Joseph Howland - The War Years

The War Years

Howland’s life as a country gentleman ended with the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861. Upon the outbreak of the war, Howland immediately joined the 16th New York State Volunteers, where he served first as the regiment’s adjutant and later as its chief of staff. Howland made an impressive soldier; when the commander of the 16th New York received a promotion, Howland was the unanimous choice to replace him as colonel.

Howland's time as commander of the 16th New York was short-lived. On June 29, 1862, during the Battle of Gaines' Mill, one of the Seven Days Battles of the Peninsula Campaign, Howland was directing his men into their place in the line when a Confederate bullet struck him in the thigh. He refused to go back to the hospital, staying with his men until the end of the battle. The regiment's official report credits Howland with “…the most undaunted bravery and marked coolness…” as he stayed on his horse and rode up and down the line, giving orders and shouting encouragement to his men, “…unmindful of…the leaden hail…” through which he had to ride. For his courage at Gaines' Mill, he was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers.

The official report also stated that Howland’s wound “…will disable him for several weeks.” In fact, the wound ended Howland’s military career; the wound and the resulting fever dangerously undermined his health and made further active service impossible. He resigned as commander of the 16th New York and never served again in the field. Howland returned to duty during the New York City draft riots in 1863, placing himself at the disposal of the civil and military authorities as they tried to quell the largest municipal riots in American history. Howland quickly organized a regiment of civilian volunteers to help suppress the chaos, but after the emergency passed he returned to civilian life.