Jacobus Magendie Confer, a 21 year old medical student, enlisted as a "high" private in the American Highlanders at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on December 25, 1846. He mustered in as a private in Compay B, 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers at Pittsburgh on January 3, 1847, and was promoted to 4th sergeant just seven days later. On August 5, 1847, Confer was detached to the regimental hospital as ward master. He mustered out of service with Company B on July 14, 1848. During the Civil War, Confer served as a surgeon with the 29th Indiana Volunteers from February 10 to December 8, 1863.
The American Highlanders hailed from Summit and Cambria counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Highlanders marched under the command of Captain John W. Geary to Pittsburgh where they were mustered into federal service as Company B, 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, on January 3, 1847. Members of the company participated in the Mexican War battles of La Hoya, Chapultepec, and Garita de Belen. Company B was mustered out of service in Pittsburgh on July 14, 1848. A total of 96 men served. Six joined as recruits in Mexico; 7 men deserted; 14 men suffered battle-related injuries, two of which were fatal; 27 Highlanders died in service; and 16 received discharges before muster out.
Sources:
- Hackenburg, Randy W. Pennsylvania in the War with Mexico. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane Publishing Company, Inc., 1992.
From the guide to the An Account of the March of the American Highlanders from the Summit to the City of Mexico by way of Pittsburg, New Orleans, Vera Cruz, etc. GA51., 1848, (Special Collections, The University of Texas at Arlington Library)
