---

This officer started his military career commissioned as a lieutenant and as Paymaster in the First Rhode Island Volunteers. It wasn't long after the regular army drill master resigned his post that Henry Sisson was given charge of leading the men and officers of the First Rhode Island in Zouave and Hardee drill.

July 16, 1861, Gen. Irvin McDowell made his entrance into Northern Virginia. Henry T. Sisson was given charge of the skirmishers of the Second Rhode Island entering the town of Fairfax Courthouse, and during the First Battle of Bull Run July 21, 1861.

April 1862 Henry Sisson was appointed by Governor William Sprague to fill the rank of major with the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery at Hilton Head, South Carolina. June 16, 1862. Henry had command of companies "B" "F" and "K" during the Battle of Secessionville, South Carolina. Sisson's three companies performed with great courage and steadiness. Major Sisson was given the honor of bearer of the flag of truce and had a friendly meeting with Confederate Colonel Goodlett.

Henry Sisson was appointed Colonel and was given command of the Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, November 5th 1862. In April 1863 Department of North Carolina, Commander Major General John Grey Foster was besieged with several Union regiments in the town of Washington, North Carolina. Colonel Sisson, in what was believed to be one of the bravest acts of the war, sailed with his entire regiment under tremendous fire to the relief of M. Gen. Foster and the beleagured regiments.