Orlando Willcox, Hero of the First Battle of Bull Run
On January13, 1862, Gov. Austin Blair approved a joint resolution asking Michigan’s congressional delegation to use their influence to assist the exchange of prisoners of war.
The legislative request was focused on obtaining the release of Colonel Orlando B. Willcox, who had languished in a southern prison since his capture on July 21, 1861, at the Battle of First Bull Run. Commander of the First Michigan Infantry Regiment, Willcox was finally exchanged on August 19, 1862. The following day, he was promoted to brigadier general. Years after the war, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at First Bull Run.
Source: Michigan History magazine