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Biographical sketches.
Was born in
York, Pa., February 27, 1823; graduating at
West Point in June, 1843, he was assigned to the corps of topographical engineers.
In the ‘Chihuahua Column’ in the early part of
Gen. Taylor's campaign in
Northern Mexico, he served upon the staff of
Gen. Wool.
He was on the staff of the
commander-in-chief at
Buena Vista, and for ‘gallant and meritorious services’ in that battle, was brevetted first lieutenant.
For several years prior to 1852, he was instructor in natural and experimental philosophy, at
West Point Military Academy.
He subsequently filled the same chair in the
College of New York.
He was engineer in charge of the
Capitol at
Washington, from November, 1859, to March, 1861.
Naturally the services of a loyal, trained soldier, so accomplished as was the subject of this sketch, were in eager demand in the spring of 186; he was appointed, May 14, colonel of the Twelfth United States Infantry, and three days later was commissioned brigadier general, United States volunteers.
Gen. Franklin commanded a brigade in
Heintzelman's division at
Bull Run.
During the period of organization of the Army of the Potomac, and until its movement in the spring of 1862, he commanded a division which was first assigned to
McDowell's corps.
The division was detached in April, 1862, and joined
McClellan before
Yorktown.
Gen. Franklin commanded at
West Point near the mouth of the
Pamunkey, May 6, 1862, and during this month organized the Sixth Army Corps, which he commanded till the following November.
During this period he commanded in the affairs at Golding's Farm and
White Oak Swamp, June 27 to 30; commanded the left at
South Mountain, September 14, his troops capturing Crampton's Gap; relieved
Sumner's command in the afternoon of September 17, at
Antietam.
In November he assumed command of the left grand division
