The distinguished General whose name stands at the head of this article, may not have been brought so prominently before the public as some of his brethren in command; but an examination of his career, since he entered our army, will show that he possesses military talents of the very highest order. Nor is he more remarkable for these, than for the virtues of social life. He is equally estimable as a soldier and as a citizen. General Wool is a native of the state of New York. His family were Whigs of the Revolution. He was born in Orange county; but has resided in Rensselaer county since his early childhood. Having lost his father at that period, he was taken in charge by his grandfather, with whom he lived till he was 12 years of age. He then removed to the city of Troy-where his family now dwell -to acquire a knowledge of business, with a view to his becoming a merchant. In that city he prosecuted this profession with suc cess until the loss of his property by fire gave a different direction to the energy which distinguished him as a merchant. He accepted a commission as captain in the 13th regiment of U. S. Infantry. He has thus been truly the founder of his own fortune and fame. His cominission bears date April, 1812. Having raised a company in Troy, he made his military debut at the heights of Queenston. Previous to that remarkable action, our army had suffered so many reverses as to occasion the imputation of misconduct and cowardice against our officers and troops, and therefore The original painting, from which a faithful engraving has been made, is regarded by all who know General Wool, as an excellent likeness. It represents him in military costume, and would be instantly recognized by any one who has seen him on parade. The dark, piercing eye, the calm but firm composure of countenance, the compressed lip, indicative of brave resolve, and the whole contour, showing the decision and energy of his character, cannot be mistaken by those who are acquainted with him it was thought necessary to make some brilliant effort in order to redeem their character, and to raise in the country a proper spirit for prosecuting the war. Accordingly Maj. General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had received the command of the militia of the state of New York on the Niagara frontier, and had established his head quarters at Lewiston, determined to storm the heights of Queenston, a formidable post, fortified and held by a part of the British army. A first detachment of six hundred men were despatched on this hazardous service, under the command of Colonel Van Rensselaer, aid-de-camp to the General, and Lt. Col. Chrystie. In the detachment were Captain Wool and three companies of the 13th. When they arrived at the Niagara river, it was found that there was not a sufficient number of boats to transport more than half of them. Van Rensselaer crossed. Chrystie remained behind; but the three companies of the 13th, which were part of his command, accompanied Van Rensselaer. Their captains were Wool, Malcolm, and Armstrong. On Captain Wool the command of these devolved, and never did young officer and soldiers bear themselves more gallantly under the most trying circumstances. A band of fewer than three hundred were about to attack a position of extraordinary strength. Their setting foot on the Canadian side of the river was the signal for a tremendous fire from the enemy. But onward and upward they struggled. In the desperate encounter nearly every officer and many of the soldiers in Captain Wool's command were killed or wounded. He himself was shot through both thighs. But now was not the time to yield. Col. Van Rensselaer was supposed to be mortally wounded, and was fast sinking from loss of blood. Wool sought him and requested permission to continue the assault. The Colonel was unwilling to entrust the fate of the affair to a young officer who was for the first time on the field; but reluctantly consented. The excitement of the occasion and the importance of the object imparted strength to the faint and weary band. They climbed the heights. and the British were driven down from their batteries. Gen. Brock, at Fort George, hearing the noise of the conflict, set out with a party to assist his countrymen. On their arrival, some one in the wing commanded by Captain Wool raised a white flag, as if demanding a cessation of hostilities. Wool struck it down, trampled it on the ground, and rallying our forces by a desperate effort, once more charged the British, reinforced though they were, and once more drove them from the heights. Brock was slain-a panic seized the British-they abandoned their position and fled. Thus opened the brilliant career of General Wool. His daring and military genius were at once conspicuous, and proved him to be one to whom his country could look with confidence in any emergency that might call her sons into the field. For his gallant conduct at Queenston he was promoted to the rank of Major, and assigned to the 29th regiment of foot. The northern frontier was the principal theatre of action for this regi |