The Resume

(1786-May 29, 1866)
Brigadier General during the War of 1812
Wrote the U.S. Army's first standard drill book
Major General during the Mexican-American War
Whig Party nominee for President of the United States (1952)
Commander of the U.S. Army (1841-1861)
Buried at West Point

Why he might be annoying:

His initial service in the military was lackluster and lead to his court-martial after only a year of service.
He was captured during the Battle of Queenston Heights and released in a prisoner exchange (1812).
For his stressing constant drills and training, he earned the title 'Old Fuss and Feathers.'
He supervised the removal of the Cherokees from Georgia to reservations in Oklahoma during the infamous 'Trail of Tears' incident (1838).
He often clashed with the political figures of his time.
He was the victim of a campaign to assassinate his character by the Polk Administration, one which was largely effective.
He lost horribly to Franklin Pierce in a presidential election (1852).

Why he might not be annoying:

He was court-martialed for calling General James Wilkinson a 'traitor, liar and scoundrel.' These accusations later prove to be true.
He accurately theorized the fault of the American army during the War of 1812. He felt it was comprised of poorly trained militias with civilians at command that weren't effective military leaders.
He trained his troops and frequently drilled them. This made them more effective against the British than the other brigades, during the war.
He made several visits to Europe in order to learn different methods of troop training.
He negotiated disputes between Indian tribes.
He settled border disputes between the United States and Canada averting possible conflicts (1838, 39).
He commanded the American forces that entered Mexico City and ended the Mexican-American War.
Almost all of the major generals during the Civil War served under him during the Mexican-American War and took notes.
He remained loyal to the Union after the outbreak of the Civil War.
He was one of the few generals on the Union's side that did not think the rebels would be suppressed in less than four months. He was derided as an old man who often fell asleep at his desk.
The plan he devised to end the Civil War was almost exactly like the one General Grant and General Sherman used to finally end it.
He is seen by historians as the most important American general of the 19th century.
He had a reputation for total honesty and strong leadership skills.

Credit: Captain Howdy

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Captain Howdy's Profiles [Series 2]
• Diego Rivera Portraits
• Generals and Admirals
• I am on a U.S. Postage Stamp [R-T]
• I Attended William and Mary
• I Sought Political Office
• Look at Me, I'm Wearing Military Garb
• Profiles 13251-13500 (Ranked: 13381)
• Served in the American Civil War [1861-65]
• Served in the War of 1812

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 7 Votes: 85.71% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 9 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 14 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 34 Votes: 64.71% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 28 Votes: 46.43% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 36 Votes: 52.78% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 69 Votes: 56.52% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 145 Votes: 57.24% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 245 Votes: 61.63% Annoying