Macomb, Alexander (1782-1841) General: Alexander Macomb was born on Detroit, Michigan, on June 25, 1841. He entered the army in 1799, as a cornet of cavalry, and was retained after the partial disbanding of troops that occurred in 1802. In 1805, he became a captain, and was a major in 1808. At the beginning of the War of 1812, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel of engineers and adjutant-general of the army. Concerned that his position would not bring him into active service, he transferred to the artillery. In 1813, he fought at Niagara and Fort George, and was promoted to brigadier general in 1814. In command of the northern frontier, bordering on Lake Champlain, he attacked the British force under Sir George Provost, and helped force them to retreat to Canada. For this, Macomb was promoted to the rank of major general, and received the gratitude of Congress and a gold medal. After the war, Macomb remained in the military as a colonel of engineers; and was promoted to a major general and general-in-chief of the army in 1828. He fought briefly in the 1835 hostilities in Florida. Macomb died on June 25, 1841, in Washington, D.C. ; and was buried with military honors in the Congressional cemetery.