John McNeil, Jr.

John McNeil Jr. (March 25, 1784-February 23, 1850) was an American soldier, who distinguished himself in leading the bayonet charge of his regiment which secured the victory to the Americans in the Battle of Chippewa. For his conduct in this battle, and in that of the Battle of Bridgewater, where he was severely wounded, he was successively brevetted as lieutenant colonel and colonel.

War of 1812
He was born Hillsborough, New Hampshire, entered the service as Captain in the 11th U.S. Infantry regiment March 12, 1812, was appointed Major August 15, 1813.

Battle of Chippewa
General Winfield Scott having given the necessary orders, cried out to the battalion of Major McNeil—the 11th infantry, which had not a recruit in it—on the left,— " The enemy say we are good at long shot, but cannot stand the cold iron! I call upon the Eleventh instantly to give the lie to that slander !"—" Charge!" he added, as the shot from Towson's guns ploughed through and through the British ranks. " Charge !—Charge!" he repeated in thundering tones, rising up in his stirrups, and waving his men on with his sword.

This masterly charge, so well conceived and executed, put an end to the contest. The front lines of the enemy staggered, and rolled back in a confused mass on the reserve. All caught the infection of defeat, and the slope leading down to the Chippewa was soon darkened by a cloud of fugitives. The pursuit was ordered, but was checked when the Americans reached the stream, by the hostile batteries that frowned on the opposite shore.

General Scott and his men held their ground manfully, till the arrival of General Brown, who had hurried forward with his suite, in advance of the brigades of Generals Ripley and Porter, as soon as the firing was heard. Meanwhile the 11th and 22nd infantry, under Colonel Brady and Major McNeil, both of whom were severely wounded, having expended their ammunition, were withdrawn from action, and the whole brunt of the battle in front, was sustained by the 9th infantry, commanded by Major Leavenworth.

Major General Jacob Brown's Report To The Secretary Of War, July 7, 1814:

"...I cannot deprive myself of the pleasure of saying that... Major McNeil the 11th. Col. Campbell [of the 11th] was wounded early in the action, gallantly leading on his regiment."

He was made a brevet lieutenant colonel for the Battle of Chippewa July 5, 1814.

Battle of Bridgewater
Made brevet Colonel for the Battle of Niagara July 25, 1814, in which he was severely wounded.

Post war service
Lieutenant Colonel 1st U.S. Infantry February 24, 1818. Brevet Brigadier General July 25, 1824, Colonel 1st U. S. Infantry April 28, 1826.

He was appointed Surveyor of the port of Boston in 1829, resigned his commission in the Army April 23, 1830, and died in Washington, D.C. February 23, 1850.