10 Facts About Lorenzo Thomas

Lorenzo Thomas was an American officer in the United States Army who was Adjutant General of the Army at the beginning of the American Civil War.

Lorenzo Thomas graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1823, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 4th US Infantry.

Lorenzo Thomas received a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel for Monterrey, which was made permanent in 1852.

Just before the start of the Civil War, Thomas was promoted to colonel and adjutant general of the US Army on March 7,1861.

Lorenzo Thomas held the position of adjutant general until he retired in 1869, except for a special assignment to recruit African-American troops in the Military Division of the Mississippi from 1863 to 1865.

Many historians have claimed Thomas was banished in disgrace after conspiring to defame Union General William T Sherman as insane.

Lorenzo Thomas created the first black troop in Arkansas, fighting for Union side as part of Bureau of Colored Troops, which was created by the War Department on May 22,1863.

Lorenzo Thomas, still stinging from his bad treatment by Stanton, boasted of his ability and determination to oust him from office by force, if necessary.

Lorenzo Thomas retired from the Army on February 22,1869, ten days before Johnson left office.

Lorenzo Thomas died in Washington, DC Lorenzo Thomas is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown.