Biographical
[574] [575]Major-Generals and brigadier-generals, provisional army of the Confederate States, Accredited to Virginia.
Brigadier-General Joseph Reid Anderson
Brigadier-General Joseph Reid Anderson, of Virginia, was a graduate of the United States military academy, class of 1836. He was appointed to a lieutenancy in the Third artillery. He served for a time as assistant engineer in the engineer bureau at Washington, and on July I, 1837, was transferred to the corps of engineers as brevet second lieutenant. In this line of duty he assisted in the building of Fort Pulaski, at the entrance of the Savannah river. He resigned his commission September 30, 1837, to accept the position of assistant engineer of the State of Virginia; was chief engineer of the Valley turnpike company, 1838-41, and subsequently, until the outbreak of war, was head of the firm of Joseph R. Anderson & Co., proprietors of the Tredegar iron works and cannon foundry at Richmond. Entering the Confederate army, he was commissioned brigadier-general in September, 1861, and was assigned to command of the Confederate forces at Wilmington, N. C. Early in the spring of 1862, he was called to Virginia, and on April 25, 1862, he was ordered with his brigade to the vicinity of Fredericksburg, where General Field was then stationed, and instructed by General Lee to assume command in that quarter, attack the enemy or confine his field of operations. Fredericksburg was occupied by McDowell's Federal troops, and Anderson commanded the Confederate force confronting him during the Peninsula operations under Johnston. He was then assigned to a new division formed under A. P. Hill, and in command of the Third brigade of Hill's light infantry, he participated in the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill and Frayser's Farm. In the latter he was particularly distinguished in the gallant action of his Georgia brigade, and was seriously wounded. He resigned July 19, 1862. Subsequently he gave his attention to the management of the Tredegar iron works. His death occurred at the Isle of Shoals, N. H., September 7, 1892.[576]
Brigadier-General Lewis Addison Armistead
Brigadier-General Lewis Addison Armistead was born at New Bern, N. C., February 18, 1817, a son of Gen. Walker Keith Armistead, who, with four brothers, served in the war of 1812. He was appointed a cadet in the United States military academy in 1834, and on July 10, 1839, he became second .lieutenant in the Sixth United States infantry. In March, 1844, he was promoted first lieutenant, and in this rank entered the war with Mexico, in which he was distinguished, receiving the brevet rank of captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and brevet major for his services at Molino del Rey. He continued in the army until the beginning of the Confederate war, serving for some time against the Indians on the border, and being promoted captain in 1855. He was given the rank of major, Confederate States army, to date from March 16, 1861, and later in the same year became colonel of the Fifty-seventh Virginia regiment, which he commanded in the neighborhood of Suffolk and in the defense of the Blackwater in the following winter. April 1, 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general, and in this rank he was assigned to the command of a brigade in the division of Benjamin Huger. At Seven Pines, on the first day, he was distinguished for personal bravery, making a heroic stand with a small part of his men against an entire brigade of the enemy until reinforced by Pickett. On June 25th, he was stationed about 5 miles from Richmond, between York River railroad and the Williamsburg road, where he was engaged in continual skirmishing until the advance to Malvern hill. In this latter battle he was ordered by General Lee to ‘charge with a yell’ upon the enemy's position, after the action of the artillery had been shown to be effective. ‘After bringing on the action in the most gallant manner by repulsing an attack of a heavy body of the enemy's skirmishers,’ General Magruder reported, ‘he skillfully lent support to the contending troops’ in front of his position. After this campaign he was identified with the excellent record of R. H. Anderson's and Pickett's divisions, commanding a brigade consisting of the Ninth, Fourteenth, Thirty-eighth, Fifty-third and Fifty-seventh Virginia regiments. On September 6th, at the outset of the Maryland campaign, he was assigned to the duty of provost marshalgeneral of the army, considered by General Lee at that [577] juncture of the greatest importance, and in that capacity he brought up the rear of the army as it advanced. He participated in operations of General McLaws against Harper's Ferry, and after the retreat was left at Shepherdstown to guard the ford. He continued with Pickett's division throughout its subsequent duty. Reaching the battlefield of Gettysburg on the 3d of July, he formed his men in the second line of assault against Cemetery hill. ‘Conspicuous to all, 50 yards in advance of his brigade, waving his hat in the air, General Armistead led his men upon the enemy with a steady bearing which inspired all with enthusiasm and courage. Far in advance of all, he led the attack till he scaled the works of the enemy and fell wounded in their hands, but not until he had driven them from their position and seen his colors planted over their fortifications.’ This was the testimony of Colonel Aylett, who succeeded to the immediate command of the remnant of the brigade that was led into action. General Lee wrote in his report, ‘Brigadier-Generals Armistead, Barksdale, Garnett and Semmes died as they had lived, discharging the highest duties of patriots with devotion that never faltered and courage that shrank from no danger.’Brigadier-General Turner Ashby
Brigadier-General Turner Ashby, a hero of the South whose memory is cherished with peculiar tenderness by the people of the Shenandoah valley, was born at Rose Hill, Fauquier county, in 1824. He was a grandson of Capt. John Ashby, of the revolutionary war. At the time of John Brown's raid he was captain of a volunteer cavalry company, which he led to the scene of trouble. On the 16th of April, 1861, he was at Richmond, with other bold spirits, and took part in the planning of the capture of Harper's Ferry. The next morning, the day of the passage of the ordinance of secession, he went to his home to call out his cavalry company. His brief career from that time was of the most romantic nature, and he speedily became the idol of the volunteer troopers who rallied at Harper's Ferry in April and May, to recruit Jackson's forces. He was assigned to command of the Confederate post at Point of Rocks, where his activity and alertness were of great value. In June he was in command of a troop of Col. Eppa Hunton's regiment, but obtained permission to rejoin his own regiment, [578] Col. Angus McDonald's legion, and McDonald recommended him to promotion as lieutenant-colonel, speaking of him at this early date, June 25th, as ‘already known as one of the best partisan leaders in the service.’ Meanwhile Ashby, in addition to his other duties, had attracted attention by his daring in making a trip to Chambersburg, Pa., disguised and unattended, and obtaining complete information regarding the Federal force under Patterson. He was soon promoted lieutenant-colonel, and the rank of colonel followed in a few months. While Johnston was moving to Manassas, to the support of Beauregard, Ashby and Stuart, with their cavalry commands, were very successful in masking the transfer of the troops until it was too late for Patterson to have any influence upon the battle of July 21st. In October, General Jackson was assigned to the Valley district, and Ashby, as colonel of the Seventh Virginia cavalry, was put in command of the cavalry. In February he was authorized by the war department to raise cavalry, infantry and heavy artillery. During one of the engagements of 1861, his brother, Capt. Richard Ashby, to whom he was tenderly attached, had been slain by the enemy, and the circumstances of the death so affected him as to give to his natural heroism an extraordinary enthusiasm. Turner Ashby was of striking aspect and splendid personality, when he came to take command of Jackson's cavalry. In form he was trimly built, in movement graceful, and when mounted on his splendid horse, he appeared a chevalier of romance. The attachment of his men to him was displayed on all occasions, and his own devotion to Jackson was so great that he was accustomed to say, ‘I would follow him or go where he commanded without knowing anything except that it was Stonewall Jackson's order.’ His faith in Jackson was like Jackson's faith in Lee. It is this trust of the army in its leaders reciprocated by the faith of the leaders in the army which makes heroes in battles. In March he withdrew with Jackson from Winchester, before the advance on Banks, but on the 22d returned and by an audacious attack drove in the enemy's outposts. The battle of Kernstown immediately followed, in which Ashby, with his cavalry and artillery, and an infantry support, rendered effective service upon the Confederate right. After this Jackson was rapidly reinforced, and [579] Ashby's force was recruited to the dignity of a brigade, though his commission as brigadier-general was not issued until May 23d. He pursued the Federals after the battle of McDowell, played a prominent part in the rout of the Federals at Middletown, and defended the rear during the Confederate retreat up the Valley early in June. On the 3d his horse was shot under him while his men were burning the bridge over the Shenandoah. ‘Ashby has infernal activity and ingenuity in this way,’ Shields reported to Washington. On June 6th, near Harrisonburg, he repulsed an attack, capturing the Federal commander, Sir Percy Wyndham. He immediately planned an ambush of the pursuing Federal advance, and a fierce combat ensued. As Ashby led the attack, his horse was shot under him, and he rushed forward on foot, urging his men to charge, when a ball pierced his breast and he fell forward dead. His death was felt as a severe loss to the army. Jackson wrote to General Imboden: ‘Poor Ashby is dead. He fell gloriously. I know you will join with me in mourning the loss of our friend, one of the noblest men and soldiers in the Confederate army.’ In his official report he wrote: ‘As a partisan officer, I never knew his superior. His daring was proverbial, his powers of endurance almost incredible, his tone of character heroic, and his sagacity almost intuitive in divining the purposes and movements of the enemy.’ In October, 1866, his body was reinterred with impressive ceremonies in the Stonewall cemetery at Winchester, where the anniversary of his death is annually commemorated by the strewing of flowers upon the graves of the unknown dead.Brigadier-General Seth Maxwell Barton
Brigadier-General Seth Maxwell Barton was one of four sons of Thomas Bowerbank Barton, a lawyer of Fredericksburg, Va., all of whom served in the Confederate States army. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1849, and promoted brevet second lieutenant, Third infantry. After serving a year at Fort Columbus, N. Y., he was promoted second lieutenant, First infantry, and assigned to duty in the Southwest, where he served mainly until 1861, winning promotion to first lieutenant in 1853 and captain in 1857. He was stationed during most of this period at the Texas forts, was adjutant of his regiment, 1855 to 1857, fought against the Comanche Indians in 1857, and in 1861 [580] participated in the march to Fort Leavenworth. After his resignation, which took effect June 11, 1861, he entered the Confederate service, with the rank of captain of infantry, C. S. A., and became lieutenant-colonel of the Third Arkansas regiment, Col. Albert Rust, which constituted part of the command of Gen. Henry R. Jackson, in the West Virginia campaign of 1861. He fortified Camp Bartow, on the Greenbrier, and in command of his regiment participated in the heroic defense of the works in October, at which the enemy met with his first repulse in that region. He subsequently acted as chief engineer of the army during the Bath and Romney expedition, winning special mention by Stonewall Jackson. When Gen. E. Kirby Smith was assigned to the department of East Tennessee, Barton was sent to his assistance, with promotion to brigadier-general. During the Cumberland Gap campaign he commanded the Fourth brigade, consisting of Alabama and Georgia regi. ments and Anderson's Virginia battery. Subsequently, with Stevenson's division, he took part in the defense of Vicksburg. At the time of Sherman's advance by way of Chickasaw bayou late in December, 1862, he commanded the Confederate center, his troops bravely holding their ground under a severe fire of musketry and artillery, which continued for three days, and repulsing five assaults on the 29th. The siege of Vicksburg followed, and he was surrendered July 4, 1863, but soon afterward exchanged. He was then given command of Armistead's brigade, Pickett's division; was stationed at Kinston, N. C., during the latter part of the year, and was the leader of one of the columns in the demonstration against New Bern about February 1, 1864. On May 10th he participated in the battle of Drewry's Bluff, against Butler, fighting bravely in the midst of his men, and being the first to take possession of the guns from which the enemy were driven. Immediately after this he was relieved from command by Gen. Robert Ransom. His restoration was petitioned for twice by the regimental officers of the brigade, who expressed entire confidence in his skill and bravery. General Ransom himself admitted that the personal gallantry of General Barton could not be questioned. Though feeling that injustice had been done him, he remained in the service, and accepted command of a brigade for the defense of [581] Richmond, comprising artillery and reserve infantry, under Lieutenant-General Ewell. He served at Chaffin's farm until the evacuation of Richmond, and then joined in the retreat of Custis Lee's command, as far as Sailor's creek, where he was captured April 6, 1865. Since the war General Barton has made his home at Fredericksburg, Va.Brigadier-General Richard L. T. Beale
Brigadier-General Richard L. T. Beale was born at Hickory Hill, Westmoreland county, Va., May 22, 1819, and was educated at Northumberland academy and Dickinson college, Pa. Then taking up the study of law, he was graduated by the law department of the university of Virginia in 1838. Subsequently he was engaged in the practice of his profession and attained prominence in the political field. From 1847 until 1849 he represented his district in Congress, to which he declined re-election. He was a delegate to the State reform convention in 1850, and was elected to the State senate in 1857. Upon the secession of Virginia he enlisted in the cavalry service, and being promoted captain and then major, was put in command at Camp Lee, near Hague, on the lower Potomac, where his intelligence and excellent judgment were of much value. Subsequently he served under Col. W. H. F. Lee, in the Ninth cavalry regiment until Lee was promoted brigadier-general, when he was advanced to the rank of colonel and given command of the regiment. In December, 1862, he attracted attention and much favorable comment by a bold expedition into Rappahannock county, in which the Federal garrison at Leeds was captured, without loss. On April 16, 1863, he won the praise of J. E. B. Stuart for his heroic service in meeting and repelling the threatened raid of Stoneman's cavalry division, and during the renewed movement by Stoneman at the close of the month, he was for a week in almost constant fighting, his regiment everywhere behaving valorously and capturing many prisoners. At the battle of Fleetwood he led the Ninth in the brilliant charge in which Gen. W. H. F. Lee was wounded and Colonel Williams killed. He participated in Stuart's raid through Maryland, fought at Gettysburg, and rendered faithful service, in the cavalry affairs during the return to Virginia. During the fight at Culpeper Court House he was in command of W. H. F. Lee's brigade. In March, 1864, having been stationed on the Northern [582] Neck, he made a forced march to intercept Dahlgren arid his raiders, and a detachment of his regiment under First Lieut. James Pollard, Company H, successfully ambushed the Federals, and aided by other detachments captured about 175 men and killed Dahlgren. The papers found. upon Dahlgren's person, revealing a design to burn Richmond and kill President Davis and cabinet, were forwarded by Colonel Beale, through Fitz Lee, to the government. A correspondence with the Federal authorities followed, in which they disavowed all knowledge of such a design. He participated in command of his regiment in the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, was distinguished in the fighting at Stony creek, and toward Reams' Station, in July, capturing two Federal standards; and in August, upon the death of General Chambliss, was given command of the brigade. February 6, 1865, he was promoted brigadier-general, and in this rank he served during the remainder of the struggle.Brigadier-General John Randolph Chambliss
Brigadier-General John Randolph Chambliss was born at Hicksford, Greenville county, Va., January 23, 1833; was graduated at the United States military academy in 1853, and being promoted to brevet second lieutenant, mounted riflemen, served at the cavalry school at Carlisle, Pa., until the following spring, when he resigned. He then returned to his home at Hicksford, where his father was a wealthy planter, and was engaged in agriculture until the spring of 1861. Meanwhile his military education was called into service by the State, and he held the position of aide-de-camp to the governor, with the rank of major, 1856-61; also commanded as colonel a regiment of Virginia militia, 1858-61, and was brigade inspector for the State two years. His father was a delegate to the convention of 1861, and he himself manifested hearty allegiance to Virginia throughout that momentous period. He was commissioned colonel of the Thirteenth Virginia cavalry regiment in July, 1861, and until the fall of 1862 was under the orders of Gen. D. H. Hill, in the department south of the James river. During the Maryland campaign he was put in command of the forces on the Rappahannock, between Warrenton and Fredericksburg, with his own regiment, the Second North Carolina cavalry, and the Sixty-first Virginia infantry. He performed his duties with such vigilance [583] and activity as to receive the warm commendation of Gen. R. E. Lee. In November he was assigned with his regiment to W. H. F. Lee's cavalry brigade, with the gallant record of which he was identified, as one of the bravest and ablest of its officers, until he gave his life for the cause which he had served with entire fidelity and self-sacrificing devotion. In April, 1864, when the cavalry corps of the Federal army proposed to cross the Rappahannock and cut off Lee's communications with Richmond, Chambliss was particularly prominent in the defeat of the movement by Lee's brigade. At Beverly ford with 50 men he drove two Federal squadrons into the river, capturing a number of prisoners. He and his men were commended both by Generals Lee and Stuart as deserving the highest praise for distinguished bravery. In the famous battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, after W. H. F. Lee was wounded and Col. Sol Williams killed, Chambliss took command of the brigade, and served in that capacity during the fighting about Aldie and Middleburg. Then riding with Stuart into Pennsylvania, he made a brilliant attack upon Kilpatrick at Hanover, driving him through the town and capturing his ambulances and a number of prisoners. His brigade and Fitz Lee's reached Gettysburg late on July 2d, and on the 3d he engaged in the fierce cavalry fight on the left of the Confederate line, between the York pike and Hanover road. Upon the retirement of the army, he aided efficiently in the protection of the Confederate trains. During the Bristoe campaign, still in command of the brigade, he reinforced Lomax at Morton's ford and defeated the enemy; and at Brandy Station the same two brigades fought with the utmost gallantry under their intrepid leaders, Chambliss winning anew the commendation of Stuart. Promoted brigadier-general in December, 1864, he continued in command of the brigade which he had led so long, through the cavalry fighting from the Rapidan to the James, gaining fresh laurels in the defeat of the enemy at Stony creek. Finally, in a cavalry battle on the Charles City road, on the north side of the James, he was killed while leading his men, August 16, 1864. His body was buried with honor by the enemy, [584] and soon afterward delivered to his friends. General Lee wrote that ‘the loss sustained by the cavalry in the fall of General Chambliss will be felt throughout the army, in which, by his courage, energy and skill, he had won for himself an honorable name.’Brigadier-General Robert Hall Chilton
Brigadier-General Robert Hall Chilton, of Virginia, was born about 1816, and entered the military academy at West Point in 1833, where he was graduated in 1837, and promoted second lieutenant of the First dragoons. He served on frontier duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; in the Osage country, among the Choctaws, in the Indian Territory, and at various other frontier posts, until 1844, when he was sent into Texas, on the expedition to the Falls of the Brazos. Meanwhile he had been promoted first lieutenant, and during the Mexican war he received promotion to captain, and brevet major for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Buena Vista. Subsequently he returned to frontier duty, from which he was transferred in 1854 to the pay department at Washington, with the rank of major. He served in this capacity at New York, Detroit and San Antonio, Tex., until the spring of 1861, when he resigned and entered the Confederate service as lieutenant-colonel in the adjutant-general's department, soon being promoted colonel. When General Lee took command of the army of Northern Virginia, he applied to Gen. Samuel Cooper for a suitable officer for chief of staff, and Colonel Chilton was at once assigned to that important position. General Lee had served with him in Mexico and Texas, and later in the progress of the war took occasion to write General Chilton that he had always been zealous and active in the discharge of his official duties, and never known to be actuated by any other motive than the interests of the service. With promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, and appointment to the position of inspector-general of the army of Northern Virginia, October 28, 1862, Chilton served in the conspicuous position of chief of staff through all the campaigns and battles of the army of Northern Virginia, from June 1, 1862, until April 1, 1864, when he resigned. After the close of hostilities he made his home at Columbus, Ga., where he became interested in manufacturing and resided until his death, in 1879.[585]
Brigadier-General Philip St. George Cocke
Brigadier-General Philip St. George Cocke was born in Virginia in the year 1808. He was educated at the United States military academy, and graduated in 1832 with the rank of brevet second lieutenant, and was soon assigned as second lieutenant to the artillery then stationed at Charleston, S. C. He served here during the exciting years of 1832-33, becoming adjutant of the Second artillery, July 13, 1833. On April 1, 1834, he resigned, and from that time until the outbreak of the Confederate war lived the life of a planter in Virginia and Mississippi. He devoted his energies and talents to agricultural pursuits, published a book on ‘Plantation and Farm Instruction,’ in 1852, and from 1853 to 1856 was president of the Virginia State agricultural society. He was prominent in Virginia councils during the momentous month of April, 1861, and on April 21st, having been appointed brigadier-general in the State service, he was assigned to command of the important frontier military district along the Potomac river. Three days later, from his headquarters at Alexandria, he reported to General Lee, stating that he had but 300 men in sight of an enemy of 10,000 rapidly increasing. Lee commended the policy Cocke had pursued, and advised him to make known that he was not there for attack, but that an invasion of Virginia would be considered an act of war. Cocke made his headquarters at Culpeper, April 27th, and on May 5th Alexandria was evacuated. He was given charge of the mustering of volunteer troops in a large part of the State, with rendezvous at Leesburg, Warrenton, Culpeper, Charlottesburg and Lynchburg, and he issued a proclamation urging rapid enlistment in defense of the State, not for aggression. In the Confederate States service he was given the rank of colonel, and in the army of Beauregard was assigned to command of the Fifth brigade, consisting of the Eighth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-eighth and Forty-ninth Virginia regiments. For ability shown in strategic movements at Blackburn's ford he was officially thanked by Beauregard. On July 20th he was stationed at Ball's ford, on Bull run, and in the Confederate preparations for the battle of the 21st, he was given command also of Evans' brigade and various unassigned companies, including cavalry and artillery. The contemplated advance which he was to make against Centreville was abandoned on account of the Federal [586] flank movement, and while Evans, reinforced by Bee and Bartow, opposed the enemy in that quarter, he sustained the attack in the vicinity of the stone bridge, with his headquarters at the Lewis house, until at 2 p. m., about an hour before the arrival of Elzey, he led his brigade into action on the left with ‘alacrity and effect.’ This was his last battle. After eight months service, during which he was promoted brigadier-general in the provisional army, he returned home, shattered in body and mind, and his life was terminated December 26, 1861.Brigadier-General Raleigh Edward Colston
