The West Point Boys - Israel B. Richardson

Israel Bush Richardson was born in Fairfax, Vermont on December 26th, 1815. He graduated from West Point in the Class of 1841. He served in both the Seminole Indian Wars in Florida and the Mexican War where he earned two brevets. In 1855 he gave up his commission as Captain, 3rd U. S. Infantry, and settled on a farm near Pontiac, Michigan.At the outbreak of the Civil War Richardson recruited and organized the 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He became the colonel of the 2nd Michigan in May of 1861.He commanded the 4th Brigade, 1st Division at First Bull Run. His brigade of Tyler's division was involved in limited action at First Bull Run near Blackburn's Ford and in covered the withdrawal. He was then appointed to Brigadier General of Volunteers. He was liked by his men. They called him 'Fighting Dick'. His men said that he was the plainest general in the army. He wore an old straw hat and never wore his uniform jacket in camp, so no rank insignia was displayed. Sometimes he was even mistaken for a wagon driver. In battle Israel Richardson was a top notch officier. His men said that he would tell them, "I won't ask you to go anywhere I won't go myself."