The Biographical Dictionary of America/Arnold, Lewis G.

ARNOLD, Lewis G., soldier, was born at Morristown, N. J., in December, 1815. He was graduated at West Point in 1837, and was given the rank of 2d lieutenant of artillery. He served in the Florida war in 1837-'38; in escorting the Cherokee Indians to the west in 1838; and on the northern frontier during the Canadian border disturbances. He fought with conspicuous bravery during the Mexican war, being engaged in the siege of Vera Cruz, where he was wounded. He also served at the battle of Cerro Gordo, the capture of San Antonio and the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, receiving the rank of captain for gallantry in the last engagement, and brevet major for conduct at Chapultepec. In 1848 he was assigned to garrison duty at Fort Monroe, Va., remaining there five years. From 1853 to 1857 he was engaged in the Florida hostilities, and was on garrison duty until the beginning of the civil war. In May, 1861, he was promoted major, and in November of the same year received the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel for his services during the bombardment of Fort Pickens, Fla. In January, 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, and was stationed at various posts in Florida and Louisiana until November, when he was on sick leave. In August, 1863, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of artillery, and was retired from active service Feb. 8, 1864. He died in South Boston, Mass., Sept. 22, 1871.