Brigadier-General Raleigh Edward Colston was born at Paris, France, of Virginia parentage, October 31, 1825. When seventeen years old he came to America with a passport, as a citizen of the United States, issued by Minister Carr, and entering the Virginia military institute, was graduated in 1846. He remained at the institute as a professor until April, 1861, when he marched to Richmond in command of the corps of cadets. In May he was commissioned colonel of the Sixteenth Virginia regiment of infantry, at Norfolk, and was later assigned to command of a brigade and a district on the south side of the James river, with headquarters at Smithfield. He was promoted brigadier-general December 24, 1861. In the spring of 1862 he moved his brigade, composed of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth North Carolina and Third Virginia regiments, to Yorktown, and participated in the defense of that post, and after the retreat to Williamsburg, in the battle there and at Seven Pines. He was then disabled by illness until December, 1862, when he was assigned to command of a brigade in the department of Southern Virginia and North Carolina, and from January to March, 1863, was in command at Petersburg. After the battle of Fredericksburg he was assigned, at Stonewall Jackson's request, to the Third brigade .of Jackson's old division, and previous to the battle of Chancellorsville was given command of the division, which was distinguished for heroism on the 2d and 3d of May, participating, under his command, in the onslaught made in the evening of Saturday, and fighting desperately during the storm of battle which swayed to and fro over the Federal works on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon he made an advance toward the United States ford, in which his division, suffered severely. His division [587] lost at Chancellorsville 1,860 men out of about 6,000, including 8 brigade commanders, 3 of whom were killed. General Colston rendered especially valuable services in rallying the men under the terrific fire of the enemy's artillery, after Jackson fell, and again on Sunday morning after the Federal forces had reoccupied their intrenchments. In the latter part of May, on account of the objection of the colonels of North Carolina regiments to service under a Virginia brigade commander, General Lee put a Marylander, George H. Steuart, in command, and General Colston was ordered to report to General Cooper at Richmond. In October he was assigned to command at Savannah, Ga. In April, 1864, he returned to Virginia, and was assigned by General Wise to provisional command at Petersburg. On the night of June 8th-9th the lines were threatened by the Federal cavalry, and the alarm bells called out the home guards, old men and boys, the regular troops having been transferred to Lee's army. Immediately offering his services to General Wise he was ordered to take command on the line of lunettes, which then constituted the major part of the defenses, with the injunction to hold out until Wise could bring up his reserves. Colston joined Major Archer, who had less than 200 at the point attacked, and skillfully directed the desperate defense, holding his position until almost surrounded, when he made an orderly retreat, in which he seized a musket and fought with his men. The time gained by this gallant resistance enabled Graham's battery and Dearing's cavalry to come up in time to rout the Federal column, which was about to occupy the city. In July, General Colston was assigned to command of the post at Lynchburg, where he remained until the surrender. Subsequently he was engaged in lecturing and in the conduct of a military academy at Wilmington, N. C., until 1873, when he entered the military service of the Khedive of Egypt, in which he remained until 1879, meanwhile conducting two important exploring expeditions to the Soudan. During his last expedition he was paralyzed, and was carried hundreds of miles across the desert on a litter. Returning to Virginia he engaged in literary work and lecturing, and from 1882 to 1894 held a position in the war department at Washington. He passed the remainder of his days in the Soldiers' home at Richmond, and died July 29, 1896.[588]
Brigadier-General Montgomery D. Corse
Brigadier-General Montgomery D. Corse was born at Alexandria, D. C., March 14, 1816, and after receiving an academic education entered business with his father at his native city. Taking a prominent part in the organization of local militia at the time of the Texas troubles, he served through the Mexican war as captain of Company B, First regiment Virginia volunteers. Early in 1849 he sailed to California, and during the opening of the gold fields was occupied there in various ways, including service as captain of the Sutter Rifles, of Sacramento city, until 1856, when he returned to Alexandria and formed a partnership with his brother in the banking business. In 1860 he organized the Old Dominion Rifles at Alexandria, and later in the year became major of the battalion which included the Alexandria Riflemen, Capt. Morton Marye, the Mount Vernon Guard, his own company under Capt. Arthur Herbert, and the Alexandria artillery, Capt. Delaware Kemper. Major Corse served as assistant adjutantgen-eral until the evacuation of Alexandria, and was then assigned with his battalion to the Seventeenth Virginia regiment, of which he was promoted colonel. In Longstreet's, later Kemper's brigade, he took part in the affair at Blackburn's ford and the battles of Manassas, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, and the Seven Days fighting before Richmond. In the second battle of Manassas he commanded the brigade, and was slightly wounded, but continued on duty; fought at Boonsboro, receiving a second wound; and led the remnant of his regiment, 56 men, in the battle of Sharpsburg. The story of their devotion is told by the fact that but seven remained in the ranks at the end of the fight—Maj. Arthur Herbert, Lieut. Thomas Perry, and five privates. Colonel Corse was severely wounded and for a time lay within the enemy's lines, but was recovered by an advance of the Confederate troops. In October, General Kemper forwarded to the secretary of war two battle-flags captured by the Seventeenth regiment, asking that they be preserved with some honorable mention of the brave men commanded by Colonel Corse, ‘by whose splendid gallantry the trophies were captured.’ Upon this communication General Longstreet endorsed: ‘Colonel Corse is one of the most gallant and worthy officers in this army. He and his regiment have been distinguished [589] in at least ten of the severest battles of the war.’ R. E. Lee added: ‘This regiment and its gallant colonel challenge the respect and admiration of their countrymen.’ November 1, 1862, he was promoted to brigadier-general and assigned to the command of Pickett's old brigade. While in winter quarters he obtained leave of absence and was married to Elizabeth Beverly, but was soon afterward called to Fredericksburg to take command of a new brigade of Virginians for Pickett's division, composed of the Fifteenth, Seventeenth, Thirtieth and Thirty-second regiments, to which the Twenty-ninth was added later. During the Pennsylvania campaign of 1863 he was on duty with his brigade at Hanover Junction. Rejoining the army near Winchester, he moved in advance as Lee fell back toward the Rappahannock, and rendered valuable service in driving the enemy from Chester and Manassas gaps. In the fall and winter of 1863-64 he took his brigade to southwest Virginia and east Tennessee, co-operating with Longstreet; engaged the enemy at Dandridge in January, and then returned to Petersburg. Ordered at once to Kinston, N. C., he took part in the operations against New Bern until called to the defense of Richmond. He and his brigade were distinguished in the defeat of Butler at Drewry's bluff, May 16th. He shared the service of Pickett's division during the siege of Petersburg and Richmond. In the spring of 1865 Corse and his men fought bravely at Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks, and ended their military career with honor at Sailor's creek. After the surrender by Ewell, General Corse was conveyed to Fort Warren, and there confined until August, 1865. He left Washington on his way to Fort Warren on the day that Lincoln was assassinated, and he and the fourteen generals accompanying him narrowly escaped the violence of a mob at a town in Pennsylvania, on the next morning. Nothing saved them that day but the pluck and determination of the small guard of Union soldiers and officers who had them in charge. After his release from Fort Warren he returned to Alexandria and engaged in the banking business with his two brothers, J. D. and William Corse. He was very seriously injured in the fall of a part of the capitol at Richmond. It is probable that the injuries received on this occasion caused in part the blindness from which he suffered for [590] some years. With the exception of poor eyesight he was in the best of health until about a year before his death, which occurred February 11, 1895, after a short illness.Brigadier-General James Dearing
Brigadier-General James Dearing, of Virginia, was born in Campbell county, April 25, 1840. He was a great-grandson of Col. Charles Lynch, of revolutionary fame, who, through his summary way of treating the Tories, gave his name what is now known as ‘lynch law.’ He was educated at Hanover academy, Virginia, and was appointed a cadet in the United States military academy. He resigned as soon as the adherence of Virginia to the Confederacy was determined upon, and entered the Confederate army. He chose the artillery service at the outset, becoming a lieutenant of the Washington artillery, of New Orleans, a fine organization which created much enthusiasm on its arrival in Virginia. His brilliant service in the artillery led to his promotion to captain of a battery attached to Pickett's division. As lieutenant and captain he participated in the principal battles of the army of Northern Virginia until after Chancellorsville, when he was promoted major, and put in command of a battalion of eighteen guns in the reserve artillery of Longstreet's corps. He reached the battlefield of Gettysburg with Pickett's division, and took part in the tremendous artillery duel which followed on the third day. In the winter of 1863-64, Pickett, having been assigned with the remnant of his division to the district of North Carolina, with headquarters at Petersburg, Va., found himself in need of cavalry, and collecting various companies of mounted men, he wrote to the secretary of war, ‘I shall assign them to the command of Major Dearing, and ask that he may be ordered to the command of these troops, with the temporary rank of colonel. He is a young officer of daring and coolness combined, the very man for the service upon which he is going, a good disciplinarian, and at the same time generally beloved by his men. I am not saying too much in his absence in assuring you that General Longstreet would strongly endorse his claims to promotion had he the opportunity.’ Dearing was at once given this command, though Lee wrote a few days later, in ordering the New Bern expedition, ‘I propose Major Dearing for the command of the artillery of this expedition.’ [591] The appreciation of his service in the artillery was still further shown on April 5, 1864, when Lieutenant-Colonel Dearing was ordered to report to General Lee for assignment to command of the horse artillery of the army of Northern Virginia. Dearing's service, however, was from the beginning of 1864 in the cavalry. The regiment collected for him by Pickett was called Dearing's Confederate cavalry, and other cavalry commands were put in his charge during the New Bern expedition, in which he was distinguished, and was promoted brigadier-general. Early in May he was called to the Petersburg lines, on account of the opening of Grant's campaign. At first stationed on the Weldon railroad, and in command of a brigade consisting of his regiment, a Georgia regiment and two other North Carolina regiments of cavalry, a Virginia battalion and Graham's light artillery, he was soon called to the line of Swift's creek and Drewry's bluff, to meet the advance of Butler. On June 9th his command engaged Grant's cavalry at Reservoir hill, and drove the enemy from the field by an impetuous charge. On the 15th of June, Grant's whole army now being south of the James, Dearing's regiment made a gallant stand against the advance, which Beauregard reported as of incalculable advantage to his command. Subsequently he commanded a brigade of W. H. F. Lee's cavalry division, and shared the duties of that command throughout the remainder of the war. During the retreat in April, 1865, he was mortally wounded in a remarkable encounter with Brig.-Gen. Theodore Read, of the United States army. The two generals met on the 5th of April at High Bridge on the Appomattox, at the head of their forces, and a duel with pistols ensued. General Read was instantly killed, but General Dearing lingered for a few days after the surrender of General Lee, when he died in the old City hotel at Lynchburg.Brigadier-General John Echols
Brigadier-General John Echols was born March 20, 1823, at Lynchburg, Va., and was educated at the Virginia military institute, Washington. college and Harvard college. Entering upon the practice of law at Staunton he soon attained distinction. He was a man of magnificent figure, standing 6 feet 4 inches, and his mental qualities fully sustained his physical capacity for [592] leadership. After taking a prominent part in the Virginia convention of 1861, he offered his military services, and was promptly commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and ordered by General Lee to call out, and muster in the volunteer forces in the vicinity of Staunton, including the mountain counties, for Johnston's army. This work done he was assigned to the Twenty-seventh regiment, which he commanded at First Manassas, where he had a gallant part in earning the title of the ‘Stonewall brigade.’ He was soon afterward promoted colonel, and in this rank served with Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah valley through the winter and spring of 1861-62. In Jackson's report of the battle of Kernstown he related that ‘Col. John Echols with his regiment, With skirmishers thrown forward, kept in advance and opened the infantry engagement, in which it was supported by the Twenty-first. Well did these two regiments do their duty, driving back the enemy twice in quick succession. Soon a severe wound compelled the noble leader of the Twenty-seventh to leave the field.’ This wound, received March 23d, disabled him for some time. His gallantry was recognized by promotion to brigadiergen-eral in April, 1862, and a few months later he was assigned to command of a brigade of the army of Western Virginia, with which he was afterward prominently identified. He participated as a brigade commander in Loring's occupation of the Kanawha valley in September, and after Loring had withdrawn to the mountains, Echols was assigned to the command of the army of the department of Western Virginia, superseding Loring. He promptly reoccupied Charleston, but was again compelled to retire before superior forces. He resigned his department command in the spring of 1863, and during the following summer served upon the court of inquiry held at Richmond to investigate the cause of the fall of Vicksburg, Gens. Howell Cobb and Robert Ransom being the other members. Later in the year he commanded the Confederate forces in the battle of Droop Mountain, West Virginia, a hard-fought contest, in which his command, though forced to retire; gave an effectual check to the Federal plans. In May, 1864, he commanded Breckinridge's right wing at the successful battle of New Market, in the Valley; and was then called with his brigade to Lee's army on the Cold Harbor line, where he [593] served with credit. On August 22, 1864, he was given charge of the district of Southwestern Virginia, and on March 29, 1865, was ordered to the command of the western department of Virginia, relieving General Breckinridge. On April 2d he began a march to unite with Lee, and reached Christiansburg on the 10th, where he received a telegram announcing the surrender at Appomattox. It was a terrible blow to his little army of 6,000 or 7,000 men, and caused indescribable consternation. At a council of war it was determined to march to unite with Johnston's army, and Echols set out at the head of Vaughn's and Duke's brigades on the 11th. Subsequently he accompanied President Davis to Augusta, Ga., and was for a short time in command at that place. After the close of hostilities he re-entered the law practice at Staunton, also exerted a beneficent influence in public affairs as a member of the committee of nine, in restoring Virginia to its proper relations with the general government, and as a member of the Virginia legislature. He was one of the early members of Stonewall Jackson camp, Confederate veterans, at Staunton, and was always faithful to the soldiers of the Confederacy. He was very successful both in law and in business, displaying great executive ability; became president of the Staunton National Valley bank, and receiver and general manager of the Chesapeake, Ohio & Southwestern railroad. The duties of the latter office required his residence in Kentucky during the last ten years of his life. He was twice married, first to a sister of Senator Allen T. Caperton, of West Virginia, and after her death to Mrs. Mary Cochrane Reid, of New York. He died at the residence of his son, State Senator Edward Echols, at Staunton, May 24, 1896.Brigadier-General John B. Floyd
Brigadier-General John B. Floyd, of Virginia, was born at Blacksburg, Pulaski county, June 1, 1801. He was the son of Hon. John Floyd, a Democratic statesman of the old school, who served in Congress for several terms, was governor of the State, and in 1852 was a candidate for the presidency of the United States. Young Floyd was educated at the college of South Carolina, with graduation in 1826, after which he studied law and was admitted to practice. Turning to the West for a field of effort, he removed to Arkansas, but three years [594] later again made his home in Virginia. He resumed the practice of his profession in Washington county, and took an active and prominent part in the political affairs of the day. After serving three terms in the legislature he was elected governor of Virginia in 1850. In 1853 he was again elected to the legislature, and in 1856 he was a delegate to the national Democratic convention. In the ensuing campaign he supported Buchanan, and when that gentleman was inaugurated president he called Floyd to his cabinet as secretary of war, where he served until the latter part of December, 1860. After the secession movement had begun in the South it was charged by Floyd's political opponents in the North that he had been secretly aiding in advance the Confederate cause by dispersing the army to distant points on the frontier, by shipping an undue proportion of arms and munitions to Southern posts, and that he was privy to the abstraction of $870,000 in bonds from the department of the interior. He was indicted accordingly at Washington, but he promptly met the charges, appeared in court and gave bail, and demanded trial. In January, 1861, the charges were investigated by a committee of congress, and he was completely exonerated. After leaving Washington he returned home and remained there until the spring of 1861, when he was commissioned brigadier-general in the Confederate army, May 23d. In command of his brigade he participated in the West Virginia campaign, joining General Wise in the Kanawha valley and taking command in that district August 12th. On the 26th he defeated Colonel Tyler, of Rosecrans' command, at Carnifax Ferry, but from lack of co-operation was unable to follow up his success. Here he fought a battle with Rosecrans in September, and at Gauley Bridge had another engagement in October. He was subsequently assigned to the army under Albert Sidney Johnston, in command of a brigade of Virginia troops, the Thirty-sixth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first and Fifty-sixth and Virginia artillery. In the organization of the Central army of Kentucky he commanded one of the three divisions. When Grant advanced from Cairo, Johnston intrusted the defense of Fort Donelson to Generals Floyd, Pillow and Buckner, Floyd taking general command by virtue of seniority. He withstood an assault by both the land and naval forces of the enemy on February 13th and [595] 14th, and on the next day, believing his position untenable, ordered an attack in the hope of cutting a path of retreat through the investing lines. A fierce and stubborn battle followed, in which Pillow was successful in gaining possession of the Charlotte road and Buckner was equally successful on the Wynn's Ferry road. Floyd then ‘started for the right of his command to see that all was secure there,’ his intention being to hold the positions gained and immediately move out the entire army. During his absence a change was made in the disposition of the troops by General Pillow, and the enemy pressed forward, and with the help of reinforcements regained so much of their lost ground that it became necessary to withdraw to the original Confederate position. A council of war followed, in which the generals were united that resistance was useless against the great investing force, but both Pillow and Floyd declared that they would not surrender, and General Buckner assumed that responsibility. Forrest took out his cavalry through the submerged river road, and General Floyd, with a large part of his brigade, embarked on the river transportation and reached Nashville in safety. He subsequently had command of the ‘Virginia State Line,’ operating in southwestern Virginia, finally retiring to his home at Abingdon, Va., where he died August 26, 1863.Brigadier-General Samuel Garland
Brigadier-General Samuel Garland was born at Lynchburg, Va., December 16, 1830, of an old Virginia family, his great-grandmother having been a sister of President Madison. His father, Samuel Garland, Sr., a well-known lawyer, died when his son was five years old. He entered a classical school at the age of seven years, and was graduated at the Virginia military institute, where he was the founder and president of the first literary society of that institution. In 1851 he was graduated in law at the university of Virginia, and he at once entered upon the practice of the profession at Lynchburg. His career during the period before the war was one of worthy prominence, and he became widely esteemed as a skillful lawyer and polished gentleman. In 1859, after the affair at Harper's Ferry, he organized the Lynchburg Home Guard, of which he was the first captain. He was not by inclination a military man, entering the service both in 1859 and 1861 as a matter of duty; but when enlisted [596] in the fight, no labor was too fatiguing and no peril too hazardous for his devoted and intrepid spirit On April 23, 1861, he left home with his well-drilled and disciplined company, and proceeded to Richmond, where his men were mustered into the service of Virginia, as Company G of the Eleventh Virginia infantry, on the following day. Of this regiment, composed of four Lynchburg companies and commands from other Virginia towns, he was placed in command as colonel, a few days later. He took his regiment to camp at Manassas, where it joined the brigade of General Longstreet. In the fight at Blackburn's ford the regiment was distinguished, and Colonel Garland was mentioned by General Longstreet, with others, as having ‘displayed more coolness and energy than is usual amongst veterans of the old service.’ In the famous battle of the 21st, the regiment was intended to take an active part, but the Federal flank movement caused the fight to open in another quarter. After the engagement Colonel Garland was detailed to collect the spoil of battle on the field. In the fight at Dranesville, in December, he was reported as behaving with great coolness. In the absence of orders he held his line until the rest of the Confederate force was entirely withdrawn from the field. In February, 1862, he was commended by General Johnston as fully competent to command a brigade. In March he moved with his regiment to the Peninsula, where the brigade came under the command of A. P. Hill. In the battle of Williamsburg, the most severe loss was sustained by the Eleventh regiment, and Hill reported that ‘Colonel Garland, though wounded early in the action, refused to leave the field, and continued to lead his regiment until the battle was over, and his example had a most happy effect in showing his men how to win the battle.’ Immediately after this Garland was promoted brigadiergen-eral, and was assigned to the command of a brigade of D. H. Hill's division, which after Seven Pines was composed of the Fifth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-third North Carolina regiments. He was distinguished for gallant conduct in the heat of the fight at Seven Pines; at Gaines' Mill, asked permission and made a flank attack at an opportune juncture, which decided the fate of the day, his men cheering and charging and driving the enemy; and he was in the attacking columns [597] at Malvern Hill. During the Second Manassas campaign he was with Hill's division, holding McDowell in check at Fredericksburg, after which he joined the army in the Maryland campaign. At Fox's gap, on South mountain, his North Carolinians, scarce 1,000 in all, sustained the first attack of Cox's corps of McClellan's army on September 14th. They held their ground with wonderful heroism in the face of a furious attack. With them, where the fight was hottest, stood General Garland, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Colonel Ruffin. It was to him the post of duty. On one side lay McClellan with 30,000 men; on the other was the short road to Harper's Ferry, beleaguered by Jackson. The enemy must be held back a day, or the Federals, under an active commander, could overwhelm the divided Confederates. In this position, early in the fight, he received a mortal wound, from which he died on the field. ‘Had he lived,’ wrote Gen. D. H. Hill, ‘his talents, pluck, energy and purity of character must have put him in the front rank of his profession, whether in civil or military life.’Brigadier-General Richard Brooke Garnett
