Sherman (IV)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

THOMAS WEST, an American military officer; born in Newport, R. I., March 26, 1813; was graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1836 and assigned to duty with the 3d Artillery. He served in the Florida and Mexican Wars, and for his services in the latter was brevetted major, Feb. 23, 1847. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was placed in command of a battery of United States artillery and later was made chief of light artillery in the defense of Washington, D. C. He organized an expedition for the capture of Bull's Bay, S. C., and Fernandina, Fla., for the use of the blockading fleet on the southern coast; commanded the land forces of the Port Royal expedition in 1861-1862; led a division in the Department of the Gulf in 1862-1863, and participated in the siege of Corinth. While leading a column in the assault on Port Hudson, La., on May 27, 1863, he lost his right leg, in consequence of which he was on leave of absence till February, 1864. On his return to duty he was placed in command of a reserve brig rigade of artillery in the Department of the Gulf, and later took charge of the defenses of New Orleans and the Southern and Eastern Districts of Louisiana. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted majorgeneral of volunteers and major-general, U. S. A., for gallant services during the After the war he commanded at war. Fort Adams, R. I., and at Key West, Fla. He was retired as full major-general, U. S. A., on Dec. 31, 1870; and died in Newport, R. I., March 16, 1879.