Francis Baylies (1783-1852) served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was also a prolific historian who published several books, including A narrative of Major General Wool’s campaign in Mexico, in the years 1846, 1847, and 1848.

John Ellis Wool (1784-1869) was a United States army officer who served in the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, and American Civil War. He lived for many years in Troy, New York. Wool was a Captain in the 13th United States Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812. During the battle he led a team of men up the heights and successfully captured the enemy cannon, despite having been shot in his thighs. Although the cannon had been spiked by the British before being captured, the Americans were able to occupy the heights and remained largely sheltered by foliage. When Isaac Brock and his aide-de-camp John Macdonell arrived and charged the hill, the Americans were able to shoot and kill both men. The British later recaptured the heights. Wool was promoted to Major and led his regiment at the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814.

In the Mexican-American War Wool led an expedition that resulted in the capture of Saltillo and was at the Battle of Bueno Vista. General Zachary Taylor gave Wool credit for many of the successes during the war. When the American Civil War began in 1861 Wool commanded the Department of the East and helped secure control for the Union of Fort Monroe, Virginia. Wool was 77 when the Civil War began but was still in good health and able to serve. In 1862 he was promoted to Major General and retired in 1863.

Click here to view the Drafts of an unpublished history of John E. Wool and the Battle of Queenston Heights, 1851-1866 finding aid