HALL, William P., soldier, born about 1820; died in New York city, 20 October, 1865. He enlisted as a private in the regular army, and before he was of age was advanced to the rank of sergeant-major. He took part in the Mexican war, and it is said that he was the first to place the United States colors on the heights of Chapultepec. For this act he was commissioned captain in the regular army, which appointment he refused for private reasons. His claims were strongly urged by his comrades for the snuff-box that was left by Andrew Jackson as a legacy to the bravest soldier. The New York common council, who had the difficult task of awarding this gift, decided in favor of another on the ground that Lieutenant-Colonel Hall belonged to the regular army, which debarred him from the list of competitors. He served in the civil war, was seriously wounded on several occasions, and was taken prisoner by the Confederates when major of the 9th New York, or Ira Harris cavalry. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, 11 January, 1865. He contracted a disease in prison which caused his death. He contributed many articles to periodicals.