Robert Patterson (January 12, 1792-August 7,1881) was an Irish immigrant and a noted soldier and businessman from Pennsylvania.

Patterson was born in Cappagh , County Tyrone, Ireland . His family was banished from Ireland due to his father's involvement as an insurrectionist. He immigrated to the United States where he eventually became involved in banking at a young age. He volunteered in the army during the War of 1812. After the war he became influential in politics in Pennsylvania.

He was comissioned a major general of volunteers at the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. He commanded the 2nd Division, Army of Occupation during the Tampico Expedition . He was at first considered for command of the expedition that eventually went to Winfield Scott. He was however placed in command of its 4th Division. He fought at the battle of Veracruz and at the battle of Cerro Gordo he was severely wounded and his career in active service ended.

He returned to his businesses in Pennsylvania where he aquired 30 cotton mills. The Civil War brought him back military service. He was appointed major general of Pennsylvania volunteers and commanded the Dept of Pennsylvania and the Army of the Shenandoah. In 1861 Winfield Scott, now general-in-chief , gave Patterson vague orders to retake Harpers Ferry. Patterson failed to act on these orders and a Confederate army at Winchester, Virginia under Joseph E. Johnston was able to march and reinforce the Confederates at the First Battle of Bull Run. Patterson recieved and honorable discharge and mustered out of the army in July, 1861.

He again returned to his cotton milling business and wrote a book A Narrative of the Campaign in the Valley of the Shenandoah in 1861 (1865). He died in Philadelphia in 1881.

Source

• http://www.multied.com/Bio/UGENS/USAPatterson.html