Brigadier-General Richard Brooke Garnett, a cousin of Gen. R. S. Garnett, was a native of Virginia and a graduate of the same West Point class in which his cousin was a member. Promoted second lieutenant of the Sixth infantry on graduation, he began his services in the field in the Florida war of 1841-42. He subsequently served in garrison at Jefferson barracks, Mo., and on frontier duty at Fort Towson, Indian Territory, and Fort Smith, Ark., and as aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Brooke at New Orleans. He was promoted first lieutenant in February, 1847, and continued in service, at San Antonio, Tex., and at Fort Pierre, Dak., where he was promoted captain. He assisted in quelling the Kansas disturbances in 1856-57,was detailed to escort the southern boundary commissioners in 1857, served again in Kansas, and was engaged in the Utah expedition and the subsequent march to California. In the latter territory and in New Mexico he served until he resigned to offer his services to the Confederate States. He was commissioned major, corps of artillery, C. S.A., and in November, 1861, promoted brigadier-general. Jackson, then in the Shenandoah valley with a small force, was reinforced soon afterward, and Garnett went with these forces, and [598] at the battle of Kernstown, March 23, 1862, he commanded the Stonewall brigade. During the Maryland campaign he commanded Pickett's brigade. In the westward movement on September 14th, with his brigade he reached Boonsboro after a hot and tiresome march over the mountains, to which he was ordered to return that afternoon to dispute the mountain pass with the Federal army. His troops, almost exhausted, took a position before Turner's gap, on the eastern slope of the South mountain, under artillery fire, and sustained for some time a fierce attack from Reno's corps of McClellan's army. On the 17th, Garnett and his men fought to the southeast of Sharpsburg village, in support of the Washington artillery, and later in the day in conjunction with S. D. Lee's battalion, and were distinguished for bravery. General Garnett was subsequently identified with the record of Pickett's division, in command of his brigade, consisting of the Eighth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-eighth and Fifty-sixth Virginia regiments, which he finally led into action during the memorable charge on the third day of the battle of Gettysburg. The brigade moved forward in the front line, and gained the enemy's strongest line, where the fighting became hand to hand and of the most desperate character. The brigade went into action with 1,287 men and 140 officers, and after the struggle about 300 came back slowly and sadly from the scene of carnage. General Garnett's part in this fatal action is thus reported by his successor in command, Maj. Charles S. Peyton: ‘Of our cool, gallant, noble brigade commander it may not be out of place to speak. Never had the brigade been better handled, and never has it done better service in the field of battle. There was scarcely an officer or man in the command whose attention was not attracted by the cool and handsome bearing of General Garnett, who, totally devoid of excitement or rashness, rode immediately in rear of his advancing line, endeavoring, by his personal efforts and by the aid of his staff, to keep his line well closed and dressed. He was shot from his horse while near the center of the brigade, within about 25 paces of the stone wall.’Brigadier-General Robert Selden Garnett
Brigadier-General Robert Selden Garnett, born in Essex county, Va., December 16, 1819, was graduated at the United States military academy in 1841, and promoted [599] second lieutenant of artillery. He served at the West Point academy from July, 1843, to October, 1844, as assistant instructor of infantry tactics. In 1845 he was assigned to duty as aide-de-camp to General Wool, and in this capacity rendered conspicuous service in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, winning promotion to the rank of first lieutenant of the Fourth artillery. He subsequently served as aide-de-camp to General Taylor, and participated in the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, where he won the brevets of captain and major. After peace was declared he was transferred to the infantry and promoted captain. In 1852-54 he was commandant corps of cadets and instructor in infantry tactics at West Point. Receiving promotion to major in March, 1855, he commanded the troops sent against the Indians on Puget sound in the far northwest, and remaining there was in charge of the Yakima expedition in 1858. Subsequently he traveled in Europe on leave of absence until the year 1861, when he returned, resigned his commission, and entered the Confederate army. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, C. S. A., to date from March 16th, and served as adjutant-general under Gen. R. E. Lee, in command of the Virginia forces. Early in June he was commissioned brigadier-general and ordered to proceed to Staunton and assume command of the troops to operate in northwestern Virginia. In a few days he was engaged in the unfortunate campaign in Vest Virginia, where his life was sacrificed. It was very early in the war; he found difficulty in obtaining .supplies, clothing and shelter for his men; the sentiment in that vicinity was against the Confederacy, and he was confronted by overwhelming odds. Without a trace of faintheartedness, he established his headquarters at Laurel hill, and there and at Rich mountain intrenched his troops. On June 10th, Pegram was dislodged from Rich mountain, and a superior force compelled Garnett to abandon Laurel hill and fall back. He was pursued by the Federals, and a brisk action occurred on the Cheat river, at Carrick's ford, July 13th. At the next ford on the same day, while with his rear guard, he was instantly killed by a volley of the enemy, falling, as President [600] Davis wrote, in exemplification of the ‘highest quality of man, self-sacrifice for others.’ His body, kindly cared for by General McClellan, was subsequently transferred with tokens of respect to the hands of his friends.Brigadier-General David Bullock Harris
Brigadier-General David Bullock Harris, a distinguished military engineer, was born at Fredericks hall, Louisa county, Va., September 28, 1814. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1833, with promotion to brevet second lieutenant of First artillery, and a year later was called to the position of assistant professor of engineering at West Point. On August 31, 1835, he resigned from the army and entered the profession of civil engineering, for some time being employed on the James river and Kanawha canal. Subsequently he became a planter and exporter of tobacco and flour. Early in 1861 he was commissioned captain of engineers of the Virginia forces, and was assigned to the staff of General Beauregard, with whom he was associated from that time until the end of the war. He was the first to reconnoiter the line at Bull run, planned and constructed the works for the defense of Manassas Junction, and in the heat of the fight of July 21st, at the critical moment when Elzey led his brigade upon the field, he guided that officer into position. He accompanied Beauregard to the Mississippi valley, and after inspecting the defenses at Columbus, Ky., was intrusted with the construction of works at Island No.10 and vicinity, to which the artillery was removed from the Columbus fortifications. After the fall of New Orleans he located and constructed fortifications for heavy guns at Vicksburg, and thence he went with Beauregard in 1863 to Charleston, S. C. Of his work here, Beauregard wrote, ‘My best and almost only assistant for planning the construction of batteries and making the selection of sites on which they were to be erected was Maj. D. B. Harris, the chief engineer of the department, on whom I placed the utmost reliance, and who always thoroughly understood and entered into my views.’ Early in May, General Beauregard was at Petersburg, in command of the department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, and here Harris, now promoted colonel, found immediate field for work at Drewry's bluff, where his services and [601] advice contributed greatly to the successful defense of the Confederate lines. He continued on duty in the defense of Petersburg, with promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, until his death, October 10, 1864.Major-General Henry Heth
Major-General Henry Heth was born in Chesterfield county, Va., December 16, 1825. He is the son of John Heth, of the Black Heth estate, in that county, who served as a colonel in the volunteer forces of Virginia, and as an officer in the United States navy in the war of 1812, when he was captured with Decatur and taken to Bermuda, whence he escaped with two comrades in an open boat. An uncle of his, Col. William Heth, fought at Quebec under General Montgomery and was distinguished in the revolutionary war. Henry Heth was educated at the United States military academy, and graduated in 1847 with the rank of brevet second lieutenant of the Second infantry. His first service was in the war with Mexico, when he was made second lieutenant of the Eighth infantry. He was engaged in the skirmish at Matamoras and at Galaxara in 1847-48, and in 1848 at the evacuation returned to Jefferson barracks. On the Indian frontier he was on duty at Fort Atkinson, Fort Kearny and Fort Laramie, taking a conspicuous part in many Indian fights, and winning a first lieutenancy in June, 1853, with promotion to adjutant in November, 1854, and to captain, Tenth infantry, in March, 1855. Soon after the latter promotion he led a detached company, mounted as cavalry, in the Sioux expedition under General Harney, which ended in the victory at Bluewater. In 1857 he was assigned to special duty in preparing target practice for the army, and in 1858 he rejoined his regiment in Utah, where he remained until the latter part of 1860, when he returned to Virginia on leave of absence. When coercion seemed inevitable he resigned his Federal commission, served on the staff of General Taliaferro at Norfolk, as captain, and accepted the duty of organizing the quartermaster's department at Richmond. He was commissioned major, C. S. A., and soon promoted colonel of the Forty-fifth Virginia regiment, in which capacity he organized General Floyd's command at Wytheville, for the West Virginia campaign, and after participating in the battle of Carnifax Ferry, conducted Floyd's retreat from Cotton Hill. In January, [602] 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general, and assigned to the command in West Virginia, where he fought in May of that year the battle of Giles Court House, in which he was opposed to Col. R. B. Hayes, and later the battle of Lewisburg. In June he joined Gen. Kirby Smith at Knoxville, Tenn., and accompanied him in the movement into Kentucky. After reaching Lexington he was given charge of a division of infantry and a brigade of cavalry, and moved against Cincinnati, some of his troops, on September 6th, reaching the suburbs of Covington, but he was withheld from an attack by positive orders. In February, 1863, he joined the army of Northern Virginia, and was assigned to the command of Field's brigade, of which he had charge in the battle of Chancellorsville. On the wounding of A. P. Hill in the first day's fight, he succeeded to command of the division but was himself wounded in the opening of the fight next day, which General Lee noted with regret in his dispatch to President Davis. He was promoted major-general and placed in command of a division of General Hill's corps, consisting of the brigades of Pettigrew, Brockenbrough, Archer and Davis. Engaging in the Pennsylvania campaign, he moved to Cashtown, and thence sent Pettigrew's brigade to Gettysburg to procure a supply of shoes. The brigade returned with information of Federal advance. Heth attacked the Federals under Reynolds the next day, and fought a desperate battle, a worthy opening of the great three days struggle, in which he lost in twenty-five minutes 2,700 out of 7,000 men, and half his officers, and was himself severely wounded. He was subsequently engaged in the affair at Falling Waters, and in the following October, with two brigades attacked Warren's corps of Meade's army, fighting the battle of Bristoe Station. After wintering at Orange Court House, he commanded the advance of Hill's corps, marching on the plank road to resist Grant's flank movement on May 5th. He replied for three hours to the attacks of General Hancock on the Brock road; was distinguished for intrepid fighting about Spottsylvania on the 10th, 11th and 12th of May, and a few days later engaged General Warren at Nowell's Turnout. June 3d he took part in the battle of Bethesda Church. During the siege of Petersburg he served on the lines from. July, 1864, until the evacuation, occupying the extreme right [603] of Lee's lines during September, October and November. He fought gallantly on the Weldon railroad August 18th, 19th and 20th; at Reams' Station captured 2,000 men, 9 pieces of artillery and many flags; at Burgess' Mill. in November, 1864, and in all the struggles on the right, and lastly commanded at Burgess' Mill when the Confederate lines were broken. He conducted his division on the retreat and surrendered with the army on April 9th. During the following years he gave his attention to mining for a time, and then engaged in insurance at Richmond, Va.Brigadier-General Eppa Hunton
Brigadier-General Eppa Hunton was born September 23, 1823, in Fauquier county, Va. The Huntons originally settled in New England, but the ancestor of General Hunton removed at an early period to Lancaster county, Va., where his great-grandfather, William Hunton, married Judith Kirk, and afterward made his home in Fauquier county. From him the descent is through his fourth son, James, and through the latter's second son Eppa. The senior Eppa Hunton was in the service of his country during the war of 1812, at Bladensburg and Craney island, and as a brigade inspector of the Virginia militia. His wife, the mother of General Hunton, was Elizabeth Marye, daughter of William Brent, who removed his family from Dumfries to Fauquier county during the revolutionary war, in which he served with distinction as a captain of infantry. The ancestors of this patriot came over with Lord Baltimore; one of his grandsons, Col. George W. Brent, was a gallant Confederate soldier. After the early death of his father, General Hunton was reared by his devoted mother, and aided by his uncle, the distinguished Charles Hunton, for four years president of the State senate, he studied under the Rev. John Ogilvie, and subsequently he taught school for three years, at the same time pursuing the study of law under the guidance of the late Judge John Webb Taylor. Admitted to the bar in 1843, he began practice at Brentsville, the county seat of Prince William county. In this period his military inclinations, doubtless inherited from his father, were manifested. by his acceptance of the colonelcy of the Prince William regiment, and four years later of the rank of general, commanding the brigade. In 1848 he married Lucy Caroline, [604] daughter of Robert and Clara B. Weir, through her mother connected with the Wallers of Virginia. The only child of this union surviving is Eppa Hunton, Jr., a distinguished lawyer of the Warrenton bar, who married Erva Winston, daughter of the gallant Gen. William H. Payne. In 1849 General Hunton was elected commonwealth's attorney for Prince William county, and was continued in this office by popular vote until he relinquished it for other duties in 1861. In the campaign of 1860 he was an elector on the Breckinridge ticket, and missed success by the mispelling of his name on a few ballots. In the famous Virginia convention of 1861 he took the peculiar position of favoring secession for the sake of the Union, arguing that if all the Southern States promptly withdrew, war would be avoided, and reconstruction on favorable and lasting terms would soon follow. After the passage of the ordinance he was placed upon the military committee, to recommend measures of defense; but feeling that his proper place was in the field, he resigned his commission in the State militia, and as a result of an application drawn up by his friend, Hon. Ballard Preston, and signed by every member of the convention, he was appointed colonel of the Eighth Virginia regiment, which he was ordered to organize and equip. This was rapidly accomplished at Leesburg, where he collected a body of as brave men (as he himself declared) as ever fought for liberty. They won imperishable renown upon every famous field of the army of Northern Virginia. Arriving at Manassas three days before the great battle of 1861, he was able on account of his familiarity with the country, to grasp the importance of the blind road from Centreville to Sudley, and he placed there a picket of five mounted men, from whom he received and transmitted to Beauregard the first intelligence of McDowell's flank movement. In the fight his regiment won special mention for gallantry. Subsequently General Hunton was severely afflicted physically, and underwent several surgical operations. In this condition he was hauled to the battlefield of Ball's Bluff in a spring wagon, and commanded his regiment, selecting a position which he maintained for many hours against five regiments of the enemy, repulsing their assault. Finally charging, with another regiment, he drove the Federals over the bluff and captured their guns [605] and many prisoners. After this his regiment joined the main army at Centreville and was attached to Pickett's brigade, then commanded by Gen. Philip St. George Cocke. In 1862 General Hunton was on sick leave at Lynchburg when Lee was about to attack the Federals before Richmond, and against the protests of his physician he rejoined his beloved regiment and commanded it through the Seven Days, so glorious in the history of the army. At the battle of Gaines' Mill, where Pickett's brigade made a brilliant assault and carried the three fortified lines of the enemy, before the assistance from Jackson came up, Pickett was wounded early in the assault, and Hunton, as senior colonel, carried on the successful action, which was never officially reported, owing to Pickett's severe wounds, and General Hunton's continued ill health, on account of which he was sent back to Lynchburg by General Longstreet. Again with his regiment and Pickett's division, at Gettysburg, he was wounded and his horse killed while leading his command in the charge against Cemetery hill, where his men were nearly all killed or wounded or captured, some of them beyond the stone fence, the first line of the enemy. His promotion to brigadier-general, well deserved and nobly won, but long delayed, as President Davis expressed to him after the war, on account of his reported feeble health, was dated from Gettysburg. His brigade, consisting of the Eighth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-eighth and Fifty-sixth regiments of Virginia infantry, he was ordered to recruit at Chaffin's farm on James river. Early in the spring of 1864 he brought his command into the campaign against Grant, and served with conspicuous gallantry throughout, the brigade suffering particularly heavy losses at Cold Harbor, where General Hunton lost his adjutant-general and warm friend, Captain Linthicum. While Grant was preparing to cross the James, Lee was planning to fight at Malvern hill, and with his cavalry on the north side of the river he was not advised of Grant's movement until Beauregard was compelled to abandon the Howlett house line and Drewry's bluff, and rush to the defense of Petersburg. At this juncture Pickett's division was ordered from Malvern hill to retake Beauregard's position, General Hunton to take the lead toward Drewry's bluff. Making one of .the most rapid marches of the war, he found the position still in our hands, and [606] he then marched toward Petersburg with the Eighth deployed as skirmishers, until he struck the enemy, and after a hot fight, drove the Federals across Beauregard's lines to their own. This very important duty was so brilliantly performed as to elicit the enthusiastic praise of General Lee. During subsequent movements in the long siege, Hunton's brigade became separated from its division. On the last of March, 1865, he was ordered with his own and two other small brigades to hold the White Oak road on the left of Five Forks, where Pickett and Fitz Lee confronted Sheridan's cavalry. His line had hardly been formed when a division of Warren's infantry corps advanced and was immediately attacked by Hunton and driven back to Gravelly run. With reinforcements the Federals were able to push Hunton back to the fortified lines, but the delay that had been caused greatly embarrassed Sheridan and led to Warren's unjust suspension from command. Two days later the retreat began, and Hunton's brigade marched with Wise's brigade, and Fitz Lee's cavalry in the rear. On this mournful march it was a continual conflict with the enemy's rapid advance. On one occasion in crossing a bridge, General Hunton found it necessary to form his brigade to meet the enemy from all sides while the cavalry and other troops crossed over, which he did with wonderful skill and courage. Next day he united his command with Pickett's division, and though sick, he remained with his men. At Sailor's creek the division recaptured Huger's .artillery and repulsed the assaults of Custer. General Hunton soon comprehended that these charges were to prevent his retreat until the Federal infantry could surround him, but his superior officers were unable to meet the movement. The gallant men fought to the last, and many broke their muskets rather than surrender them, but were soon overpowered. Only eight men of Hunton's old regiment escaped. General Hunton was now suffering severely with physical illness, and was kindly cared for by the gallant Custer at his headquarters. He was thence carried to Petersburg, passed through Washington a few hours before the assassination of President Lincoln, and remained in prison at Fort Warren, where he was kindly treated and won the admiration of his guards, until the latter part of July. During the war his home, at Brentsville, had been destroyed, and his wife [607] and son had taken refuge at Lynchburg, where Federal General Turner took command after the surrender. He had faced General Hunton on the Howlett house lines, and immediately ordered that his former enemy's family should be supplied with every comfort, a courteous act which General Hunton gratefully acknowledged. On his return to civil life, he resumed the practice of law at Warrenton. It was a time of great privation, but he had confidence in his strength. An incident of this period of struggle was his refusing to sell his war-horse, ‘Old Morgan,’ for $500, a princely sum just then; but his family sustained him in keeping the faithful horse. With renewed health, and a brave and confident spirit, fortune soon smiled again, and he became independent and prosperous. Before his political disabilities were removed he was elected to Congress from the Eighth Virginia district. By successive re-elections until he voluntarily retired, he sat in Congress eight years, rendering valuable and important services. In the Forty-third Congress, his first, he joined in the memorable struggle under Samuel J. Randall, for two days and two nights, against the passage of a ‘force bill.’ In the Forty-fourth, under Democratic control, he was chairman of the committee on revolutionary pensions, second on the judiciary committee, member of other committees, and as chairman of the sub-committee which investigated the famous charges against James G. Blaine, demonstrated his ability and fairness, and had occasion to encounter the highly gifted Republican leader in the committee room and on the floor of the House, and always with credit. During the proceedings in Congress which followed the contested election of Samuel J. Tilden, General Hunton was a member of the special committee that framed the electoral commission bill, but refused his signature to the report until the last moment. He was elected one of the five who represented the House upon that commission, becoming one of the judges of the highest court the world had ever known. He labored earnestly for the success of Tilden before this tribunal, and his anxiety and the disappointment at the result caused him a severe attack of illness. As a member of the District of Columbia committee in the Forty-fifth and its chairman in the Forty-sixth Congress, he and the Hon. J. C. S. Blackburn framed the present form of administration of that [608] district, under which the Federal government bears an equal share of its expenses. Through the wise provisions of Blackburn and Hunton the city of Washington has wonderfully developed, realizing the dreams of its great founder. General Hunton resumed the practice of law after March 4, 1881, forming a partnership with the Hon. Jeff Chandler at Washington city, and enjoyed an extensive and lucrative business. In May, 1892, he was appointed United States Senator for Virginia, by Governor McKinney, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the lamented Barbour, and this was confirmed by the legislature. He served until March 4, 1895, holding places on the committees on the District of Columbia, postoffices and post roads, and the chairmanship of the committee to establish a State university, a project which he advocated in an elaborate and able speech. While in the Senate he favored earnestly the repeal of the ‘Sherman silver law,’ with the understanding that free coinage of silver should follow; and voted for the Wilson tariff bill after an income tax had been added, as the best legislation that could be obtained. He left the Senate with a fine reputation for solid sense, capacity for hard work, and adherence to the tenets of his party. In 1896 he was prominent in the Virginia campaign in behalf of the candidacy of William J. Bryan. In appearance General Hunton is striking and impressive. He is a man of full stature, and a face and head that are indicative of massive strength, which, morally and mentally, is his distinctive characteristic. In the excitement of battle his bearing was superb. In the contests of the forum, the Senate, or the hustings, he was calm, earnest and impressive, and uniformly fair to his opponent. In repartee his play is vigorous, and those who play with him are not unlikely to receive a bruise, but if he knows it, it hurts him more than it does them. Finally, he is a gentleman upon whose integrity and moral character no scrutiny can develop the vestige of a stain.Brigadier-General John D. Imboden
