book and ideals.[53]

Notes[1] Hispanic Population of the United States Current Population Survey Definition and Background (http:/ / www. census. gov/ population/

www/ socdemo/ hispanic/ hispdef. html), United States Census Bureau, Population Division, Ethnic & Hispanic Statistics Branch, RetrievedMay 21, 2008

[2][2] See, for example, usage in Grant, Preface p. 3.[3] MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES (http:/ / www. suvcw. org/ mollus/ art017. htm)[4] 39th New York State Volunteers; "Garibaldi Guard"; 4th D Company; "The Spanish Company" (http:/ / www. latinamericanstudies. org/

civil-war-cubans/ garibaldi-guard. htm)[5][5] Eicher, pp. 70, 66.[6] Hispanics and the Civil War - National Parks Service (http:/ / www. nps. gov/ resources/ story. htm?id=235)[7] Pottsville history (http:/ / www. easternpa. com/ pottsville/ hist. html)[8] http:/ / www. valerosos. com/ HispanicsMilitary. html[9] http:/ / www. houstonculture. org/ hispanic/ memorial. html[10] " "Famous Navy Quotes: Who Said Them... and When (http:/ / www. history. navy. mil/ trivia/ trivia02. htm)", Naval Historical Center,

January 2008, Retrieved March 18, 2009[11] Shippen, Edward (1883). Naval Battles, Ancient and Modern. J.C. McCurdy & Co.. p. 638.[12] "David Farragut" (http:/ / www. nndb. com/ people/ 050/ 000094765/ ). NNDB. . Retrieved 2008-05-21.[13] Kanellos, Nicolas (1997). Hispanic Firsts: 500 Years of Extraordinary Achievement. Farmington Hills, MI: Visible Ink Press. pp. 210–211.

ISBN 0-7876-0519-0.[14] Brevet is a temporary authorization for a person to hold a higher rank which was noted in the officer's title, Example: Brevet Brigadier

General Pleasants.[15] Arlington National Cemetery (http:/ / www. arlingtoncemetery. org/ historical_information/ prominent_hispanics. html)[16] Garibaldi Guard of the 39th New York State Volunteers (http:/ / www. latinamericanstudies. org/ civil-war-cubans/ garibaldi-guard. htm)[17] (http:/ / www. timesunion. com/ local/ article/ War-letters-tell-poignant-tale-2208663. php)[18] New Mexican Printing Company. "Local and Special Laws of New Mexico: in Accordance with an Act of the Legislature, Approved April

3, 1884" (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=hd5GAQAAIAAJ& pg=PA804& ). Chpt.26. State of New Mexico, 1885. pp. 804–808. .Retrieved 14 December 2011.

Hispanics in the American Civil War 12

[19] "Hispanics in America's Defense"; Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Manpower and Personnel Policy (http:/ /www. navy. mil/ navco/ pages/ ssp/ reference/ hispanics-def. pdf)

[20][20] "The Civil War, 1840s-1890s"; by Roger E. Hernandez, Roger E. Hernndez; ISBN 978-0-7614-2939-5; ISBN 0-7614-2939-5[21][21] "The Latino Experience in U.S. History"; publisher: Globe Pearson; pages 155-157; ISBN 0-8359-0641-8[22] Notable Hispanics of New Mexico (http:/ / www. cabq. gov/ humanrights/ public-information-and-education/ diversity-booklets/

hispanic-heritage-in-new-mexico/ notable-hispanics)[23] Catholic Encyclopedia article (http:/ / www. newadvent. org/ cathen/ 06384a. htm)[24] Civil War Archives (http:/ / www. civilwararchive. com/ Unreghst/ unnmtr. htm)[25] Vallejo family (http:/ / www. militarymuseum. org/ Vallejo. html)[26] Arlington National Cemetery (http:/ / www. arlingtoncemetery. net/ svbenet. htm)[27] Cavada Brothers (http:/ / www. pacivilwar150. com/ people/ immigrants/ Story. aspx?id=30)[28] Captain Luis F. Emilio, A Brave Black Regiment. The History of the 54th Massachusetts, 1863-1865, New Introduction by J.W. Urwin. Da

Capo Press, Cambridge, MA, 1995; paperback, 452 pages. ISBN 0-306-80623-1; ISBN 978-0-306-80623-0. Reprint (with a new introduction)of the second enlarged edition, originally published in 1894, Boston. First edition published 1891.

