Henry Shaw Briggs was born in Lanesboro, Massachusetts in 1824. After graduation from Williams College, he practiced law until commissioned Captain, 8th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (militia) 30 April 1861. He was promoted to Colonel, 10th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment 21 July 1861. He distinguished himself at Fair Oaks and was promoted Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers 17 July 1862. He also led several Army of the Potomac units in 1863. He was serving as a member of a general court-martial at the end of the war and was mustered out 4 December 1865. After the war, he was the State Auditor of Massachusetts until 1869 when he became a Judge of the District Court. He later became an appraiser of the Boston Customs House until he died in 1887.
From the description of The Henry S. Briggs papers, 1824-1887, bulk 1861-1865. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 21472513