Brigadier-General John D. Imboden, at the time of the passage of the ordinance of secession of Virginia, was a resident of Staunton, in the Valley. He had been a candidate for a seat in the convention, but was defeated by the candidate of the Union party. The policy he advocated was independent secession, and the maintenance [609] of an independent State which could mediate between the North and South and lead in the formation of a new Union, with local rights more clearly defined. Holding the position of captain of the Staunton artillery, a natural leader, and influential among the younger men, he at once took an important part in the action which secured Harper's Ferry to the State. He was called to Richmond a day or two before the ordinance was passed, and with other commanders of volunteer companies, under the leadership of ex-Governor Wise, arranged for a concentration of State forces at Harper's Ferry as soon as the action of the convention could be surely predicted. He called out his company by telegraph, and at sunrise following the momentous day, April 17th, was with his command at Manassas. He and other young and enthusiastic leaders were the forerunners of the spirit which was to dominate Virginia for four years, but at that moment they were coldly received by the majority of the people, not yet aroused. Proceeding to Harper's Ferry, he equipped his battery partly at his private expense, his men making caissons from carts found at the armory. Under the command of Col. T. J. Jackson he was posted at the Potomac bridge at Point of Rocks, and by the order of that afterward famous commander, captured and sent to Winchester a number of Baltimore & Ohio railroad trains. After the organization of the army in the Valley under General Johnston, he was attached to Bee's brigade, with which the Staunton artillery went into the battle at Manassas, July 21st, 1861. He was just in time to take a good position near the Henry house as the Federal attack fell upon the Confederate flank, and immediately became engaged with the famous batteries of Ricketts and Griffin. For half an hour after the Confederate infantry were driven across Young's branch, Imboden's battery fought alone, finally retiring and taking a new position supported by Stonewall Jackson, where it was in action until the ammunition was exhausted. Subsequently Captain Imboden, Lieut.-Col. Robert B. Lee and Maj. W. L. Cabell constituted a board of investigation, which reported in explanation of the failure to pursue McDowell to Washington that the food and transportation were inadequate. During Jackson's Valley campaign, 1862, Imboden, with a commission as colonel, was engaged in organizing a command at Staunton. In [610] charge of artillery and cavalry detachments, he held a bridge at Mount Crawford during the battle of Cross Keys, and participated in the battle of Port Republic. When Jackson left for Richmond, Imboden's little force, Robertson's cavalry and Chew's battery, were left in the Valley, and Imboden continued the organization of his force there and in the mountain counties. His command was known as the First Virginia partisan rangers, under the orders of General Jackson, but early in 1863 it was mustered in as the Eighteenth Virginia cavalry. In January, 1863, General Lee wrote him: ‘I hope you will meet with speedy success in filling up your command to a brigade, when I shall take great pleasure in recommending your promotion.’ He was soon afterward promoted to brigadier-general, and the Twenty-fifth, Thirty-first and Sixty-second Virginia infantry, and McClanahan's battery, were assigned to his command, for operations in northwest Virginia and the Valley, reporting directly to Gen. Robert E. Lee. With this force he made a successful expedition in northwest Virginia in April and May. During the Gettysburg campaign he raided on the left flank of Lee's army, and on the retreat his services were of great value. General Lee attached to his command eight guns of the famous Washington artillery, Major Eshelman, and other artillery. He made a splendid fight at Williamsport, holding out against the attack of 7,000 men until Fitzhugh Lee came up, saving the trains and the wounded of Lee's army. On July 21st General Imboden was assigned to command of the Valley district, Stonewall Jackson's old district. When General Lee made his Bristoe campaign of October, 1863, Imboden was instructed to advance down the Valley and guard the mountain passes. He captured the garrison at Charlestown on the 18th, for which he was complimented by Lee. Early in May, 1864, he marched from Mount Crawford to meet the invasion under Sigel, and held the Federals in check until, reinforced by Breckinridge, the successful battle of New Market was fought. Breckinridge being called again to Lee, Imboden's small command was pushed back to Mount Crawford, where he was reinforced by Vaughn, and W. E. Jones took command, to meet with serious defeat at Piedmont. General Imboden then, in command of his own, Jackson's and McCausland's brigades, fought Hunter's advance [611] until Early came to Lynchburg. Subsequently he participated in the advance upon Washington, and Early's campaign against Sheridan, and was on duty in the Valley until the close of hostilities.Major-General Edward Johnson
Major-General Edward Johnson was born in Kentucky, April 16, 1816, and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1838 and promoted second lieutenant of the Sixth infantry, U. S. A. He served during the operations against the Florida Indians from 1838 to 1841, and subsequently was on duty in the southwest. He rendered honorable service during the war with Mexico taking part in the siege of Vera Cruz in March, 1847, the battle of Cerro Gordo, the skirmish at Amalogue and the battle of Churubusco; earned the brevet of captain at Molino del Rey, and was brevetted major for gallant and meritorious conduct at Chapultepec. He also participated in the assault and capture of the Mexican capital. Subsequently he was on duty at the frontier, being stationed at various posts in Kansas, Dakota and California. He was also for a time with the garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y. Early in 1861 he resigned his Federal rank of captain, and was commissioned lieutenantcol-onel, corps of infantry, C. S. A. As colonel of the Twelfth Georgia infantry he was called to Virginia and sent to the relief of Garnett, but was not able to reach that officer before his death. Falling back he occupied Alleghany mountain, and two Virginia regiments were added to his command. In December he defeated an attack by Milroy, his troops fighting splendidly under his inspiring leadership, and he was at once promoted brigadier-general. In May, 1862, with his command, the army of the Northwest, he defeated Milroy at Mc-Dowell. This battle was fought under his direction and by his own command, reinforced by Taliaferro. Stonewall Jackson commended his ‘skill, gallantry and presence of mind.’ Near the close of the battle Johnson was severely wounded. In February, 1863, he was promoted major-general, and at the reorganization following the death of Jackson he was put in command of a division of the Second corps of the army of Northern Virginia, under Lieutenant-General Ewell, comprising Steuart's, Nicholls', J. M. Jones' and the Stonewall brigades. Soon afterward he was conspicuous in his third defeat of [612] Milroy. Deploying his division east of Winchester, he masked the operations of Early, and after that officer had captured the Federal works, he cut off the retreat of the enemy, inflicting great loss and demoralizing his forces. Then marching to Carlisle, Pa., he reached the battlefield of Gettysburg on the evening of the first day's fight. He was ordered to the attack upon Culp's hill on the second day and was successful in carrying the enemy's intrenchments, where the fight was renewed, and raged with great fierceness, on the morning of July 3d. During the operations on the Rapidan in November, 1863, he fought successfully at Payne's farm. At the Wilderness, May 4, 1864, he took position on the Orange turnpike with his division and sustained the attack of Warren's corps, which opened the bloody fighting of that campaign. On the 12th of May, he held the ‘bloody angle’ at Spottsylvania, and having been weakened by the withdrawal of artillery to meet an anticipated flank. movement, was overwhelmed by a morning attack of Hancock's corps, in which he and a large part of his command were captured. After his exchange he was assigned, September, 1864, to command of Anderson's division of the army of Tennessee. In the corps of Gen. S. D. Lee he took part in Hood's Tennessee campaign, commanding the advance and occupying Florence, Ala., October 30th. He led a desperate charge in the battle of Franklin, and fought at Nashville, December 15th and 16th; on the latter day being captured, with a large part of his division, in the general defeat of Hood's army. After the close of the war he retired to his farm in Chesterfield county, Va., and resided there until his death, February 22, 1873.Brigadier-General John Marshall Jones
Brigadier-General John Marshall Jones was born at Charlottesville, Va., July 26, 1820, and was educated for the profession of arms at West Point, graduating and receiving the rank of brevet second lieutenant of infantry in 1841. His first service was at Fort Mackinac, Mich. In 1843-45 he was stationed successively at Detroit, in Florida and in Texas, with the army of occupation; but he did not participate in the Mexican war, during that period and until 1852, being on duty at the military academy as an instructor in infantry tactics. He was promoted first lieutenant, Seventh infantry, in 1847. After this, with the exception of some time spent as a member [613] of a board of revision of tactics, he was on duty in the west, escorting Whipple's topographical party, on the Utah expedition and the march to New Mexico, and in garrison duty, until he was granted leave of absence in 1861. He was promoted captain in 1855, and held this rank when he resigned to enter the Confederate service. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, corps of artillery, C. S. A., and in September was assigned to duty as adjutant-general, on the staff of Maj.-Gen. Richard S. Ewell. Participating in this capacity in the battles of Front Royal, Winchester, Cross Keys and Port Republic, of the Valley campaign, he was commended in each report of General Ewell for the coolness and efficiency with which he performed his duties. He was with General Ewell through the Seven Days battles before Richmond, at Cedar mountain, and Groveton, where Ewell was wounded, and subsequently being appointed inspector-general of the division, was commended for gallantry on the field of Fredericksburg by General Early. After participating in the battle of Chancellorsville he was promoted brigadier-general in May, and assigned to the command of the old Second brigade of Jackson's division, now Edward Johnson's division, Ewell's corps. He reached the field of Gettysburg with his brigade about sunset July 1st, and on the following day took part in the assault upon Culp's hill, but fell with a dangerous wound when near the first line of the enemy's intrenchments. The brigade was commanded during the remainder of the battle by Lieut.-Col. R. H. Dungan. Returning to his brigade in September, he commanded it during the operations on the Rappahannock and Rapidan, and led the advance of his division on November 27th, to Payne's farm, where he received a serious wound in the head, early in the fight, while gallantly exposing himself at the front. Notwithstanding his hurt, he reported for duty a few days afterward, when a general engagement was supposed to be imminent. On May 5, 1864, Jones brigade opened the terrific struggle in the Wilderness, driving back the Federal flanking skirmishers early in the day. He sustained the first attack by Warren's corps, the enemy suddenly striking his right flank and driving his men back in confusion. In a desperate attempt to rally his brigade, the brave commander and his aide-de-camp, Captain R. D. Early, were killed. General Ewell, in his [614] report of the campaign, alluding to the fact that out of his fourteen generals, three had been killed, four wounded and two captured, said of General Jones: ‘I consider his loss an irreparable one to his brigade.’Brigadier-General John R. Jones
Brigadier-General John R. Jones entered the Confederate service as captain of a company of the Thirty-third Virginia regiment, Stonewall brigade, and shared the services of that command at First Manassas and in the Valley campaign of May and June, 1862, winning promotion to lieutenant-colonel of his regiment. On June 23, 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general and assigned to the command of the Second brigade of Jackson's division. In this capacity he served at Cold Harbor and Malvern hill, until wounded in the night following the latter battle. His command in this campaign was composed of the Forty-eighth, Forty-second and Twenty-first Virginia regiments, the First Virginia battalion, the Hampton artillery and Jackson's battery. He resumed command of his brigade, which had fought under Bradley T. Johnson at Second Manassas, after it had reached Frederick in the march through Maryland. He then assumed command of Jackson's division, and was in charge of it at Harper's Ferry. After the surrender of that post he marched at 1 o'clock on the morning of the 16th of September to reinforce Lee at Sharpsburg. There he took position on the extreme left. His brigade and Winder's (Stonewall) formed his front line, and the two, numbering less than 400 men, attacked at 6 o'clock on the morning of the 17th, held back the enemy for nearly an hour, then retired to the second line, and after remaining for half an hour under a terrific storm of shot and shell, advanced and repulsed the enemy. Jones, disabled by the explosion of a shell above his head, early in the battle turned over the command to Brig.-Gen. William E. Starke, who fell in the fight, leaving Col. A. J. Grigsby in command of the Stonewall division. Jones' own brigade was successively commanded by Capts. John E. Penn, A. C. Page and R. W. Withers, the first two of whom each lost a leg. The division numbered about 1,600 at the beginning of the fight, and lost about 700 in killed and wounded. He commanded his brigade at Fredericksburg, and at Chancellorsville, on the first day, where the Second and Third brigades, Jackson's [615] division, were the first to charge upon and capture the first line of intrenchments of the enemy, in an open field beyond Wilderness church. On account of his disability the brigade was commanded next day by Col. T. S. Garnett until the latter was killed, when Col. A. S. Vandeventer succeeded him.Major-General Samuel Jones
Major-General Samuel Jones was born in Virginia in 1820, and was graduated at West Point, with promotion to a lieutenancy in the artillery, in 1841. He served on the Maine frontier, during the boundary dispute, until 1843; in Florida, 1845-46; and from 1846 to 1851 was on duty at the United States military academy, as assistant professor of mathematics and instructor of infantry and of artillery. Then having been promoted first lieutenant First artillery, he was on various duty, at New Orleans, at Fort McHenry, on the Texas frontier, etc., with promotion to captain in 1853, until November, 1858, when he became assistant to the judge-advocate of the army. He remained in that position, at Washington, until April, 1861. On entering the Confederate service he was commissioned major, corps of artillery, C. S. A., and with promotion to lieutenant-colonel, was appointed assistant adjutant-general of the Virginia .forces. During the organization of Beauregard's army and the battle of First Manassas, he served as chief of artillery and ordnance, and his services were gratefully acknowledged by the general commanding. Promotion to colonel was accorded him during this service, and he was promoted brigadier-general to date from the day of victory. He was on duty in the Potomac district, in command of a brigade of Georgia regiments subsequently under George T. Anderson, until January, 1862, when he was put in command of the army of Pensacola, relieving General Bragg. On March 3d he assumed command of the department of Alabama and West Florida, with headquarters at Mobile. In April, being promoted brigadier-general, he was assigned to command of a division of the army at Corinth under General Van Dorn, including the brigades of Rust, Maury and Roane, and in June he was put in command of Hindman's division. Later he was in charge at Chattanooga, and in September was stationed at Knoxville in command of the department of East Tennessee. From December 4, 1862, until March 4, 1864, he commanded [616] the department of Western Virginia, with headquarters at Dublin, Va., and in general charge of the operations in defense of the Virginia & Tennessee railroad and the salt mines. Subsequently he was in command of the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida until succeeded by General Hardee in October. During this period Charleston harbor was defended, and the Federal expedition in Florida was defeated at Olustee. He commanded the district of South Carolina until January, 1865, and the department of South Georgia and Florida until May 10, 1865, when he surrendered at Tallahassee. Then retiring to private life he was engaged in farming, with his residence at Mattoax, Va., from 1866 until 1880, when he was appointed to a position in the office of the adjutant-general at Washington. In 1885 he was transferred to the office of the judge-advocate-general. His death occurred at Bedford Springs, Va., July 31, 1887.Brigadier-General William E. Jones
Brigadier-General William E. Jones was born near Glade Spring, Washington county, Va., in May, 1824. He was educated at Emory and Henry college and at West Point, and began service in the United States army with the rank of brevet second lieutenant in the class of 1848. In 1847 he had received from Emory and Henry college the degree of master of arts. His connection with the old army continued until his resignation in 1857, he then having the rank of first lieutenant, mounted rifles. During this period he first served in Missouri and Kansas, marched to Oregon in 1849, remained there and in Washington Territory until 1851, and after that was mainly on duty in Texas. After his retirement he was engaged in farming in his native county until 1861. Upon the passage of the ordinance of secession he had ready a company of cavalry, the Washington Mounted Rifles, with which he joined Stuart in the Valley and took part in the First Manassas campaign. At this time Gen. J. E. Johnston declared that his company was the strongest in the First Virginia cavalry regiment, ‘not surpassed in discipline and spirit by any in the army,’ and recommended that Stuart be given brigade command and that Jones, ‘skillful, brave and zealous in a very high degree,’ should succeed to the colonelcy, with Fitzhugh Lee as lieutenant-colonel. Consequently he became colonel of the First, upon the [617] organization of Stuart's brigade, and in the spring of 1862 was intrusted by Stuart with important duties in watching the enemy from the Blue ridge to the Potomac. He was watchful and vigorous and made the enemy feel his presence. Soon afterward, being displaced by a regimental election, he was assigned to the Seventh regiment, Robertson's brigade. Rejoining Stuart in August he was distinguished in the Second Manassas campaign, his regiment fighting splendidly at Brandy Station, and winning commendation on several other occasions. He participated in the raid around McClellan's army following the battle of Sharpsburg, and on November 8th, having been promoted brigadier-general, was assigned to command of Robertson's, or the ‘Laurel brigade,’ largely composed of the men who followed Ashby in the valley. December 29th he was assigned to command of the Valley district, including his brigade and all other troops operating in that region, being selected for this post by Stonewall Jackson. With the co-operation of General Imboden he made, in April and May, 1863, a very successful raid upon the Baltimore & Ohio railroad west of Cumberland, destroying an immense amount of public and railroad property. Then joining Stuart with his splendid brigade, he bore the first shock, and both in morning and evening the brunt of battle, in the famous cavalry fight of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, his brigade ending the fight with more horses and more and better small-arms than at the beginning, and capturing two regimental colors, a battery of three pieces and about 250 prisoners. During the advance of Lee into Pennsylvania, Jones, who had been pronounced by Stuart ‘the best outpost officer’ in the cavalry, was depended upon mainly to cover the rear and flank of the army. He defeated a Federal cavalry regiment at Fairfield, Pa., and after the retreat of Lee was begun pushed forward rapidly to protect the wagon trains of Ewell's division. Hurrying on with his staff on the night of July 4th, he found Emack's Maryland company with one gun, holding at bay a Federal division, with only half the train gone by. He joined in the desperate fight in person and with his companions until his command was scattered by a charge of cavalry. Separated from his followers, he made his way alone to Williamsport and organized all the men he could gather in the confusion for the defense of the place before the [618] arrival of Imboden. Then, with half a dozen companies, he made his way through the enemy's lines to his command, and returned with it to participate in the attacks on Kilpatrick at Hagerstown and on Buford at Williamsport. During the campaign, he reported, his brigade fought in three battles and the affair at Boonsboro, and captured over 600 prisoners. Soon afterward an unfortunate break in his relations with General Stuart, which had existed since the fall of 1861, became so intensified as to have serious results. Col. O. R. Funsten was given temporary command of the brigade, and on October 9th General Jones was ordered to report for duty in southwest Virginia. There he organized an excellent cavalry brigade, with which he co-operated with Longstreet in east Tennessee, and in November defeated the enemy near Rogersville. At Saltville, Va., in May, 1864, with Gen. John H. Morgan, he foiled Averell's designs against that post, defeated the Federals at Wytheville, and pursued them to Dublin. On May 23d he was assigned to command of the department of Southwest Virginia in the absence of General Breckinridge. It was at that moment a position of great importance, as the district was in a turmoil on account of the incursions of Averell and Crook and Sigel, and Hunter was preparing to advance on Lynchburg. Early in June three strong columns of the enemy were marching against him, and he made a stand with his own brigade, Imboden's and Vaughn's before Hunter, at Piedmont. In the desperate fight which followed, June 5th, he was killed and his body fell into the hands of the enemy.Brigadier-General Thomas Jordan