[29][29] "The Puerto Rican Diaspora: historical perspectives"; By Carmen Teresa Whalen, Víctor Vázquez-Hernandez; page 176; Publisher: TempleUniversity Press; ISBN 978-1-59213-413-7; ISBN 1-59213-413-0

[30] OPERATIONS ON THE COASTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA. (http:/ / www.simmonsgames. com/ research/ authors/ USWarDept/ ORA/ OR-S1-V06-C015C. html)

[31][31] "Cuban Confederate Colonel: The Life of Ambrosio Jose Gonzales"; By Antonio Rafael de la Cova; The University of South Carolina Press;ISBN 1-57003-496-6.

[32] Battle of Honey Springs (http:/ / almostchosenpeople. wordpress. com/ 2010/ 04/ 27/ battle-of-honey-springs/ )[33] Webb County Heritage Foundation; War on the Rio Grande (http:/ / www. webbheritage. org/ waronriograde. htm)[34] Blockade-Runner (http:/ / civilwartalk. com/ threads/ blockade-runner-armstrong-and-michael-philip-usina-csa-navy. 23976/

#ixzz1ztrvc700)[35] "Horse Landing Project" (http:/ / www. fcphs. com/ Horse_Landing_Project. htm). The Florida Confederation for the Preservation of

Historic Sites website. Daytona Beach, FL: The Florida Confederation for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Inc. .[36] Pullen, John J. (1997). A Shower of Stars: The Medal of Honor and the 27th Maine (http:/ / books. google. com. au/

books?id=xGtImta-9QEC& dq=Pullen+ A+ Shower+ of+ stars& printsec=frontcover& source=bl& ots=xAMm5ZiKCM&sig=YRITMTpm2vL_gssQ-eYptjjqPvs& hl=en& ei=PJEUS9CzM8yGkAWAvZCJBw& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage& q=& f=falseMany). Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. preface p2. . Retrieved 2010-04-15.

[37] The Magazine of American History, page 18.[38] " USS Santiago de Cuba (1861) (http:/ / www. history. navy. mil/ photos/ sh-usn/ usnsh-s/ s-d-cuba. htm)", Department of the Navy – Naval

Historical Center, July 2002, Retrieved May 21, 2008[39] "Medal of Honor citation for Philip Bazaar"; publisher Home of Heroes.com (http:/ / www. homeofheroes. com/ moh/ citations_1862_cwa/

bazar_philip. html), Retrieved May 21, 2008[40] Medal of Honor citation for Philip Bazaar (http:/ / www. homeofheroes. com/ moh/ citations_1862_cwa/ bazar_philip. html)[41] Civil War Medal of Honor Citations (http:/ / americancivilwar. com/ medal_of_honor7. html) (Last names starting with "O" through "R"),

American Civil War.com; sources: U.S. Army Archives, Retrieved May 21, 2008[42] Medal of Honor citation (http:/ / www. homeofheroes. com/ moh/ citations_1862_cwh/ ortega. html)[43] History - New Mexico Troops (http:/ / www. civilwararchive. com/ Unreghst/ unnmtr. htm#1stcav)[44] Cazadores Espanoles Regiment (http:/ / www. latinamericanstudies. org/ civil-war-cubans/ cazadores. htm)[45] Unlike the other military units the European Brigades also had the rank of Third Lieutenant[46] Hispanic Confederate Heritage (http:/ / www. pricecamp. org/ hispanic. htm)[47] Texas State Historical Society (http:/ / www. tshaonline. org/ handbook/ online/ articles/ pom02)[48] Shippen, Edward (1883). "Naval Battles, Ancient and Modern." J.C. McCurdy & co.. pp. 638.[49] Fernando Fernández-Cavada Collection, 1846-1976 | University of Miami Cuban Heritage Collection (http:/ / proust. library. miami. edu/

