James Duncan (September 29, 1811 – July 3, 1849) became a hero of the Mexican–American War for his capable command of an artillery battery at several important battles. He was a graduate of United States Military Academy in 1834 and served in the Seminole Wars. In 1848, he became involved in a post-war squabble between several general officers, though it did not harm his prospects. After his exploits in the Mexican–American War, he was appointed Inspector general of the US Army. A promising career was cut short when he died of yellow fever on an inspection tour of Mobile, Alabama in 1849.
Early career
James Duncan was born on September 29, 1811, at Philipstown, New York. He became a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on January 1, 1831, and graduated on July 1, 1834, as a brevet second lieutenant in the 2nd Artillery Regiment. He was posted to the garrison of Savannah, Georgia in 1834–35. He became a full second lieutenant on November 17, 1834. He taught mathematics as an assistant professor from February 14 to April 7, 1835. He fought in the Second Seminole War in 1835–36. He fought in skirmishes on February 27–29, 1836 near Camp Izard where he was wounded. He also fought at Oloklikaha on March 31 the same year.
On November 30, 1836, he was promoted to first lieutenant. In 1836–37, he transferred to Fort Trumbull in Connecticut where he was placed in charge of public property. In 1838 he again served in the Second Seminole War before helping to supervise the Cherokee removal, part of the Trail of Tears. He was posted to northern frontier during the Canada border disturbances and then to Cleveland, Ohio. He was posted to Buffalo, New York in 1838–39. He went to a camp of instruction at Trenton, New Jersey in 1839. He was at Buffalo again in 1839–41, helping to police Canada border disturbances. He transferred to Fort Hamilton in New York in 1841–42, Fort Adams in Rhode Island in 1842–43, and back to Fort Hamilton in 1843–45.
Mexican–American War
Early successes
In 1841 an artillery system emerged where the M1841 6-pounder field gun and the M1841 12-pounder howitzer were adopted as light artillery. At the start of the Mexican–American War, the US Army maintained four artillery regiments, each with 10 companies of 50 men each. However, there were only four highly trained light artillery batteries: Duncan's Company A, 2nd Artillery Regiment, Samuel Ringgold's Company C, 3rd Artillery, Braxton Bragg's Company E, 3rd Artillery, and John M. Washington's Company B, 4th Artillery. The first three were assigned to Zachary Taylor's army from the start, while Washington joined Taylor later. The standard mixed light artillery battery included four 6-pounder field guns and two 12-pounder howitzers.
Duncan joined Taylor's army in the military occupation Texas in 1845–46. On July 31 1845, the first echelon of Taylor's army landed at Corpus Christi, Texas. After months in camp, the first elements of the American army set out for Port Isabel, Texas which would serve as the forward base. Duncan's promotion to captain came through on April 16, 1846.
On May 8, 1846, Taylor's army met the Mexican army of Mariano Arista in the Battle of Palo Alto. Duncan's battery was posted on the American left flank while Ringgold's battery was on the right. In the center stood two heavy 18-pounder cannons. Opposing the 2,228 Americans were 3,826 Mexicans with two 8-pounders and at least six 4-pounders. Duncan's and Ringgold's batteries deployed in front of the American infantry line and about from the Mexican defenders. Though many rounds overshot their targets, the effect of the American artillery fire was murderous. Meanwhile, the U.S. infantrymen were largely spectators to the artillery duel. Late in the afternoon, the Mexicans launched an infantry and cavalry attack against the American left wing, but it was repulsed by Duncan's battery. Though the battle ended inconclusively, the Americans lost only five killed, 43 wounded, and two missing. Ten more later died of their wounds including Ringgold who was struck in both legs by a 4-pounder shot. Arista reported 102 killed in his official report, but privately admitted losing 252 men killed.