Brigadier-General Thomas Jordan was born in Luray valley, Va., September 30, 1819. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1840, and entered the active service as second lieutenant of the Third infantry, in garrison at Fort Snelling, Minn. Taking part in the Seminole Indian war, he was among those who surprised and captured the chief, ‘Tiger Tail,’ near Cedar Keys, in November, 1842. Subsequently he served on frontier duty until 1846, when he was promoted first lieutenant In the Mexican war he served creditably at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and being promoted captain and quartermaster in 1847, he remained at Vera Cruz for a year after the war. His services from that [619] time, in the United States army, were rendered in the Southern garrisons and on the Pacific coast. May 21, 1861, he resigned and was commissioned captain, corps of infantry, C. S. A. He was with the forces first collected at Manassas Junction as lieutenant-colonel and staff officer, and when Beauregard took command there he was promoted colonel and made chief of staff and adjutant-general of that army. During the battle of July 21st he was intrusted with the important duty of directing from the rear the disposition of reinforcements, and after the fight he accompanied President Davis to the field. His assistance in the organization of the forces there was gratefully acknowledged by Beauregard, whom he subsequently accompanied to the west. He inspected the forces at Columbus, Ky., and advised their withdrawal, and during the advance from Corinth rendered important service in the preparation for the battle of Shiloh. In this famous conflict he was very active along the line, giving orders as occasion required in the name of General Johnston, and at one time having with him and under his direction the chiefs of staff of the different corps commanders. For his invaluable services on this field he was promoted brigadier-general, April 14, 1862. Subsequently he served as chief of staff with General Bragg until after the Kentucky campaign. When Beauregard was called to the defense of Charleston, he joined his old commander as chief of staff of that department. In May, 1864, he was assigned to the command of the Third military district of South Carolina. After the restoration of peace in the United States, General Jordan became chief of the general staff of the Cuban insurgent army. In May, 1869, he landed at Mayari with 300 men, and ammunition and supplies for 6,000, and in December of the same year succeeded to the chief command of the army of independence. He gained a signal victory over superior forces of the enemy at Guaimaro in January, 1870, but on account of a want of supplies he soon resigned and returned to the United States. Of recent years he has resided at New York, and edited the Mining Journal. In 1868 he published, in association with J. B. Pryor, a valuable work on ‘The Campaigns of Lieutenant-General Forrest,’ and his minor contributions to Confederate history have been numerous and interesting.[620]
Major-General James Lawson Kemper
Major-General James Lawson Kemper was born in Madison county, Va., June 11, 1823, of a family descended from John Kemper, of Oldenburg, who settled in Virginia in 1714, in the ‘Palatinate Colony.’ He was educated at the Virginia military institute and Washington college, where he took the degree of master of arts, and his subsequent study of the law was pursued at Charleston, Kanawha county. In 1847 he was commissioned captain in the volunteer army by President Polk, and he joined General Taylor's army after the battle of Buena Vista. Subsequently he became prominent in the political life of the State, and served ten years as a member of the house of delegates, two years as speaker, and for a number of years as chairman of the committee on military affairs. He was also president of the board of visitors of the Virginia military institute. On May 2, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of Virginia volunteers and assigned to the command of the Seventh regiment of infantry. Joining his regiment at Manassas he rendered efficient special service to General Beauregard in procuring him 200 wagons. He was in battle at Blackburn's ford, and on July 21st, assigned to the brigade commanded by Col. Jubal A. Early, he aided in striking the final blow on the extreme left of the Federal line, which immediately preceded the rout of McDowell's forces. Three days after this battle his regiment was assigned to the brigade commanded by General Longstreet, and subsequently by A. P. Hill, under whom Colonel Kemper, with the Seventh regiment, was in the hottest of the fight at Williamsburg. Immediately after this he was given command of the brigade which had been successively under Longstreet, Ewell and A. P. Hill, and he fought his regiments with distinguished skill and courage during the first day at Seven Pines and throughout the Seven Days fighting before Richmond. At Frayser's he made a gallant advance over difficult ground, broke the enemy's line and captured a battery. With Longstreet's corps he reached the scene of battle at Manassas, August 29, 1862, and in the subsequent fighting served in command of a division consisting of his own, Jenkins', Pickett's and N. G. Evans' brigades. At South mountain he commanded his brigade, and in conjunction with Garnett, the two commands not exceeding 800 men, met Hatch's force of 3,500 before Turner's [621] Gap. This little force of Confederates performed prodigies of valor, causing General Doubleday to report that he had engaged 4,000 or 5,000 men under the immediate command of Pickett, and Hooker reported that Hatch, after a ‘violent and protracted struggle’ in which he was ‘outnumbered and sorely pressed,’ was reinforced by Christian's brigade, in spite of which the resistance of the enemy was continued until after dark. It was by such self-sacrificing bravery that McClellan's army was delayed until Lee could concentrate at Sharpsburg. In the latter battle he commanded his brigade, also at Fredericksburg, his brigade meanwhile having been assigned to Pickett's division of Virginians. Before the battle of Chancellorsville he was detailed to operate near New Bern, N. C., where he rendered efficient service but fought no important battles. He rejoined Pickett before Suffolk, and marched with him into Pennsylvania. On the third day of the fighting at Gettysburg he led his brigade in the heroic charge upon Cemetery hill. As the division concentrated in making the final assault, Kemper fell desperately wounded, his brother brigadiers, Garnett and Armistead, being killed a few moments later. He was brought off the field, but subsequently fell into the hands of the Federals. After three months imprisonment and when it seemed unlikely that he would recover, he was exchanged for General Graham, of the United States army. His injuries prevented further service in the field, but his gallant deeds were rewarded by promotion to major-general, and he was given command of the reserve forces of Virginia, until the close of the war. He then returned to Madison county, cultivated his land and resumed the practice of law, also taking an active part in the political movement which resulted in the formation of the Conservative party in Virginia, which he earnestly aided by voice and pen. In this work he was so conspicuous as to be a candidate for elector-at-large for the State in 1872, and in the following year he was nominated and elected governor. He served in this honored position for four years from January 1, 1874. General Kemper died April 7, 1895.Brigadier-General Edmund G. Lee
Brigadier-General Edmund G. Lee was born at ‘Lee-land,’ Va., May 25, 1835. He was educated at Hallowell's school at Alexandria, and at William and Mary [622] college, and then entered the profession of the law. With the earliest volunteers for the defense of the State he went to the front as second lieutenant of the Second Virginia regiment. Soon promoted first lieutenant, he was appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Stonewall Jackson, of whose brigade the Second formed a part at First Manassas. Of the Thirty-third regiment, same brigade, he was promoted major, and later lieutenantcol-onel; and in this rank he participated in the Valley campaign of 1862, and the subsequent operations of that year. At Fredericksburg, having been promoted colonel, he commanded his regiment. Early in 1863, on account of ill health, he retired from the service, but in the fall of the same year he returned to active duty and in June, 1864, was assigned to temporary command at Staunton, Va., with orders to do all in his power to organize the local forces and aid in the defense of the Valley. But the Confederates met with a serious reverse at that point immediately afterward; Gen. W. E. Jones was killed, and Staunton was occupied by the Federals. On September 20, 1864, Colonel Lee was promoted brigadier-general, and he was subsequently sent to Canada on secret service for the government. After the war his ill health compelled him to spend the winters in the far South. He died at Yellow Sulphur Springs, Va., August 24, 1870.Major-General Fitzhugh Lee
Major-General Fitzhugh Lee was born at Clermont, Fairfax county, Va., November 19, 1835. He is the son of Sydney Smith Lee, who was a brother of Robert E. Lee, and son of Gen. and Gov. Henry Lee. Sydney Smith Lee had a distinguished naval career for over forty years, beginning as a midshipman when fourteen years of age. He commanded a vessel at Vera Cruz, was three years commandant at Annapolis, and for the same period in charge of the Philadelphia navy yard; commanded Commodore Perry's flagship in the Japan expedition, and when the first Japanese embassadors came to America, he was associated with Farragut and D. D. Porter in a committee for their reception and entertainment. He resigned his position as chief of the bureau of coast survey to join the Confederacy, and was on duty at Norfolk; in command of fortifications at Drewry's bluff; chief of the bureau of orders and detail, [623] and in command of fortifications on the James during the siege of Richmond. Fitzhugh Lee was graduated at the United States military academy in 1856, and after serving until January 1, 1858, in the cavalry school at Carlisle, Pa., as an instructor, he was assigned to frontier duty in Texas with his regiment, the Second cavalry. He served at several Texas posts, and on May 13, 1859, in a fight with Comanche Indians was shot through the lungs with an arrow, and his life despaired of. In 1860 he was ordered to report to West Point as instructor of cavalry. In 1861 he resigned his commission as first lieutenant, and tendered his services to his native State. He was commissioned first lieutenant, corps of cavalry, C. S. A.; promoted lieutenant-colonel, First Virginia cavalry (Stuart's regiment), August, 1861, and colonel, March, 1862. His first service was rendered in staff duty, under General Beauregard at Manassas, and as adjutant-general of Ewell's brigade during the battle of First Manassas. In the spring of 1862, with his regiment, he aided in covering the retreat from Yorktown, and in the raid of the cavalry under Stuart, around McClellan's peninsular army, he was particularly distinguished in the capture of the camp of his old Federal regiment, and in the defense as rear guard while Stuart's other commands built a bridge over the Chickahominy, which he was the last man to cross. He was recommended by Stuart for promotion to brigadier-general, which soon followed, and at the organization of the cavalry division, July 28th, he was put in command of the Second brigade, consisting of the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Ninth Virginia regiments and Breathed's battery. He took an active part in the cavalry operations in August, connected with Jackson's advance northward, and in the capture of Manassas depot; participated in Stuart's advance into Maryland, screening the movements of the army, and after McClellan could no longer be held in check at South mountain, his brigade covered the retreat through Boonsboro, where there was a fierce and protracted fight. He succeeded in delaying the enemy through the greater part of September 16th, and then joined the army before Sharpsburg. In November his brigade was reorganized. He served on the Confederate left above Fredericksburg in December, took part in the raid on Dumfries and Fairfax Station, and in February, [624] 1863, moved to Culpeper to guard the upper Rappahannock, giving battle to Averell at Kellysville, an action which Stuart reported as ‘one of the most brilliant achievements of the war,’ which he took ‘pride in witnessing.’ At the field of Chancellorsville he led the advance of the flank movement, rode with Jackson to reconnoiter the position of Howard, and commanded the cavalry in the Sunday battle. During Stuart's raid of June, 1863, he captured part of Custer's brigade at Hanover, and reached Gettysburg in time for a fierce hand-to-hand cavalry fight on July 3d. During the retreat he rendered distinguished service. He was now promoted major-general and in September took command of one of the two cavalry divisions, with which, when R. E. Lee decided to push Meade from his front on the Rapidan, he held the lines while the main army moved out on the enemy's flank. He fought about Brandy Station and encountered Custer at Buckland Mills. After the contest with Grant in the Wilderness his division, thrown in front of the Federal advance toward Spottsylvania, engaged in one of its most severe conflicts. The Confederate troopers were a terrible annoyance to the Federals, ‘swarming in the woods like angry bees,’ and Sheridan started on a raid to Richmond to draw them off. At the resulting battle of Yellow Tavern, where Stuart was fatally wounded, at Hawes' Shop and Cold Harbor, and at Trevilian's, he contested with Sheridan the honors of the field, and August, 1864, found him again opposed to that famous Federal officer in the Shenandoah valley. Here he commanded the cavalry of Early's army. He fought the spirited battle of Cedarville, and at Winchester, September 19th, displayed great courage and energy in attempting to save the field. In the midst of a terrible artillery fire his famous horse ‘Nellie’ was shot, and at the same time he received a wound in the thigh which disabled him for several months. On recovering he made an expedition into northwestern Virginia in the following winter. Upon the promotion of Hampton to lieutenant-general, Lee became chief of the cavalry of the army of Northern Virginia, and commanded that corps at Five Forks. After rendering invaluable service on the retreat, he was ordered to make an attack, on April 9th, at Appomattox, supported by Gordon, and in this movement, which met overwhelming [625] opposition, his cavalry became separated from the main body. He participated in the final council of war, and after the surrender returned to Richmond with Gen. R. E. Lee. He then retired to his home in Stafford county, and resided later near Alexandria. In 1874 he delivered an address at Bunker Hill which greatly aided the restoration of brotherly feeling. He was a conspicuous figure at the Yorktown centennial, and at the Washington centennial celebration at New York city, at the head of the Virginia troops, he received a magnificent ovation. In 1885 he was nominated for governor by the Democratic party and made a memorable and successful campaign against John S. Wise. After serving as governor until 1890, he became president of the Pittsburg & Virginia railroad. In 1896 he was sent to Cuba as consul-general at Havana, under the circumstances one of the most important positions in the diplomatic service. In this he represented the United States with such dignity and ability that he was retained in the place after the inauguration of President McKinley, through all the trying difficulties preceding the war with Spain. After the outbreak of war he was made a major-general of volunteers in the United States army, and at the close of hostilities was appointed military governor of the province of Havana.Major-General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee
Major-General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, the second son of Gen. Robert E. Lee, was born at Arlington, Va., May 31, 1837. He was educated at Harvard college, where he was graduated in 1857. In the same year he was appointed second lieutenant of the Sixth infantry, United States army, and in this rank he served in the Utah campaign under Albert Sidney Johnston, and subsequently in California. Early in 1859 he resigned his commission and took charge of his farm, the historic White House, on the Pamunkey river. He was heartily in sympathy with the Confederate cause, and organized a cavalry company early in 1861, becoming one of the leading spirits in the formation of the gallant body of troopers which were subsequently distinguished in the history of the army of Northern Virginia, and contributed so effectively to its successes. In May he received the rank of captain, corps of cavalry, C. S. A., and in the same month was promoted major in the regular [626] army. During the West Virginia campaign he acted as chief of cavalry for General Loring. In the winter of 1861-62 he was ordered to Fredericksburg, Va., and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Ninth Virginia cavalry regiment, promotion to the colonelship following in March. With his regiment he was attached to the cavalry brigade of J. E. B. Stuart, and shared its operations during the retreat from Yorktown toward Richmond. In the famous raid around McClellan's Army Stuart's men were led by the three colonels, Fitz Lee, W. H. F. Lee and W. T. Martin; the artillery under Breathed. His troopers defeated the enemy's cavalry at Hawes' Shop, June 13th, during this expedition. Upon the organization of the cavalry division in the following month, his regiment was assigned to the brigade of Fitzhugh Lee, and he participated in the operations of this command in the campaign of Second Manassas. After serving on the advanced line before Washington, during the advance into Maryland, he was particularly distinguished in the rear-guard fighting after the action at Turner's pass. Squadron after squadron of his regiment bore the brunt of the attacks of the Federal advance until they were the last to enter Boonsboro. At this point Colonel Lee was unhorsed and run over in crossing a bridge; and severely bruised and at first unconscious, lay by the roadside for some time in full view of the passing enemy. He managed to escape and finally reached the army on the Antietam, where he was welcomed as one from the dead. Subsequently he commanded a detachment of Lee's brigade during the Chambersburg raid, and held the advance during the return movement in the rear of McClellan's army. His intrepid conduct and coolness in demanding the surrender of a largely superior force of the enemy which held White's ford on the Potomac, caused the withdrawal of this obstacle which might have been fatal to the safe return of Stuart's command to Virginia. At the reorganization in November he, having been promoted brigadiergen-eral, was given command of the brigade of cavalry consisting of the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Fifteenth Virginia and Second North Carolina. During the operations preceding and following the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville he was frequently engaged, and during the combats with Pleasanton's cavalry before the [627] Gettysburg campaign he fought at Fleetwood Hill and Brandy Station, where he engaged the enemy in a series of brilliant charges with his regiments, in one of the last of which he received a severe wound through the leg. General Stuart reported ‘the handsome and highly satisfactory manner’ in which he handled his brigade, and the deplorable loss ‘for a short time only, it is hoped, of his valuable services.’ But, in his helpless condition, he was taken prisoner by Federal raiders and carried to Fortress Monroe, where, and at Fort Lafayette, he was held until March, 1864. On his return to the army he was promoted major-general and assigned to the command of a division of the cavalry. He participated in the operations of the cavalry from the Rapidan to the James in 1864; was at Malvern hill when Grant crossed the river; opposed Wilson's raid against the Weldon railroad in June; commanded the cavalry at Globe Tavern, August; at Five Forks held the right of the Confederate line; and during the retreat to Appomattox, aided Gordon in repulsing repeated assaults. After the surrender he retired to his plantation, and resided there until his removal to Burke's Station in 1874. He was president for a time of the State agricultural society, served one term in the State senate, and sat in the Fiftieth, Fifty-first and Fifty-second Congresses as representative of the Eighth Virginia district. He died at Alexandria, October 15, 1891.Brigadier-General R. D. Lilley
Brigadier-General R. D. Lilley entered the Confederate service in the spring of 1861 as captain of the Augusta Lee Rifles, a volunteer company, which marched through the mountains under Col. J. M. Heck, after the battle of Philippi, to recruit the forces in western Virginia. At Huttonsville, General Garnett ordered two regiments to be formed from the volunteer and militia organizations, and the Rifles was assigned to the Twenty-fifth Virginia infantry, under Colonel Heck. This regiment occupied Rich mountain, and there Captain Lilley, in command of his company, took part in the defense of Camp Garnett. During the night retreat from that post, he and part of his company followed the lead of Major Hotchkiss, over the mountain, and reached Beverly in safety; but the remainder of the column became separated and were captured by McClellan. He remained with the [628] army of the Northwest through the fall and winter of 1861, and shared its valorous service in the defeats of the Federals at the Greenbrier river and Alleghany mountain, and at McDowell in May, 1862. Subsequently his regiment was attached to Early's brigade of Ewell's division, and he was identified with the career of that famous brigade throughout 1862. At the battle of Cedar Mountain he attracted the attention of General Early by his gallantry in advancing among the foremost, with a small body of men, including the color-bearer, after the regiment had been thrown in disorder by a rear attack. At Second Manassas he again won commendation for his gallantry in driving back a column of the enemy while in command of the brigade skirmish line. He was promoted major in January, 1863. In April and May, the Twenty-fifth was with Imboden in western Virginia, and rejoining the army was assigned to J. M. Jones brigade of the Stonewall division. Major Lilley won high praise by his services in command of the skirmish line of this brigade at Gettysburg, and was promoted lieutenant-colonel. He served with distinction at Mine Run, and after the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House was promoted brigadiergen-eral and assigned to the command of Early's old brigade. In this capacity he served in the expedition through Maryland against Washington. Soon after his return to the Valley he was severely wounded and captured at a battle near Winchester, July 20, 1864, but was recaptured four days later. On November 28, 1864, he was given command of the reserve forces of the Valley district, where he served during the remainder of the war. General Lilley died November 12, 1886.Major-General Lunsford Lindsay Lomax
Major-General Lunsford Lindsay Lomax, a distinguished officer of the Confederate States provisional army, who rose from the rank of captain to that of major-general in the army of Northern Virginia, was born at Newport, R. I., the son of Mann Page Lomax, of Virginia, a major of ordnance in the United States army. His mother, Elizabeth Lindsay, was a descendant of Captain Lindsay, who commanded a company in the light horse cavalry of Harry Lee during the Revolution, and lost an arm in the war for independence. His father, also, was of an old Virginia family. Young Lomax was educated in the schools [629] of Richmond and Norfolk, and was appointed cadetat-large, July 1, 1852, to the military academy at West Point, where he was graduated July 1, 1856, and promoted to a brevet lieutenancy in the Second cavalry. He served on frontier duty in Kansas, Nebraska and that region, with promotion to second lieutenant of the First cavalry, September 30, 1856, and first lieutenant, March 21, 1861, until the secession of his State from the United States. Resigning April 25, 1861, he offered his services to Virginia, and was appointed captain in the State forces April 28th. He was at once assigned to the staff of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, as assistant adjutant-general, and later was transferred to the field of operations beyond the Mississippi, as inspector-general upon the staff of the gallant Texan, Brigadier-General McCulloch, who commanded a division of Van Dorn's army. After Mc-Culloch fell he was promoted inspector-general on the staff of Maj.-Gen. Earl Van Dorn, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He served in this capacity from July, 1862, until October, when he was made inspector-general of the army of East Tennessee. While with the western armies he participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., Farmington and Corinth, Miss., the first defense of Vicksburg from siege, Baton Rouge, La., Spring Hill and Thompson Station, Tenn. On February 8, 1863, he was promoted colonel and called to the eastern campaigns. As colonel of the Eleventh Virginia cavalry, in W. E. Jones' brigade, he participated in the raid in West Virginia, and the subsequent Pennsylvania campaign, including the battles of Brandy Station, Winchester, Rector's Cross-roads, Upperville, Gettysburg and Buckland. On July 23, 1863, he was promoted brigadier-general and assigned to the command of a brigade of cavalry organized for him of the Fifth, Sixth and Fifteenth Virginia regiments, and the First Maryland cavalry. Under his command this brigade was one of the principal factors in the subsequent operations of Fitz Lee's division, including the fighting at Culpeper Court House, Morton's Ford, the second encounter at Brandy Station, Tod's Tavern, the Wilderness campaign, Cold Harbor, Yellow Tavern, Reams' Station and Trevilian's. His gallant and cool leadership in these important engagements led to his promotion, August 10, 1864, to the rank of major-general. He was given command of a [630] division composed of the cavalry brigades of Bradley T. Johnson, W. L. Jackson, Henry B. Davidson, J. D. Imboden and John McCausland, and rendered prominent and distinguished service in the Valley campaign of the army under General Early, at the battles of Winchester, Tom's Brook and other encounters. At the battle of Woodstock, October 9th, he was made a prisoner by Torbert's cavalry, but made his escape about three hours later by personally overthrowing his captor. On October 31st he was assigned to the command of the cavalry wing of the army under Early, and on March 29, 1865, was put in entire command of the Valley district of the department of Northern Virginia. After the fall of Richmond he moved his forces to Lynchburg, and when Lee surrendered sent the news to General Echols, with whom he endeavored to form a junction with the remnants of his own, Fitz Lee's and Rosser's divisions. He succeeded in joining the army in North Carolina, and surrendered his division with Johnston, at Greensboro. Thence he returned to Caroline county, Va., and engaged in farming, to which he quietly devoted himself during the succeeding years until 1889, when he was called to the presidency of the college at Blacksburg. He resigned this position after five years service. For several years he has been engaged in the official compilation of the records of the war, at Washington, D. C.Brigadier-General Armistead Lindsay long
