Barton's Brigade

William B. Barton (1835-1891)

Commanding the first brigade was Colonel William B. Barton of the Forty-eighth New York. Less than thirty years old, Barton assumed command of the regiment after the sudden death of Colonel James H. Perry. He led the unit with distinction during the Battery Wagner defeat, and in early 1864 was commanding a brigade at St. Helena, South Carolina. Transferred to command of the brigade which included his old regiment, the Florida expedition gave Barton his first opportunity to lead a brigade in battle.

The young colonel performed capably at Olustee and indeed for the remainder of the war. In March 1865 he earned a brevet promotion to brigadier general in recognition of his wartime services. Barton operated a theater in New Jersey after the war.

Colonel Barton's Official Report of the Battle

Union Order of Battle

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