Brackett, Albert G. (Albert Gallatin), 1829-1896

Soldier; colonel, 9th Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War; author.

From the description of Letter : to Col. Albert G. Brackett, 1895 May 7. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 27418123

Colonel Brackett spent several years following the Civil War on the western frontier in command of military posts for the 2d United States Cavalry. Fort Bridger, Wyoming, occupied by troops sent to settle the Mormon troubles in 1858; occupied until 1890.

From the description of Papers : 1870 ;. (Colorado Newspaper Project, Colorado Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 27817569

Albert Gallatin Brackett was born on 1829 February 14 in Cherry Valley, Otsego County, New York. He moved to Indiana in 1846 and volunteered for service in the Mexican War. As an officer in the 4th Indiana Volunteers, Brackett participated in campaigns in Huamantla, Puebla, and Atlixco. Following his discharge, he returned to Indiana and began a medical practice. In 1855 Brackett resumed a military career as a captain in the U.S. Cavalry and served on the Texas frontier. He left Texas upon the surrender of federal troops in 1861 and served in the Union army throughout the Civil War, rising to the rank of colonel. After the war, Brackett participated in Indian wars in the West and returned to Texas again as commander of Fort Davis. He retired from the Army in 1891. Brackett died in Washington, D.C., on 1896 June 25 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Brackett was the author of two books that drew on his military experience: General Lane’s Brigade in Central Mexico (1854) and History of the United States Cavalry (1865). In 1853 he married Martha Briggs, with whom he had a son. After their divorce in 1867, he married Rose Knight.

From the guide to the Albert G. Brackett Letters Doc 5173., 1846-1863, (Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas)