After failing to earn re-election as secretary of state, Barlow was appointed U.S. marshal for the southern district of New York by newly elected President Ulysses S. Grant. He inaugurated a major shake-up of personnel and refused to make political contributions based on the presumed emoluments of the office, offering only to make a donation on the basis of his salary. He also prevented his assistants from receiving any money other than that authorized by law. Grant then placed Barlow in command of the combined military, naval and revenue forces of New England, New York and New Jersey. His assignment was to prevent filibustering expeditions to Cuba, and he did the job well.

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Barlow’s attempt to regain the position of secretary of state in 1869 was successful, and the following year he was elected attorney general of New York state. In the latter capacity, he initiated prosecution of the notorious ‘Tweed Ring.’ He also became one of the founders of the U.S. Bar Association. Barlow’s last public service entailed investigating the disputed presidential election of 1876 in the state of Florida, which was still under a Reconstruction government. He then practiced law privately until his death on January 11, 1896. Although he had spent most of his public career in New York, he was buried at his boyhood home of Brookline, Mass.

Dubbed the Boy General because of his slight build and youthful looks, Barlow possessed the sort of aggressive spirit that won the admiration of superiors and common soldiers alike. From the beginning of the war until the last days at Appomattox, Barlow was never less than fearless, energetic and committed to the cause of Federal victory. Throughout the vicious fighting, he and his men were usually in the forefront. All in all, the Boy General did everything required of him — and usually more.

This article was written by Richard F. Welch and originally appeared in the March 1998 issue of America’s Civil War. For more great articles be sure to pick up your copy of America’s Civil War.

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