Brigadier-General Armistead Lindsay Long was born in Campbell county, Va., September 13, 1827. He was educated at the United States military academy, with graduation in the class of 1850, and promotion to brevet second lieutenant of artillery. He served in garrison at Fort Moultrie until 1852, and on frontier duty in New Mexico, with promotion to first lieutenant, Second artillery, until 1854. His subsequent service was at Fort Mc-Henry and Barrancas barracks, until 1855, when he was again ordered to the frontier. With the exception of a period at Fortress Monroe he was on duty in Indian Territory, Kansas and Nebraska until 1860. When the crisis arrived between the North and South he was stationed at Augusta arsenal, Ga., but was transferred to Washington, where he served as aide-de-camp to General Sumner until his resignation, which took effect June 10, 1861. Repairing to Richmond he accepted the commission [631] of major of artillery in the Confederate service, and soon accompanied Gen. W. W. Loring, assigned to the command of the army of Western Virginia, as chief of artillery. He served in the Trans-Alleghany, performing the duties of inspector-general in addition to those of his regular position, during the summer and fall of 1861, and was then ordered to report to Gen. R. E. Lee in the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The association with the future commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies, begun amid the mountains of West Virginia, was continued throughout the four years war, with intimate friendship and confidence. When Lee was given command of the army of Northern Virginia, Long was appointed military secretary with the rank of colonel. During the subsequent campaigns he rendered valuable service upon the field, especially in posting and securing the artillery. His efficiency in the disposition of artillery was particularly shown upon the fields of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In September, 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general and assigned to the duty of chief of artillery of the Second corps of the army. He was actively engaged during the Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns, and throughout the severe fighting of 1864 managed his artillery with vigor and unfailing judgment, sharing the battles of Ewell's corps until disabled by illness. He organized the artillery which accompanied Early in his campaign against Washington. Throughout the disasters which befell Early's army in the Shenandoah valley, subsequently, his artillery corps behaved with a steadfast gallantry and unfaltering courage that elicited the unbounded praise of the lieutenant-general commanding. General Long was with the Shenandoah army at the final disaster at Waynesboro and afterward accompanied Gordon's corps in the withdrawal from Richmond, participated in its engagements in April, 1865, and finally was surrendered and paroled at Appomattox. After the war closed he was appointed chief engineer of the James River & Kanawha canal company. Soon afterward he lost his eyesight by reason of exposure during his campaigns. He then removed to Charlotteville, where he passed the last twenty years of his life in total darkness. During this period his active mind was much employed in recalling the incidents of the war, and it was then that he wrote [632] the Memoirs of Gen. R. E. Lee, a model of biographical history, containing a very clear and most intelligent account of the military operations of the army of Northern Virginia. This book was published in 1886. He also prepared reminiscences of his army life, and a sketch of Stonewall Jackson, which so far has not been published. By reason of his infirmity he was compelled to use a slate prepared for the use of the blind, and to depend on members of his family and on friends for much assistance. Under all these disadvantages he worked along uncomplainingly, drawing his interest and delight from what was most pleasant in his past life, cheerful, and always with placid courage looking forward to the end of his sad but honored career. He died April 29, 1891, leaving a wife and two children, Virginia L. and E. McLean.Major-General John Bankhead Magruder
Major-General John Bankhead Magruder, conspicuous in the early operations in Virginia, was born at Winchester, Va., August 15, 1810. He was graduated at the West Point military academy in 1830, with the brevet of second lieutenant, Seventh infantry, and was assigned to the artillery school at Fort McHenry, Md. He subsequently served in various garrisons, on recruiting service and in the occupation of Texas. On March 31, 1836, he was commissioned first lieutenant of artillery. In the Mexican war he commanded the light battery attached to General Pillow's division, and after gallant service at Palo Alto was made captain of the First artillery. At Cerro Gordo he won the brevet rank of major, and he afterward participated in the skirmish of La Hoya, Ocalaca, the storming of Chapultepec and the capture of the city of Mexico. After the close of this war he served in Maryland and California and was in command of Fort Adams at Newport, R. I. At the formation of the Confederacy he promptly tendered his services and was commissioned colonel, C. S. A., March 16, 1861. Promotion rapidly followed to brigadier-general, June 17th, and major-general, October 7, 1861. He was assigned to command of the artillery in and about Richmond on April 29th, and soon afterward was given charge of the Virginia State forces in that locality. Put in command of the district of Yorktown in May, he defeated a Federal force at Big Bethel, the first battle of the war, in which his success gave confidence to the Confederate soldiers [633] everywhere, and correspondingly depressed the Northern troops. He remained in this command until February, 1862. Stationed at Yorktown, with about 12,000 men, confronting McClellan's great army of invasion, he demonstrated his remarkable ability as a master of ruse and strategy, causing McClellan to believe that a force superior to his own disputed his advance. Magruder was not actively engaged at Seven Pines, but after General Lee took command, he was put in charge of the left wing of the Confederate army, and during the operations north of the Chickahominy was left before Richmond to engage the attention of the Federals. No one could have better performed this feat than ‘Prince John,’ as he was known in the old Federal army, on account of his lordly air and brilliant ability to bring appearances up to the necessities of occasion. During the retreat of McClellan his troops made a spirited attack at Savage Station, and at Malvern Hill nine brigades under his orders made a heroic charge against the Federal position, but were repulsed with fearful slaughter. At this time the Confederate government determined to prosecute more vigorously the war in the West and attempt to recover lost territory in Missouri and Louisiana, and a department was formed of the Trans-Mississippi, and General Magruder sent to its command, with the understanding that Generals Hind-man, Taylor and Price would report to him. If this plan had been carried out, doubtless the history of the war in that region would have been other than it is, but there was a change before Magruder could reach the field, and he was recalled to Richmond and subsequently assigned to the district of Texas. He directed his attention at once to the defenseless condition of the coast, and caused the equipment of two cotton clad gunboats, and when the Federals attempted to occupy Galveston he recaptured the town January 1, 1863, made prisoners of the garrison, and caused the whole Federal blockade fleet to hoist the white flag, although the uninjured vessels afterward escaped. He continued in command, the district being enlarged to include New Mexico and Arizona, and in March, 1864, sent most of his forces to reinforce General Taylor against Banks. After the close of hostilities he went into Mexico and entered the army of Maximilian with the rank of major-general, serving until the downfall of the emperor. Then returning to the United [634] States he lectured for a time upon his Mexican experience, at Baltimore and other cities, finally settling at Houston, Tex., in 1869. He died at that city, February 19, 1871.Major-General William Mahone
Major-General William Mahone was born at Monroe, Southampton county, Va., December 1, 1826. His family in Virginia was descended from an Irish progenitor of the Colonial period. Both his grandfathers served in the war of 1812, and his father commanded a militia regiment during the Nat Turner insurrection. He was graduated at the Virginia military institute in 1847, after which he taught two years at the Rappahannock military academy. He then entered upon a career as civil engineer in which he became distinguished, engaging in the construction of new railroads in Virginia, notably the Orange & Alexandria and Norfolk & Petersburg lines. Overcoming obstacles that had been pronounced insuperable in the construction of the latter line, he subsequently became president of the railroad company. He then conceived his great project of consolidating various roads into a system from Norfolk to Bristol, Tenn., with the ultimate object of extending connections to the Mississippi and to the Pacific coast. But these enterprises were brought to a sudden check by the political events of 1860-61. He promptly offered his services to Virginia, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and soon promoted colonel of the Sixth Virginia regiment. Serving first at Norfolk, he was promoted brigadier-general November 16, 1861. After serving in the defense of Drewry's bluff, he fought his brigade in Huger's division at Seven Pines, where his men and Armistead's struck the enemy a telling blow on the second day. He participated in the Seven Days battles before Richmond, and in Anderson's division of Longstreet's corps conducted his brigade into action at the battle of Second Manassas with conspicuous gallantry, receiving a severe wound which prevented his participation in the Maryland campaign, though his famous brigade was distinguished in the valorous defense of the South mountain passes. Returning to his command, he served through the succeeding struggles on the Rappahannock and in Pennsylvania, and during the first day's fighting in the Wilderness was intrusted with the command of his own, [635] Wofford's, Anderson's and Davis' brigades, in an attack on the flank and rear of Grant's advance, which rolled Hancock's command back in confusion and promised to repeat the victory of Chancellorsville, when Longstreet fell, as Jackson had fallen on the former field. When his division commander was called to fill Longstreet's place, Mahone was given command of Anderson's division, and Longstreet added his voice to that of A. P. Hill in recommending the promotion of the dashing infantry chieftain. As a division commander, though without the official rank, he was distinguished in a successful attack upon Hancock, May 10th, and the severe repulse and almost capture of a portion of Warren's corps on the North Anna. Before Petersburg he brilliantly defended the Weldon railroad, and at the time of the breaking of the Confederates lines by the explosion of a mine, July 30th, he was specially distinguished. Moving promptly with his division to the relief of Gen. Bushrod Johnson's men, he engaged in repeated desperate charges, which finally resulted in the utter repulse and terrible slaughter of the enemy. Here the tardy promotion arrived, he being promoted major-general on the field by General Lee, which was promptly confirmed by the President and Congress. Of Mahone's part in the battle of the Crater, Col. W. H. Stuart, of the Sixty-first Virginia, has said: ‘The whole movement was under his immediate and personal direction, and to him, above all, save the brave men who bore the muskets, belong the honor and credit of recapturing the Confederate lines.’ To the last he held his men together in a remarkably spirited and unified organization, which was inspired with a strong esprit du corps, and distinguished for readiness to take all chances in either defense or assault. He surrendered at Appomattox, and returned to the railroad management from which he had been called four years before. Becoming president of the two lines extending from Petersburg to Bristol, Tenn., he consolidated the three companies into the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio railroad company, which he managed until the financial crisis of 1873, when a foreign combination gained control and the system became known later as the Norfolk & Western. Though defeated in this great enterprise he managed that upon the sale of the lines $500,000 was paid to the State of Virginia for her claim, the whole amount of [636] which he subsequently caused to be appropriated for educational purposes. Before the close of the war General Mahone had served in the Virginia senate in addition to his duties in the field, and during the reconstruction period he exerted a very powerful influence toward the comparatively peaceful restoration of home rule which was brought about in his State. In 1878 he was defeated in a contest for the Democratic nomination for governor. In 1879, under his leadership, the ‘Read-juster’ party was formed in Virginia, which for a time controlled the State, and General Mahone was elected to the United States Senate, where he soon became identified with the Republican party, which through his efforts carried the State elections in 1881. He led Virginia delegations to the Republican national conventions of 1884 and 1888, and in 1889 was nominated for governor by his party, but defeated. He continued to retain political leadership, and in his later years made his home at Washington, where he died October 8, 1895.Major-General Dabney Herndon Maury
Major-General Dabney Herndon Maury was born at Fredericksburg, Va., May 20, 1822, the son of Capt. John Minor Maury, United States navy, whose wife was the daughter of Fontaine Maury. His descent is from the old Virginia families of Brooke and Minor, and the Huguenot emigres, the Fontaines and Maurys. He was educated at the classical school of Thomas Harrison, Fredericksburg, studied law at the university of Virginia, and was graduated at West Point in 1846, with the rank of brevet second lieutenant in the mounted rifles. A theater for active service in his profession was awaiting him in Mexico, where he was at once ordered. He conducted himself with soldierly valor in this war, particularly at the siege of Vera Cruz and the battle of Cerro Gordo, where he was severely wounded, and received the brevet of first lieutenant for gallantry. In further recognition of his services he was presented with a sword by the citizens of Fredericksburg and the legislature of Virginia. For several years subsequent to the Mexican war he was detailed for service at the United States military academy, first as assistant professor of geography, history and ethics, and afterward as assistant professor of infantry tactics. In 1852 he was transferred to frontier duty in [637] Texas, in which he continued, with promotion to first lieutenant mounted rifles, until 1858, when he was appointed superintendent of the cavalry school at Carlisle, Pa. From April 15, 1860, until the outbreak on the Con. federate war he was assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of brevet captain, in New Mexico. He promptly acted with his State in 1861, and was commissioned captain, corps of cavalry, C. S. A., to date from March 16th. Subsequently he was promoted colonel, was appointed adjutant-general of the army at Manassas, and When Gen. Earl Van Dorn was assigned to command the TransMis-sissippi department, early in 1862, he became his chief of staff and adjutant-general. In his report of the battle of Elkhorn Tavern, General Van Dorn wrote: ‘Colonel Maury was of invaluable service to me both in preparing for and during the battle. Here, as on other battlefields where I have served with him, he proved to be a zealous patriot and true soldier; cool and calm under all circumstances, he was always ready, either with his sword or pen.’ Maury was promptly promoted brigadier-general. He accompanied Van Dorn to the consultation with A. S. Johnston and Beauregard at Corinth previous to the battle of Shiloh, and subsequently was transferred with the main Confederate force east of the Mississippi, where his service was afterward given. When Price took command of the army of the West at Tupelo, he commanded one of its two divisions, including the brigades of John C. Moore, W. L. Cabell and C. W. Phifer, and the cavalry of F. C. Armstrong. Little of Maryland, commanding the other division, fell at Iuka, where Maury was held in reserve, and afterward served as rear guard, repelling pursuit. About a fortnight later he commanded the center in the battle of Corinth, against Rosecrans, and gallantly engaged the enemy, who was driven from his intrenchments and through the town. During the subsequent retirement he defended the rear, fighting spiritedly at Hatchie's bridge. He was promoted majorgen-eral in November, 1862, and on December 30th, arrived before Vicksburg from Grenada, to support S. D. Lee, who had repulsed Sherman's attack at Chickasaw bayou, and was assigned to command of the right wing. He continued in service here, his troops being engaged at Steele's bayou and in the defeat of the Yazoo Pass expedition, until he was ordered to Knoxville, April 15th, to [638] take command of the department of East Tennessee. A month later he was transferred to the command of the district of the Gulf. In this region, with, headquarters at Mobile, he continued to serve until the end of the war. During the siege of Atlanta, in command of reserve troops, he operated in defense of the Macon road. In August, 1864, in spite of a gallant struggle, the defenses of Mobile bay were taken, and in March and April, 1865, Maury, with a garrison about 9,000 strong, defended the city against the assaults of Canby's army of 45,000 until, after heavy loss, he retired without molestation to Meridian. But the war was now practically over, and on May 4th, his forces were included in the general capitulation of General Taylor. Subsequently he made his home at Richmond, Va. He has given many valuable contributions to the history of the war period, and in 1868 organized the Southern historical society, the collections of which he opened to the government war records office, securing in return free access to that department by ex-Confederates. In 1878 he was a leader in the movement for the reorganization of the volunteer troops of the nation, and until 1890 served as a member of the executive committee of the National Guard association of the United States. In 1886 he was appointed United States minister to Columbia, a position he held until June 22, 1889. Since then he has been occupied in literary pursuits, being the author of a school history of Virginia, and other works.Brigadier-General Patrick T. Moore
Brigadier-General Patrick T. Moore was born at Galway, Ireland, September 22, 1821, son of John Moore, who removed to Canada with his family in 1835, and soon after was appointed consul at Boston. Coming to Richmond at the age of twenty-nine years, General Moore engaged in business as a merchant, until the outbreak of war, when, having been for some time a captain of militia, he offered his services to the State. In the spring of 1861 he was commissioned colonel of the First regiment, Virginia infantry, which was assigned to Longstreet's brigade of the army under Beauregard at Manassas. He participated in the affair at Blackburn's ford and the battle of Manassas, in the latter action being one of the Confederates who paid the penalty of glorious victory, receiving a severe wound in the head while leading his regiment. [639] His conduct received the generous recognition of Generals Longstreet and Beauregard in their official reports. During the Seven Days campaign before Richmond he served upon the volunteer staff of General Longstreet, but his wound prevented further service at the head of his regiment. In May, 1864, he was temporarily assigned to duty in organizing and placing in the field the reserve forces of Virginia, under General Kemper, and was put in command of the rendezvous of reserves at Richmond. Later in the year, being promoted brigadier-general, he was given command of the First brigade, Virginia reserves, part of the force of Lieutenant-General Ewell, in command of the department of Richmond. After the close of the struggle he returned to Richmond, and all the fruits of his former business success having been swept away, he engaged in insurance agency, which was his occupation until his death, February 20, 1883.Brigadier-General Thomas Taylor Munford
Brigadier-General Thomas Taylor Munford, a distinguished cavalry officer of the army of Northern Virginia, was born at the city of Richmond, in 1831, the son of Col. George Wythe Munford, for twenty-five years secretary of the commonwealth. He was graduated at the Virginia military institute in 1852, and until the outbreak of the war, was mainly engaged as a planter. He went into the Confederate service as lieutenant-colonel of the Thirtieth Virginia mounted infantry, organized at Lynchburg, May 8, 1861, and mustered in by Col. Jubal A. Early. This was the first mounted regiment organized in Virginia, and under the command of Col. R. C. W. Radford, was in Beauregard's army at the battle of First Manassas. Subsequently it was entitled the Second regiment of cavalry, General Stuart's regiment being numbered First, at the reorganization under Stuart, when Munford was promoted colonel of the regiment. On the field of Manassas he had commanded three squadrons composed of the Black Horse, Chesterfield, and Wise troops, the Franklin rangers, and three independent companies, and pursued the enemy further than any other command, capturing many prisoners and ten rifled guns, which he turned over to President Davis at Manassas. His career as a cavalry officer thus brilliantly begun continued throughout the war, and was notable for faithful service in whatever command was allotted him. In the spring [640] of 1862, attached to Ewell's command, he skirmished in Rappahannock county, and then joined Jackson in the Valley. Upon the death of General Ashby he was recommended by Gen. R. E. Lee as his successor. In this capacity he participated in the battle of Cross Keys, and captured many prisoners at Harrisonburg. With his regiment he led Jackson's advance in the Chickahominy campaign, and on the day of battle at Frayser's farm, his men were the only part of the corps to cross the river and attack the Federals at White Oak swamp. He joined Stuart's command in the Manassas campaign, leading the advance of Ewell's division, and received two saber wounds at Second Manassas. In September, assigned to the command of the brigade, he took part in the Maryland campaign, in which his men sustained the main losses of the cavalry division, fighting at Poolesville, Monocacy church, Sugar Loaf mountain, Burkittsville and Crampton's gap. At the latter pass of the South mountain, with about 800 men, dismounted, he made a gallant defense against the advance of a Federal corps. At Sharpsburg he was actively engaged on the 17th and 18th, on Lee's right wing, guarding the lower fords of the Antietam, crossed the Potomac in the presence of the enemy, and defended the retreat from Boteler's ford. In October, when the Federal army advanced in Virginia in two columns, he was put in command of one division of the cavalry to confront Hancock's troops. Subsequently he was transferred to Fitzhugh Lee's brigade, which he commanded after Chancellorsville at Beverly's ford and Aldie. He took part in the Gettysburg campaign, the Bristoe campaign, and the cavalry operations in the spring of 1864 under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, participated in the Valley campaign with Early, and being promoted brigadier-general in November, 1864, was assigned to the command of Fitzhugh Lee's division. In this rank he made a gallant fight at Five Forks, and on the retreat from Richmond was associated with General Rosser in the defeat of the Federals at High Bridge, capturing 780 prisoners; also in the battle of April 7th, when the enemy was again defeated and Federal General Gregg was captured. At Appomattox, at daybreak of April 9th, he commanded the cavalry on the right of the Confederate line, in the attack, and driving the enemy from his front, moved toward Lynchburg. After the surrender [641] of Lee he endeavored to collect the scattered Con. federate bands and make a junction with Johnston's army, but after the latter command capitulated he disbanded his men late in the month of April. In his final report Gen. Fitzhugh Lee called attention to the excellent service of General Munford as a division commander. With the close of the war he retired to his home, and since then has been engaged in the management of agricultural interests in Virginia and Alabama, with his home at Lynchburg. He has served two terms as president of the board of visitors of the Virginia military institute.General Richard L. Page
