HATCH, John Porter, soldier, born in Oswego, New York, 9 January, 1822. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1845, and assigned to the 3d infantry. Subsequently he was transferred to the mounted rifles, and promoted 2d lieutenant, 18 April, 1847. He saw service during the military occupation of Texas in 1845-'6, and took part in all the principal battles of the Mexican war, being brevetted 1st lieutenant, 20 August, 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Centreras and Churubusco, and captain on 13 September, for gallantry at Chapultepee. After the conclusion of the Mexican war, he was chiefly engaged in Iron Her duty and on various expeditions against the Indians until 1861, when he was acting as chief of commissariat in the Department of New Mexico, after receiving a captain's commission on 13 October, 1860. On 28 September, 1861. he was made brigadier-general of volunteers, and in December following was placed in command of a brigade of cavalry at Annapolis, Maryland, under General King. He distinguished himself by several daring reconoissances about Gordonsville, the Rapidan, and the Rappahannock, and afterward commanded the cavalry of the 5th army corps, taking part in the battles of Winchester, Groveton, and Manassas, Virginia, where he was wounded and made brevet major for "gallant and meritorious services." he was again severely wounded at the battle of South Mountain, Maryland, 14 September, 1862, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel. Disabled by his injuries and unable to report for duty until 18 February, 1863, he was then employed on courts-martial, assigned to command the draft rendezvous at Philadelphia, and given charge of the cavalry depot at St. Louis until 27 October, 1863, when he was made major of the 4th cavalry. During the remainder of the war he was assigned to various commands in the Department of the South, being in charge of John's Island and Honey Hill, South Carolina, during the attacks on those places. He was also under General Sherman's orders, co-operating with him while he latter was moving up the coast, and participating in several skirmishes. From 26 February to 26 August, 1865. he was in command of the Charleston district, Department of South Carolina. On 13 March of the latter year he was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general for his services during the civil war, and major-general of volunteers for the same cause. From the close of the war until 1881 he was on duty principally in Texas, the Indian territory, Montana, and Washington territory, and was promoted colonel, 2d cavalry, 26 June, 1881. Colonel Hatch remained in command of his regiment until 9 January, 1886, when he was retired by operation of law.