Patterson, Robert (1792–1881)

Irish-born soldier. As a major general he commanded Union forces around Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1861 and was criticized for failing to attack the Confederates in his front, leaving them free to reinforce General Beauregard at Bull Run (July 1861). He left the army a few days after the battle.

Patterson was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. Immigrating to the USA as a boy, he served in the War of 1812 with the Pennsylvania militia and in the Mexican War as a major general of volunteers. He prospered from the sugar industry and cotton mills and was a promoter of the Pennsylvania Railroad before being reactivated as a major general.