General Richard L. Page, distinguished in the naval and military history of the Confederate States, was born in Clarke county, Va., in 1807. The worthy Virginia family to which he belongs is descended from John Page, an immigrant from England in early days, one of whose descendants, John Page, wedded Jane Byrd of Westover. Their son, Mann Page, was father to William Byrd Page, born at North End, Gloucester county, in 1768, who was a farmer by occupation, and died at Fairfield, Clarke county, in 1812. He married Ann Lee, who was born at Leesylvania, Prince William county, in 1776, and died at Washington, D. C. She was a daughter of Henry Lee, and sister of Gen. Henry Lee, the famous cavalry officer, known as ‘Light Horse Harry,’ father of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Another brother, Charles Lee, was attorney-general of the United States in Washington's administration. Richard L. Page, son of William Byrd and Ann Page, became a midshipman in the United States navy March 12, 1824, being first assigned to the sloop-of-war John Adams, of the West Indies squadron, Commodore Porter, making two short cruises. In 1825 he was ordered to the frigate Brandywine to convey General La Fayette to France under Commodore Morris. In the Mediterranean he was transferred to the frigate Constitution. He returned to the United States in 1828 in the Constitution, after which he was ordered to the frigate Constellation, Commodore Wadsworth, and was detached from her at New York to prepare for his examination. From 1830 to 1834 he was attached to the sloop-of-war Concord as passed midshipman and sailing master, which ship, after conveying John Randolph as minister to Russia, joined the squadron in the Mediterranean. March 26, 1834, he [642] was commissioned lieutenant and ordered to the Enterprise on the Brazil station, was then transferred to the Ontario, afterward served as executive officer of the schooner Enterprise on the East India station, was transferred to the sloop-of-war Peacock, and returned to the United States in her the fall of 1837, having circumnavigated the globe, when he was given two years leave of absence to visit Europe. Subsequent duty was as ordnance officer in the Norfolk navy yard, then to the frigate Macedonia in the West Indies for two cruises of one year each, with Commodores Wilkinson and Shubrick; next two years at the Norfolk naval rendezvous; then as executive officer of the sloop-of-war Fairfield of the Mediterranean squadron in. 1844 and 1845. Returning in the Fairfield to the United States, he was ordered to the receiving battleship Pennsylvania at Norfolk in 1845. He was executive officer, and for two years lieutenant commanding the frigate Independence, flagship of Commodore Shubrick, during the Mexican war. Returning home in 1849, he was ordered on ordnance duty at Norfolk navy yard. In 1852-54, in command of the United States brig Perry, he served with the African squadron, and following that cruise became executive officer at the Norfolk navy yard, and a member of the Retiring board. He was promoted commander September 14, 1855. As assistant inspector of ordnance he remained at Norfolk until the spring of 1857, when he was given command of the sloop-of-war Germantown and attached to the East India squadron, returning to the United States in her in 1859. At the outbreak of the war of the Confederacy he was on duty at Norfolk as ordnance officer, to which he had been recalled a year previous. As soon as Virginia seceded he resigned his rank and office, and was appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Letcher of Virginia, with special duties in the organization of a State navy. He superintended the erection of the fortifications at the mouth of the James river, and those on the Nansemond river and Pagan creek. On June 10, 1861, he entered the navy of the Confederate States, with a commission as commander. Until the evacuation of Norfolk he served as ordnance officer at the navy yard, and during the actions of the Virginia in Hampton Roads he served as a volunteer in firing the 11-inch gun at Sewell's point against the Federal vessels. With the [643] machinery and mechanics removed from Norfolk at its evacuation, Commander Page, having been promoted to captain, established the ordnance and construction depot at Charlotte, N. C., which he managed with such efficiency that the works became indispensable to the Southern Confederacy. In this important duty he was engaged for about two years, except the period of his assignment to the command of the naval forces at Savannah, and with Commodore Tattnall on the gunboat Savannah at the naval battle of Port Royal. March 1, 1864, he was commissioned brigadier-general in the provisional army and assigned to the command of the outer defenses of Mobile bay. He established his headquarters at Fort Morgan, where, on August 8th, he was summoned to surrender by Farragut's flag lieutenant and General Granger's chief of staff. Although he had but about 400 effective men and twenty-six serviceable guns to oppose 10,000 troops and over 200 guns of the attacking forces, he gallantly replied that he would defend the post to the last extremity. During the succeeding two weeks the enemy was busy advancing his lines on the land side, meantime keeping up a desultory fire day and night, and on the morning of August 22d a furious bombardment began. The heavy guns on Mobile point were trained at a distance of only 250 yards, and the enemy's navy took station at convenient points, the ironclads at close range, and an incessant fire followed. During twelve hours 3,000 shells were thrown into the fort. But General Page and his heroic men kept up the fight with all their power; the citadel of the fort took fire at 9 o'clock at night; the walls of the fort were repeatedly breached, and the best guns disabled. Serving the guns that were left and spiking those dismounted, fighting the fire which was threatening the magazine, and throwing into the cisterns all powder not immediately needed, the garrison fought all night in a storm of shot and shell, until, with no means of defense, they were compelled to capitulate on the following morning, August 23d, with all the honors of war. The defense of Fort Morgan under the command of General Page is one of the most celebrated instances of heroism in the history of the war. After the capitulation, General Page was held as a prisoner of war until September, 1865. Since that date he has resided at Norfolk, where he now enjoys the esteem and honor due his long and distinguished public [644] services. For nearly seven years of this time he served with marked efficiency as superintendent of the public schools of Norfolk. In 1841 he married Miss Alexina Taylor, of Norfolk, Va.Brigadier-General Elisha Franklin Paxton
Brigadier-General Elisha Franklin Paxton, who fell at Chancellorsville while leading the Stonewall brigade, was a native of Rockbridge county, Va., of Scotch-Irish and English descent. His grandfather, William Paxton, commanded a company from Rockbridge at the siege of Yorktown in 1781. His father, Elisha Paxton, served in the war of 1812. General Paxton was educated and graduated at Washington college, Va., and at Yale college, and in 1849, at the head of his class in the university of Virginia, was graduated in law. This profession he practiced with much success at Lexington until 1860, when failing eyesight compelled him to seek other occupation. He was engaged in farming near Lexington when the political campaign of 1860 was in progress, and his ardent temperament and strong convictions did not permit him to remain an indifferent spectator of the important events of that year. After the election he advocated the immediate secession of Virginia, and when that action was finally decided upon he sustained his words by deeds of self-sacrifice. He was first lieutenant of the Rockbridge rifles, the first of ten companies to go from that county, and left his home April 18, 1861, for Harper's Ferry. His company was attached to the First Virginia brigade, under Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, and at the first battle of Manassas, it formed a part of the Fourth Virginia regiment. In that memorable fight Lieutenant Paxton attracted attention by the conspicuous gallantry which ever afterward distinguished him as a soldier. Subsequently his company was assigned to the Twenty-seventh infantry, of which he was promoted major in October, 1861. In the following spring he became a member of General Jackson's staff, and later was appointed adjutant-general and chief of staff, Jackson's corps, army of Northern Virginia. On September 27, 1862, Jackson, having well tested his courage and ability, manifested great confidence in him by recommending the volunteer soldier for promotion to brigadier-general and assignment to command of the Stonewall brigade. The appointment was made by President Davis, and General Paxton took [645] charge of the brigade November 15, 1862. His letters show that owing to a deep sense of the responsibilities of the rank and a modest estimate of his own qualifications, he accepted the command with much reluctance; but his subsequent record vindicated Jackson's judgment. He commanded the brigade in but two great battles, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. At the former engagement he handled his troops with skill and promptness, and during part of the 13th occupied the front line of the division of General Taliaferro, by whom he was particularly mentioned in official report. On May 2, 1863, during Jackson's flank movement he was stationed to guard an important point, the Germanna junction, from which he was called to the main line the following night, after Jackson had fallen and the command had devolved upon Stuart. Early in the morning of Sunday, May 3d, the attack was renewed with irresistible vigor, and Paxton led his men through the dense woods against the Federal position. Dismounting, he marched on foot in the front line of his brigade until they came within the enemy's fire, when he was instantly killed by a shot through the breast. Dr. R. L. Dabney relates that when the news of General Paxton's death was conveyed to General Jackson, then on his deathbed, the great commander showed much emotion, ‘and spoke in serious and tender strain of the genius and virtues of that officer.’ His loss was mentioned with appreciative reference to his ability and courage in the official report of General Lee. At the time of his death he was thirty-five years of age. His remains now lie within a few feet of his chief in Lexington cemetery.Brigadier-General William Henry Fitzhugh Payne
Brigadier-General William Henry Fitzhugh Payne, a distinguished cavalry commander of the army of Northern Virginia, was born at Clifton, the homestead of his family in Virginia, January 27, 1830. His family, prominently associated with the history of the Old Dominion, was founded in America by John Payne, who with his brother William came to the colony in 1620. Fourth in descent from John Payne was Capt. William Payne, who was born in 1755 at Wakefield, Westmoreland county, the birthplace of George Washington. He did an extensive business as a merchant at Falmouth and Fredericksburg, served three years in the Continental army, including [646] the battles of Guilford Court House and Yorktown, and died at Clifton in 1837. By his second marriage, to Marian Morson, of Scottish descent, he had one son, Arthur A. M. Payne, born at Clifton in 1804, who was a prominent man, and widely known as a breeder of fine horses, among them Passenger. He married Mary Conway Mason Fitzhugh, daughter of Judge Nicholas Fitzhugh, of the District of Columbia, and granddaughter of Augustine Washington. The eldest of their six children is General Payne, who has well sustained the ancestral reputation of worthy citizenship, and faithful service, both in civil and military life, in the best interests of the community and the commonwealth. After completing his education in the university of Virginia and preparing himself for the practice of law, he formed a partnership for professional work with Samuel Chilton, at Warrenton. In 1856, at the age of twenty-six years, the ability he had demonstrated warranted his election to the office of commonwealth's attorney, which he continued to fill with satisfaction to the public until 1869, except during the period he passed in the military service. He was among the first to answer the call of the State immediately after the passage of the ordinance of secession, and as a private participated in the occupation of Harper's Ferry. Soon after his arrival there he was promoted to a captaincy in the Black Horse cavalry, a rank which he held from April 26th to September 17, 1861, when he was promoted major and assigned to the Fourth Virginia cavalry. With this command he participated in the early operations of the Peninsular campaign. In the battle of May 5th at Williamsburg, Colonel Robertson being sick and Lieutenant-Colonel Wickham having been wounded on the previous day, he commanded the regiment in a fierce fight on the Telegraph road, and received, as stated in General Stuart's report, ‘a very severe, and I fear, mortal wound in the face.’ His capture followed and he was held as a prisoner of war two or three months. As soon as exchanged, though not yet fully recovered, he returned to duty early in September, 1862, and being promoted lieutenant-colonel, was assigned to the temporary command of the Second North Carolina regiment of cavalry, with which he held Warrenton, Va., with about 3,000 wounded Confederate soldiers, also capturing a number of Federal prisoners. In November he was ordered into hospital at [647] Lynchburg, but on his application was given command of the troops at that post. In February, 1863, he was able to rejoin the Fourth regiment, and held command, in the absence of Colonel Wickham, until March 20th, when he was again given command of the Second North Carolina. The gallant Col. Sol Williams, the regular commander, returned to his men on June 8th, but on the next day, in the battle of Brandy Station, lost his life, and Payne continued to lead the regiment, and in that capacity took part in Stuart's Pennsylvania raid. When Stuart was confronted by Kilpatrick, Payne with his regiment was thrown against the rear of Farnsworth's brigade at Hanover, Pa. So gallant was the charge that one Federal regiment was scattered, and Kilpatrick's command might have been routed had adequate support been at hand. But here Colonel Payne's horse was killed under him, and he himself, with a severe saber cut in the side, again fell into the hands of the enemy. After a long imprisonment at Johnson's island, Ohio, he was exchanged, and being promoted brigadier-general, commanded a brigade of three cavalry regiments, the Fifth, Sixth and Fifteenth Virginia, in Early's campaign in the Shenandoah valley, including the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. He was next transferred to Richmond and remained there during the siege, in the final operations commanding a brigade composed of the Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Virginia cavalry and Thirty-sixth Virginia battalion, in Munford's division. At the battle of Five Forks, April 1st, he was again badly wounded, and was sent to Richmond to rejoin the army. During the evacuation he failed to reach his corps and took refuge near his old home, where he was captured on the night of Lincoln's assassination. Carried into Washington the next day, he narrowly escaped violence at the hands of the populace, blindly enraged by the terrible crime of the night before. He again suffered prison life at Johnson's island, after the actual close of the war. Since the return of peace he has devoted himself to the practice of law, also serving in the legislature of Virginia in the session of 1879-80. He was married in May, 1852, to Mary Elizabeth Winston Payne, daughter of Col. W. Winter Payne, who represented the Sumter district of Alabama in Congress in 1841-48. Ten children were born to this union, of whom eight survive.[648]
Major-General John Pegram
Major-General John Pegram was born in Virginia, January 24, 1832. He was appointed a cadet from Virginia in the United States military academy, and was graduated in 1854, with promotion to brevet second lieutenant of dragoons. He served on frontier duty, first at Fort Tejou, Cal., and afterward at Fort Riley, Kan., where he was commissioned second lieutenant of dragoons, and at Forts Lookout and Randall, Dak. His duties in the west were relieved for a time in 1857, by assignment as assistant instructor of cavalry. Promoted first lieutenant of the Second dragoons, he became adjutant of that regiment, and resumed his frontier service until 1858, when he was given leave of absence for two years for a tour of Europe. On his return he continued in the United States army until May 10, 1861, when he resigned. He was commissioned captain, corps of cavalry, C. S. A., and was promoted rapidly to higher grades. As lieutenant-colonel he participated in the operations of General Garnett's command about Beverly, W. Va., in the summer of 1861, and when confronted by the Federal forces in overwhelming numbers under McClellan and Rosecrans, Pegram was intrusted by Garnett with the command of one of the two bodies in which he divided his forces. A rear attack by Rosecrans compelled him to withdraw after a gallant fight, from Rich mountain, and two days later he was compelled to surrender with half his command. After his return to the army he was assigned to the staff of General Bragg at Tupelo, Miss., as chief of engineers, July, 1862, and later became chief of staff of Gen. E. Kirby Smith, in command in east Tennessee. In that capacity he participated in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Richmond, where his services were gratefully recognized in the report of the general commanding. In November he was promoted brigadier-general and assigned to the command of a cavalry brigade of Tennesseeans in Smith's army. With his brigade he participated in the battle of Murfreesboro, and subsequently was upon outpost duty and various active operations until the battle of Chickamauga, where he commanded a division of Forrest's cavalry corps. Subsequently he was transferred to the army of Northern Virginia and the infantry service, being given command of a brigade in Early's division of the Second corps, composed of the Thirteenth, Thirty-first, Forty-ninth, Fiftysecond [649] and Fifty-eighth Virginia regiments. With this gallant body of veterans he was in the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, and was particularly distinguished during the second day of the fight in the Wilderness, when his brigade repelled the persistent assaults of the Federals, determined to turn the flank of Ewell's corps. In command of Early's division he took part in the campaign against Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley in the fall of 1864, and after the return of these forces to the Petersburg lines he was promoted major-general and continued in command of the division, a part of Gordon's corps, throughout the winter. On February 6, 1865, he moved from camp to reconnoiter and was attacked by the enemy in heavy force on Hatcher's run. His men were pressed back in spite of a brave resistance until reinforced by the division of C. A. Evans, when the enemy was in turn forced to retire. After meeting a second check the Confederates reformed and charged again, driving the Federals, and in this moment of success General Pegram fell mortally wounded. His death occurred on the same day.Brigadier-General William Nelson Pendleton
Brigadier-General William Nelson Pendleton, of Virginia, like Bishop Polk, of the Western army, entered the service of the Confederacy from the service of the church. He was, born at Lexington, Va., December 23, 1809, and was appointed to the United States military academy in 1826, where he formed a close friendship with R. E. Lee and Jefferson Davis. He was graduated in 1830 and began service in the garrison at Augusta, Ga., with the rank of second lieutenant of artillery. Subsequently he served one year as assistant professor of mathematics at West Point, and with the artillery at Fort Hamilton, until 1833, when he resigned and became professor of mathematics in Bristol college, Pa., later becoming connected with the faculty of Delaware college. In 1837 he became a clergyman in the Episcopal church, in which he continued with distinction during the remainder of his life, receiving the degree of doctor of divinity. During the period of 1861-65, however, his talents were given to the defense of Virginia and the Confederacy. He entered the service as captain of a Lexington company, and in a few weeks was commissioned captain, corps of artillery, C. S. A. He served in command of [650] the Rockbridge artillery until a short time before the battle of First Manassas, when he was promoted colonel and made chief of artillery of the army under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. Arriving on the field of Manassas with Johnston's command, he promptly brought his artillery into action in support of the Confederate left, where the battle was raging the hottest, and rendered effective service. It is told that he paused before his first order to fire to say with solemn reverence, ‘Lord, have mercy on their souls.’ From this time he continued in command of the artillery under Johnston, with promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, and after Lee took charge of the army of Northern Virginia, he served under him in the same capacity until the close of the war. Before the Pennsylvania campaign he had given the artillery an excellent organization, and under his direction it rendered telling service in the great artillery duels at Gettysburg. Through the remainder of the struggle he did his duty with devotion, and in the final retreat from Petersburg brought off his guns, making gallant stands against the enemy at Rice's Station and Farmville. During the night of April 8th, part of his command, under General Walker, was captured. On the 9th the artillery took part in a spirited attack upon the enemy, but hostilities were soon arrested, and he, with General Longstreet and General Gordon, represented the Confederate army in arranging the details of the surrender. Meanwhile, General Pendleton had continued to hold his ministerial charge at Lexington, and while on military duty had exercised his spiritual privileges. After the war he resumed his post at Lexington, where General Lee was a vestryman of his parish. He represented Virginia in the general convention of his church, both before and after the war, and received the degree of doctor of divinity in 1868. His only son, Col. ‘Sandie’ Pendleton, was a member of Stonewall Jackson's staff, and fell mortally wounded at the battle of Winchester, in September, 1864. General Pendleton passed away January 15, 1883.Major-General George Edward Pickett