findingaids/ index. php?p=collections/ findingaid& id=57& q=& rootcontentid=6389)[50] Hovey (Public Printer, Santa Fe), O.P. "Laws passed by the General Assembly of the Territory of New Mexico" (http:/ / books. google. com/

books?id=1d5GAQAAIAAJ& pg=PA110& ). New Mexico Territorial Laws [9th Assembly] 1859-'60. State of New Mexico, 1860 Reprinted1930. . Retrieved 14 December 2011. p.110

[51][51] "New York Times"; May 10, 1892; Obituary; page 5[52] "Ambrosio José Gonzales, a Cuban Patriot in Carolina"; by: Lewis Pinckney Jones; Wofford College (http:/ / www. jstor. org/ pss/

27565994)[53] Madame Loreta Janeta Velazquez: Heroine or Hoaxer (http:/ / www. historynet. com/ madame-loreta-janeta-velazquez-heroine-or-hoaxer.

htm)

Hispanics in the American Civil War 13

References

Article Sources and Contributors 14

Article Sources and ContributorsHispanics in the American Civil War  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=507159410  Contributors: 1kn0wtruth, Auntof6, Ben Ben, Drbreznjev, Durindaljb, ELApro,Katharineamy, Life of Riley, M-le-mot-dit, Marine 69-71, Minturn, ResearchRave, Rich Farmbrough, Rjwilmsi, RobertLunaIII, SamEV, ShelfSkewed, Sun Creator, TheVirginiaHistorian,WereSpielChequers, Wild Wolf, Woohookitty, Δ, 7 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Acw bs 7a.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Acw_bs_7a.png  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Common Good, Smooth OFile:Admiral David G Farragut.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Admiral_David_G_Farragut.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Dual Freq, Howcheng,Missvain, Mu, Steven Andrew MillerFile:Santos Benavides.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Santos_Benavides.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Chesdovi, Homo lupus, The OriginalHistorygeekFile:CIVILWAR,PRSOLDIERsmall2.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:CIVILWAR,PRSOLDIERsmall2.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: unknownFile:Federico-23.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Federico-23.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: unknownFile:Garesche-167x300.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Garesche-167x300.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: unknownFile:Emilio-1-258x306.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Emilio-1-258x306.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Unknown photographerFile:Loreta Janeta Velazquez .jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Loreta_Janeta_Velazquez_.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: US ArmyFile:Bataille de la baie de Mobile par Louis Prang (1824-1909).jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Bataille_de_la_baie_de_Mobile_par_Louis_Prang_(1824-1909).jpg License: Public Domain  Contributors: Julian O. Davidson. Original uploader was Carajou at en.wikipediaFile:1862 sketch.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:1862_sketch.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Federico Fernández CavadaFile:JosFChaves.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:JosFChaves.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Mathew BradyFile:Francisco Perea.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Francisco_Perea.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Lemonsquares, MonkeybaitFile:Adolfo-cavada.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Adolfo-cavada.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Unknown photographer. Original uploader was Marine69-71 at en.wikipediaFile:Ambrosio José Gonzales.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ambrosio_José_Gonzales.png  License: Public Domain  Contributors: UnknownFile:Capture of USS Columbine2.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Capture_of_USS_Columbine2.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: unknownFile:ArmyMoH 1862-95X.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:ArmyMoH_1862-95X.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: CORNELIUSSEON, FSII, JwillburFile:NavyMOH 1862-1912.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:NavyMOH_1862-1912.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: Bahamut0013, CORNELIUSSEON, FSII,JwillburFile:Ortega meda of Honor.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ortega_meda_of_Honor.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: U.S. Naval History and HeritageCommand Photograph; Photo #: NH 105926

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