Civil War Union Army Officer. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 35, and was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 14th New York State Militia, a unit that was officially designated the 84th New York Volunteer Infantry, but was familiarly know as the "14th Brooklyn" and "The Red Legged Devils". On July 21, 1861, at the First Battle of Bull Run, he led his regiment in two attempts to capture Henry Hill, which was defended by General "Stonewall" Jackson and his Virginia troops. In the second charge up the hill, "Stonewall" Jackson said, "Here come those red legged devils again", thus giving the regiment it's nickname. Jackson's troops released a murderous volley into the regiment, wounding Colonel Wood, who was captured by the Confederates. Without a commander, the 14th Brooklyn withdrew. He was later exchanged for a Confederate Colonel. Because of his wounds, he was discharged on October 18, 1861, and the command of the unit passed to Edward Brush Fowler, who would lead the unit at the Battle of Gettysburg, and emerge from the War a Brevet Major General of Volunteers. Alfred Wood returned to Brooklyn, where he was elected Mayor in 1864.
Civil War Union Army Officer. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 35, and was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 14th New York State Militia, a unit that was officially designated the 84th New York Volunteer Infantry, but was familiarly know as the "14th Brooklyn" and "The Red Legged Devils". On July 21, 1861, at the First Battle of Bull Run, he led his regiment in two attempts to capture Henry Hill, which was defended by General "Stonewall" Jackson and his Virginia troops. In the second charge up the hill, "Stonewall" Jackson said, "Here come those red legged devils again", thus giving the regiment it's nickname. Jackson's troops released a murderous volley into the regiment, wounding Colonel Wood, who was captured by the Confederates. Without a commander, the 14th Brooklyn withdrew. He was later exchanged for a Confederate Colonel. Because of his wounds, he was discharged on October 18, 1861, and the command of the unit passed to Edward Brush Fowler, who would lead the unit at the Battle of Gettysburg, and emerge from the War a Brevet Major General of Volunteers. Alfred Wood returned to Brooklyn, where he was elected Mayor in 1864.
Inscription
W
ALFRED M. WOOD
BORN APRIL 19TH, 1825
DIED JULY 28TH, 1895
COL. BROOKLYN 14 REGIMENT
MAYOR OF BROOKLYN
1864
WOOD
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