Vermont soldier. Vergennes, Addison County, Vermont, native. Son of Samuel Hitchcock and Lucy Caroline Allen Hitchcock. Graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, Orange County, New York, in 1817. Served as a third lieutenant in United States Army Corps of Artillery from July 17, 1817 to February 13, 1818. Served in the 8th United States Infantry Regiment as a second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and adjutant, from February 13, 1818 to June 1, 1821. Served in the 1st United States Infantry Regiment as a first lieutenant, adjutant, and captain from June 1, 1821 to July 7, 1838. Served in the 8th United States Infantry Regiment as major from July 7, 1838 to January 31, 1842. Served in the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment as lieutenant colonel from January 31, 1842 to April 15, 1851. Served in the 2nd United States Infantry Regiment as colonel from April 15, 1851 to October 18, 1855. Resigned from the United States Army on October 18, 1855. Commissioned Major General of Volunteers in the United States Army on February 10, 1862. Detailed on service as commissioner for the exchange of prisoners.