Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Henry Algernon DU PONT
Du Pont, Henry Algernon, soldier, was born near Wilmington, Del., July 30, 1838; son of Henry and Louisa (Gerhard) Du Pont. He was graduated at the United States military academy, West Point, May 6, 1861, at the head of his class and was promoted 2d lieutenant of engineers. He was appointed lst lieutenant 5th artillery, May 14, 1861, regimental adjutant, July 6, 1861, and was acting assistant adjutant-general of troops in New York harbor in 1862-63. He was promoted captain 5th artillery March 24, 1864, and commanded a battery at the battle of New Market, West Virginia, and as chief of artillery of that department took part in the battles of Piedmont and Lynchburg, and later in those of
Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek as commander of the artillery in the corps of General Crook.
He was brevetted major for gallantry at Opequan and Fisher's Hill, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel, Oct. 19, 1864, for distinguished services at Cedar Creek. He resigned from the army in March, 1875, and in 1879 became president and general manager of the Wilmington & Northern railroad company.
In 1895, after a long deadlock in the Delaware legislature in an effort to elect a United States senator as successor to Anthony Higgins, Colonel-Du Pont's friends presented his name, and on the 9th day of May, 1895, he received fifteen of the thirty votes east. The election was contested on the question of the right of William T. Watson, ex-speaker of the state senate, then serving as governor, to a vote in the General assembly; with his vote there was a tie and without it Du Pont had a majority of one. On Jan. 31, 1896, the senate committee on privileges and elections reported in favor of Colonel Du Pont. On May 15 1896, the senate, by one majority on a strict party vote, declined to seat him.
Medal of Honor Citation: By his distinquished gallantry, and voluntary exposure to the enemy's fire at a critical moment, when the Union lines had been broken, encouraged his men to stand to their guns, checked the advance of the enemy, and brought off most of his pieces.
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