SUMNER, EDWIN VOSE ( 1797-1863 ) . An American soldier, born in Boston, Mass. He was educated at Milton Academy, entered the United States Army, distinguished himself in the Black Hawk War, and was engaged in fight ing Indians on the Western frontier. In 18'38 he was placed in command of the school of cav alry practice at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. In the Mexican War, before the outbreak of which he had attained the rank of major, he participated in all the engagements of Scott's army in the advance from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, was wounded while leading a cavalry charge at Cerro Corclo, and for gallantry in holding in cheek a body of 5000 Mexican lancers at Molino del Rey was brevetted colonel. In 1857 he con ducted a successful campaign against a hostile band of Cheyennes. In March, 1861, he was pro moted to the rank of brigadier-general, and re lieved Albert Sidney -Johnston (q.v.) of the com
mand of the Department of the Pacific. In the fol lowingyear hewas recalled and placed in command of the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He distinguished himself in the Peninsular cam paign, particularly in the battle of Seven Pines (q.v.) ; was twice wounded in the Seven Days' Battles before Richmond; was brevetted major general in the Regular Army and was appointed major-general of volunteers; and took part in the battle of Antietam, in which he was again wounded. Ile eommanded the right wing of Burnside's army at Fredericksburg. Relieved at his own request after the appointment of Hooker to succeed Burnside. he was assigned to the com mand of the Department of Alissouri, and died suddenly while on his way thither.