Colonel Thomas Cass (c. 1821 – July 12, 1862) founded and was commander of the 9th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army, which saw extensive service in the American Civil War.

On June 26, 1862, the Ninth Regiment participated in the Battle of Mechanicsville, about six miles from Richmond, Virginia, which resulted in a Union Army victory and more than 2,000 Confederate casualties.

The supporting troops eventually arrived, but by this point the opposing forces had built their strength and the Ninth was unable to hold the bridge any longer.

The Ninth Regiment participated in the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862, as part of the Peninsular Campaign waged by the Union Army intending to capture the city of Richmond, Virginia.

The unit’s casualties were very heavy; along with losing their two top commanders, roughly half the regiment was put out of action, totaling 166 men.

Cass died in Boston, July 12, and his funeral was attended by Lieutenant-Colonel Guiney, Major Hanley, and other men of the Ninth who were home on sick leave.

It was, however, so roundly criticized for its lack of artistic merit that the Society of the Ninth Regiment commissioned sculptor Richard E. Brooks to create a new bronze statue of the Colonel.