Robert Patterson (January 12, 1792 – August 7, 1881) was an Irish-born United States major general during the American Civil War, chiefly remembered for inflicting an early defeat on Stonewall Jackson, but crucially failing to stop Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston from joining forces with P. G. T. Beauregard at the First Battle of Bull Run. He is still blamed for this historic Union defeat. Early life and War of 1812 Patterson was born in Cappagh, County Tyrone, Ireland. His family was banished from Ireland due to his father's involvement in insurrectionism. In 1799, he emigrated to the United States, and eventually involved himself in banking. Patterson received his education in public schools and afterward became a clerk at a Philadelphia counting house. Volunteering for service during the War of 1812, he rose from the rank of captain to colonel in the 2nd Pennsylvania Militia, before joining the United States Army. He served in the Quartermaster General Department and was discharged in 1815 as a captain. Shortly thereafter, Patterson returned to his former commercial pursuits, this time in manufacturing, and established several mills, bringing extended influence to politics in Pennsylvania. Patterson was one of the five Col. Pattersons in the Pennsylvania Convention who nominated Andrew Jackson for the presidency and in 1836 was President of the Electoral College that cast the vote for Martin Van Buren. Pennsylvania Militia Patterson served as the Commander of the Pennsylvania State militia. In 1838, he led troops to end the Anti-Abolition Riots in Philadelphia which led to the destruction of Pennsylvania Hall. Again, in 1844, he helped put down the Philadelphia Bible Riots against Irish Catholics, resulting in the destruction of St. Michael's and St. Augustine's Churches. The first riot took place in Kensington in May, and another took place in Southwark in July. On each occasion, Gen. Patterson led militia into combat with rioting civilians, leading to loss of life on both sides. Mexican-American War service Patterson was commissioned a major general of volunteers at the outbreak of the Mexican–American War and commanded the 2nd Division, Army of Occupation, during the Tampico Expedition. He was considered for command of the expedition to Veracruz which eventually went to Winfield Scott. He was, however, placed in command of the expedition's Volunteer Division and saw action during the Siege of Veracruz and at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, where he was wounded. He led the American