Thomas Jesup American

The Kentuckian, Thomas Jesup (1788-1860), served under General Hull at Detroit and was greatly ashamed of his commander's quick surrender of the fort. Jesup was imprisoned in Canada for a number of months and was promoted to the rank of captain while still a prisoner in January of 1813. Jesup was eventually exchanged back to the United States and participated in some of the war's bloodiest battles at Chippawa and Lundy's Lane at the head of the 25th Infantry. Despite heavy losses to the regiment, and Jesup's own severe wounds, the 25th managed to capture the British General Phineas Riall behind enemy lines in the confusion at Lundy's Lane. Though he was breveted colonel for his bravery, he maintained that his commander, Winfield Scott, failed to acknowledge the crucial role played in these battles by the regulars under his command. A devoted military man, Jesup would go on to participate in wars against the Creek and Seminole nations, as well as against Mexico. He would eventually rise to be Quartermaster General of the U.S. army, a position which he occupied for forty-two years; this remains the longest tenure of any staff officer in American history.