Major-General George Edward Pickett was born at Richmond, Va., January 25, 1825, son of a planter of Henrico county. He was graduated at the United States military academy in the class of 1846, which included George B. McClellan, J. L. Reno, Thomas J. Jackson, [651] George Stoneman, Dabney H. Maury, D. R. Jones, C. M. Wilcox, S. B. Maxey and others who attained prominence in the war of the Confederacy. Going into the war with Mexico he was promoted second lieutenant, Second infantry; was transferred to the Seventh and finally to the Eighth infantry, and participating in all the important engagements of Scott's army, was brevetted first lieutenant for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco; earned the brevet of captain at Chapultepec, and finally took part in the capture of the Mexican capital. He subsequently served with the Eighth infantry on frontier duty in Texas until 1855, when he was promoted captain Ninth infantry, and given a year's assignment to Fortress Monroe. He was afterward on duty in Washington territory, until the spring of 1861. In 1856 he occupied San Juan island with sixty men, and forbade the landing of British troops, winning the thanks of the territorial legislature for his gallant and firm discharge of duty, and the commendation of General Harney for ‘cool judgment, ability and gallantry.’ His loyalty and firmness saved the rights of the United States until the title to the island was confirmed by international arbitration, and ‘Fort Pickett’ guarded one end of the island until the British finally retired. His first commission in the Confederate service was as major of artillery, regular army. On July 23, 1861, as colonel in the provisional army, he was assigned to temporary command on the lower Rappahannock, with headquarters at Fredericksburg, and on February 28, 1862, being promoted to brigadier-general, he was ordered to report to General Longstreet. Commanding a brigade of Longstreet's corps, he won commendation for ‘using his forces with great effect, ability and his usual gallantry,’ at Williamsburg. On the second day of the battle of Seven Pines he was particularly distinguished for his good generalship during an attack by Hooker's command. An order to withdraw was received, which was obeyed by the other brigade commanders after the repulse of the first attack; but ‘Pickett, the true soldier,’ as Longstreet writes, ‘knowing that the order was not intended for such an emergency, stood and resisted the attack,’ holding his ground against odds of ten to one for several hours longer. The enemy attempted to creep up quietly and capture the Virginians, but they met him with a fearful fire that drove him back [652] to the bushes, which ended the battle. At Gaines' Mill, fighting on the right with Longstreet, his brigade broke Porter's line just west of the Watts house, attacking with such vigor as almost to gain possession of the Federal reserve artillery. In this assault Pickett fell severely wounded, and he was for some time absent from his brave command, which under his leadership had won the title of ‘the gamecock brigade.’ In October, 1862, he was promoted to major-general and assigned to a division of Longstreet's corps, composed of his old brigade under Garnett, and the brigades of Armistead, Kemper and Corse, all Virginians, and Micah Jenkins' South Carolina brigade. Though there were five or six other Virginia brigades, in other divisions, this was distinctively ‘the Virginia division’ of the army, and comprised all the Virginia brigades in Longstreet's corps except Mahone's. He held the center of the line at Fredericksburg, and after that battle was sent with his division to Richmond, which was supposed to be threatened by the Federal movements. He was reinforced by Hood's division, and General Longstreet, in command, operated against Suffolk. Pickett went into the Gettysburg campaign with three brigades, Garnett's, Kemper's and Armistead's, and Dearing's artillery. He reached the battlefield with his men on the forenoon of the third day of battle, and was selected to make the attack upon the Federal center on Cemetery hill, Heth's division under Pettigrew to form the left of the line, which should be supported by Pender's division under Trimble. The attack was to be made after the enemy's artillery had been weakened by the massed fire of the Confederate artillery, which began at 2 o'clock. After a terrific artillery battle there was a lull in the Federal fire, and the Confederate ammunition being near exhaustion, General Alexander sent a note to Pickett: ‘For God's sake, come quick. The eighteen guns are gone; come quick, or my ammunition won't let me support you properly.’ Pickett handed the note to Longstreet, who had strongly objected to the proposed assault with the forces available. To Pickett's question, ‘General, shall I advance?’ Longstreet said nothing, but nodded his head. Pickett then accepted the duty with apparent confidence and ‘rode gaily to his command,’ before going into the fight writing on the envelope of a letter to his betrothed: [653] ‘If Old Pete's nod means death, then good-bye and God bless you, little one.’ The story of the charge has been often eloquently related. The Federal artillery was supplied with ammunition in time to work havoc in the Confederate ranks—the shattered lines closed up and gained the summit of the ridge and planted the stars and bars in the Federal lines—and disappeared in a tornado of fire. Very few came back unhurt. In September, 1863, Pickett was assigned to command of the department of North Carolina, embracing Petersburg and Southern Virginia. He made a demonstration against New Bern in the latter part of January, 1864. In May he joined Lee on the North Anna, and from that time commanded his old division, Armistead's, Pickett's, Corse's and Kemper's brigades, now under Barton, Hunton, Corse and Terry, until the close of hostilities. On June 16th, Lee arrived at Drewry's bluff with Pickett's division, and witnessed the gallant recapture of the Confederate lines from Butler. He wrote to Longstreet: ‘We tried very hard to keep Pickett's men from capturing the breastworks of the enemy, but could not do it.’ He remained before Bermuda Hundred until March, 1865, when he was sent to Lynchburg to oppose Sheridan's raid, and then marched with Longstreet north of Richmond in an attempt to intercept the Federal cavalryman, whom he finally met on March 31st and April 1st at Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks. In these hard-fought battles Pickett commanded the infantry, Fitzhugh Lee the cavalry, and as Longstreet writes: ‘His execution was all that a skillful commander could apply. Though taken by surprise, there was no panic in any part of the command. Brigade after brigade changed front to the left and received the overwhelming battle as it rolled on, until crushed back in the next. In generalship, Pickett was not a bit below the “gay rider.” ’ Reinforced too late to avoid defeat, he rallied and checked the cavalry pursuit at Amazon creek, preventing worse disaster. Here again, as at Gettysburg, he had been fated to make the decisive fight, with insufficient forces, and the inevitable followed. He marched with his division from Petersburg, escaped from the disaster at Rice's Station with 600 men of his splendid division, and finally was surrendered April 9, 1865, with the last of the army of Northern [654] Virginia. Subsequently he engaged in business at Richmond, but did not survive the first decade following the war, dying at Norfolk, July 30, 1875.Brigadier-General Roger Atkinson Pryor
Brigadier-General Roger Atkinson Pryor was born near Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1828, and was graduated at Hampden-Sidney college in 1845, and at the university of Virginia in 1848. Subsequently he prepared for the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar, but relinquished the practice on account of delicate health, and entered journalism. After an association with the Washington Union he became editor of the Richmond Enquirer in 1853, and rapidly attained prominence. In 1855, at the age of twenty-seven years, he was sent to Greece by President Pierce, as special commissioner for the adjustment of certain difficulties with that government. On his return he established a political journal at Richmond, called The South, in which he presented with great vigor the most radical opposition to encroachments upon the local rights and industrial methods of the South. He was elected to Congress in 1859, to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected in 1860. While in Congress his aggressiveness and passionate oratory gave him national prominence, and led to several duels. He took a prominent part in the proceedings of the Charleston Democratic convention in 1860, and after the presidential election ardently advocated the formation of the Southern Confederacy and the union with it of Virginia. Repairing to Charleston, S. C., he became a member of the volunteer staff of General Beauregard, and with his comrade, A. R. Chisholm, accompanied Aide-de-camps James Chestnut and Stephen D. Lee in the visit to Fort Sumter April 12th, notifying Major Anderson that fire would be opened on the fort. Thence they went by boat to Fort Johnson, where Capt. George S. James was ordered to open the fire. James, who was a great admirer of Pryor, offered the honor to him, as General Lee relates, but he replied, with much the same emotion as had characterized Anderson's receipt of the notice of bombardment, ‘I could not fire the first gun of the war.’ From their boat midway between Johnson and Sumter, he witnessed the opening of the bombardment. After the flag on Sumter was shot down he was sent with Lee to offer assistance in subduing the fire in the fort, and discovered [655] that Colonel Wigfall had made arrangements for surrender. Soon afterward he was assigned as colonel to the command of the Third Virginia regiment, stationed at Portsmouth and vicinity, and later in the year was elected a member of the First Confederate congress, in which he served with prominence as a member of the military committee. Continuing in military command, he moved his regiment to Yorktown in March, 1862, and engaged in battle at Yorktown and Williamsburg, after which he was promoted brigadier-general. In this rank he participated in the battle of Seven Pines, and was particularly distinguished, his men fighting bravely and with heavy loss, in the victories won at Gaines' Mill and Frayser's Farm. With Longstreet's corps he took part in the second battle of Manassas, and shared the distinction won by Anderson's corps at Harper's Ferry and Sharpsburg. In November General Lee requested Pryor to return to Richmond and organize a brigade to operate south of the James river. He rendered valuable services in that field until his resignation, August 26, 1863. In 1864 he was captured by the United States troops and for a time confined at Fort Lafayette. Upon the close of hostilities he urged a policy of quiet acquiescence in the results of the war, but did not long remain in the South, removing to New York city, and embarking in the practice of law, in which he attained great distinction. The degree of Ll. D. was conferred upon him by Hampden-Sidney college.Brigadier-General Alexander Welch Reynolds
Brigadier-General Alexander Welch Reynolds was born in Clarke county, Va., in August, 1817, and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1838, in the class of Generals Beauregard, Hardee, Edward Johnson and Stevenson. He was promoted second lieutenant, First infantry on graduation, and first lieutenant a year later; served in the Florida war as adjutant of his regiment in 1838-40, and again in 1840-41; subsequently was on frontier duty in the northwest, and then on recruiting service until 1847, when he was promoted captain and assigned to quartermaster duty. In the latter capacity he served at Philadelphia, in the Mexican war, and in Indian Territory and New Mexico. He was on duty as a quartermaster at various points, mainly in Texas, from 1857, until he left the United States service [656] to enter the Confederate army, in which he received the rank of captain of infantry. In July, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the Fiftieth Virginia infantry, Floyd's brigade, with which he participated in Floyd's campaign in West Virginia. He was in command of the post at Lewisburg during the winter following. After the men had returned from the Fort Donelson campaign, Colonel Reynolds was ordered in April to collect his regiment and go to the support of Gen. E. Kirby Smith, at Knoxville. A few weeks later, he was in command of a brigade composed of the Thirty-ninth and Forty-third Georgia infantry, to which was added Latrobe's Maryland battery. With this command he was sent to Chattanooga, and thence to Vicksburg, where he was assigned to Stevenson's division, in command of a brigade of four Tennessee regiments. He was commended officially for his faithful service during the siege of Vicksburg. Being exchanged in July, 1863, he resumed command of his brigade, when it was restored to the service, with the rank of brigadier-general. After the battle of Chickamauga he was assigned to a brigade composed of the Fifty-eighth and Sixtieth North Carolina and the Fifty-fourth and Sixty-third Virginia, which he commanded in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Subsequently his brigade was attached to Stevenson's division, Hardee's corps, with which he was actively engaged in the Atlanta campaign, until painfully wounded at New Hope church. Upon the close of hostilities he went to Egypt, and in 1866 was appointed a brigadier-general in the army of the khedive. After serving in the Abyssinian war he resided for a time at Cairo, and died at Alexandria, Egypt, May 26, 1876Brigadier-General Beverly Holcombe Robertson
Brigadier-General Beverly Holcombe Robertson, a native of Virginia, was graduated at the United States military academy in 1849, and promoted to brevet second lieutenant of the Second dragoons. After a year at the cavalry school at Carlisle, Pa., he was promoted second lieutenant, and ordered to the West. He served in New Mexico, Kansas and Nebraska, participating in battle with the Apache Indians at Jornado del Muerto, and with the Sioux at Blue Water, and earning promotion to first lieutenant, until 1859, when, being ordered to Utah, he became adjutant of his regiment [657] and acting assistant adjutant-general of the department of Utah. He was promoted captain March 3, 1861, but in August, having severed his connection with the United States service, he accepted a commission as colonel, Virginia volunteer cavalry. In the cavalry brigade organized by General Stuart in the latter part of 1861, he commanded the Fourth regiment, Virginia cavalry. After Yorktown had been abandoned, and the Federal lines were close to Richmond, he made a gallant fight at New Bridge, in an attempt to repossess Mechanicsville, exercising brigade command in the action. In June, Jackson having concluded his Valley campaign, Robertson was promoted brigadier-general and sent to Mount Jackson to take command of Ashby's cavalry, and protect that region. From Ashby's command was organized the Seventh cavalry regiment, Col. W. E. Jones; the Twelfth regiment, Col. A. W. Harman; and the Seventeenth battalion (later the Eleventh regiment), Maj. O. R. Funsten. These, with the Sixth regiment, Col. P. S. Flournoy, and the Second regiment, Col. T. T. Munford (which had accompanied Jackson), constituted Col. Robertson's brigade when he rejoined Stuart on the Rapidan river in August. Very soon afterward he participated in the victory at Brandy Station, and was congratulated by Stuart upon the superior discipline and stability of the command he had organized. During the battle of Groveton he was in command on the right holding back Porter, and on the 30th of August, made a handsome cavalry fight against Buford's brigade,--on the Federal left flank, driving the enemy and capturing 300 prisoners. On September 5th, General Robertson was ordered to the department of North Carolina for the organization and instruction of cavalry troops. In this capacity he displayed excellent ability, also participating in the demonstration against New Bern in March, 1863. Of his brigade he led two regiments, the Fourth and Fifth North Carolina cavalry, to reinforce Stuart in May, 1863; took an important part in the fight at Upperville, and during the Gettysburg campaign, commanded the cavalry division left with the main army, with orders to watch the enemy, and follow in the rear of Lee, after Stuart started on his raid through Maryland. This division consisted of his North Carolina brigade and his former Virginia brigade, now commanded by W. E. [658] Jones. On the last day of the Gettysburg battle his command fought a cavalry battle near Fairfield, and during the retreat was engaged in repeated skirmishes, particularly at Funkstown and Hagerstown. After the return to Virginia, his two regiments having been reduced to 300 men, he asked to be transferred to another field, and was assigned in October to the command of the Second district of South Carolina. In this field he remained, with enlarged command, during the remainder of the war, defeating the Federal attempt to possess John's island in July, 1864, commanding the cavalry forces which covered the retreat of Hardee from Charleston, and participating in several engagements with Sherman's troops. General Robertson is now engaged in the insurance business at Washington, D. C.Major-General Thomas Lafayette Rosser
Major-General Thomas Lafayette Rosser was born upon a farm in Campbell county, Va., October 15, 1836, the son of John and Martha M. (Johnson) Rosser. The family removed from Virginia to Texas in 1849, and from that State Rosser was appointed to the United States military academy in 1856. The course of study being then five years, he was in the graduating class when it was ordered into the field by President Lincoln. He immediately resigned, and proceeding to Montgomery was commissioned first lieutenant in the regular army of the Confederate States. Being assigned as instructor to the Washington artillery of New Orleans, he commanded the Second company of that organization at the battles of Blackburn's Ford and Manassas in July, 1861, and with Stuart at Munson's hill and the battle of Lewinsville. His success in shooting down McClellan's observation balloon won him promotion to captain, and in this rank he commanded his battery in the defense of Yorktown and on the retreat up the peninsula. At the battle of Mechanicsville he was severely wounded, and was soon promoted to lieutenant-colonel of artillery, and a few days later to colonel of the Fifth Virginia regiment of cavalry. Thus began his career as a cavalryman, in which he won great distinction as a dashing, intrepid and skillful officer. He commanded the advance of Stuart's expedition to Catlett's Station, in the campaign against Pope, and captured the latter's orderly and horses; in the fight at Groveton, Va., August 28, 1862, commanded [659] the only cavalry with Jackson; and confronted and held in check the forces of Fitz John Porter on August 29th. At South Mountain he commanded the only cavalry at Crampton's gap, and with Pelham's artillery took a prominent part in the gallant fight. He participated in the battle of Sharpsburg, and subsequently for a time led Fitzhugh Lee's brigade during the fighting against Pleasanton. At the opening of the battle at Kelly's ford, he was upon court-martial duty, with Stuart and Pelham, but rode immediately to the front with those officers, and finding his regiment in the rear, charged with it upon the enemy who was crowding back the Confederate front, and drove him back some distance. The Federals, reaching a wood, dismounted and opened a heavy fire, in which Rosser fell severely wounded, and Pelham was killed while leading his regiment in another charge. Rosser was disabled until the Pennsylvania campaign, when he rode with Stuart around Hooker and Meade, and participated in the three days fight at Gettysburg. After this battle he was promoted to brigadier-general, and assigned to the old brigade of Turner Ashby, ‘the Laurel brigade.’ With this gallant command he was conspicuous in the campaigns of 1864. On May 5th, the opening day in the Wilderness, ‘a large force of cavalry and artillery on our right flank was driven back by Rosser's brigade,’ and on June 2d he ‘fell upon the rear of the enemy's cavalry’ near Hanover Court House, and ‘charged down the road toward Ashland, bearing everything before him,’ quoting the telegraphic reports of Gen. R. E. Lee. At Trevilian's station he drove Custer back against Fitz Lee and captured many prisoners, but was painfully wounded while leading a charge at the head of his brigade. He also took part in the famous ‘cattle raid,’ while Grant was about Petersburg. He won all the distinction possible in the desperate struggle against Sheridan's overwhelming forces in the Shenandoah valley, and in command of Fitzhugh Lee's division saved Early's army at the battle of Cedar Creek, holding the line and checking the enemy's pursuit until 9:30 p. m., then taking position in the works at Fisher's hill, and safely conducting Early's retreat to New Market next day. He was promoted major-general in November, 1864. He conducted the successful expedition against New Creek, W. Va., taking many prisoners and great quantities [660] of stores, and in January, 1865, with 300 men, crossed the mountains in deep snow and bitter cold, and surprised and captured two infantry regiments in their works at Beverly, W. Va. Returning to the vicinity of Petersburg in the spring of 1865, he commanded a division of cavalry during the remainder of the struggle, fighting with honor at Five Forks, and at High Bridge, April 6th, defeating and capturing the entire command of General Read, who fell in combat with General Dearing. On April 7th, Rosser captured General Gregg, and rescued a wagon train near Farmville, and in the last hour of battle at Appomattox, a little after daylight April 9, 1865, charged the Federal cavalry and escaped from the fatal field with his command. Under directions from the secretary of war, he began a reorganization of the scattered troops of the army of Northern Virginia, but was made a prisoner about the time of Johnston's surrender. After the return of peace he was for a time superintendent of the National express company under General Johnston, was assistant engineer in the construction of the Pittsburg & Connellsville railroad, and in the spring of 1870 became connected with the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad. Beginning in an humble capacity he became chief engineer of the eastern division in 1871, and built the main part of the road. Later he was chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific, and located and built the road west of Winnipeg. Since 1886 he has resided near Charlottesville, Va.Brigadier-General Daniel Ruggles
Brigadier-General Daniel Ruggles, a native of Massachusetts who tendered his services to Virginia at the beginning of the great war, was born January 31, 1810, and was graduated at the United States military academy in the class of 1833. His military service was rendered mainly with the Fifth infantry in the Northwest until the Florida war of 1839-40, in which he participated with the rank of first lieutenant. He was then stationed in Wisconsin and Michigan until 1845, when he took part in the military occupation of Texas. Going into the Mexican war next year, he took part in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and won promotion to captain. In 1847 he served at Vera Cruz, San Antonio and Molino del Rey, and was promoted brevet major for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and brevet lieutenant-colonel [661] for his services at Chapultepec. From the close of that war until 1858 he was on duty mainly in Texas. After taking part in the Utah expedition, he was on sick leave of absence until the outbreak of the Confederate war, when he resigned from the United States army. He was commissioned brigadier-general of Virginia volunteers in April, and assigned to the command of the State forces along the line of the Potomac from Mount Vernon south, and in May was put in command of troops from the counties surrounding Fredericksburg, where he was stationed. His rank then became that of colonel in the provisional army. The troops under his command repulsed the attacks of Federal vessels at Aquia creek and Mathias point in June, 1861. In August following he was commissioned brigadier-general, provisional army, Confederate States, and ordered to Pensacola, Fla., and two months later to New Orleans, where he organized a brigade which was sent to Corinth early in 1862, General Bragg desiring the benefit of the experience and soldierly ability of Ruggles in that quarter. He reported the landing of Grant's army at Shiloh, March 16th, and in the great battle which followed, in April, he commanded the first division of Bragg's corps, consisting of the brigades of Anderson, Gibson and Pond, and was conspicuous through the two days fight for the skill and gallantry with which he handled his troops. After he had driven the enemy from his front, a rally was made, which would have resulted disastrously to the Confederates if Ruggles had not made a rapid and masterly concentration of artillery at a point enfilading the right flank of Prentiss' division. The artillery, thus admirably placed, worked havoc in Prentiss' command, and drove back the reinforcements coming to his assistance, so that within an hour the entire command surrendered to the infantry attack, in which Ruggles' men had an important part. During the next day his troops fought valiantly, and he shared their danger, on one occasion leading the charge of the Seventeenth Louisiana, with its regimental flag in his hand. He fought the successful battle of Farmington, May 9th, and continued in division command during the siege of Corinth, but on June 26th was assigned to the district comprising the gulf counties of Mississippi and Louisiana east of the river. He commanded the left wing of Breckinridge's army in the successful battle of [662] Baton Rouge; in August was put in command at Port Hudson, and later was given command of the First military district of Mississippi, with headquarters at Jackson. In April, 1864, he made his headquarters at Columbus, where he had a force of about 3,000 men, and was in the field opposing various Federal expeditions during the Vicksburg campaign. Subsequently he remained for some time unassigned, though anxious for duty in spite of his advanced age, but finally accepted the post of commissary-general of prisoners of war. After the close of hostilities he resided at Fredericksburg, Va., except four years when in charge of a large estate in Texas. He was a member of the board of visitors of the United States military academy in 1884. His death occurred at Fredericksburg in 1897.Brigadier-General James E. Slaughter
Brigadier-General James E. Slaughter, a native of Virginia, entered the military service of the United States in April, 1847, as second lieutenant of Voltigeurs. He was transferred to the First artillery in June, 1848, and was an officer of that command until the formation of the Confederate States, with promotion in 1852 to the rank of first lieutenant. He received a commission as first lieutenant, corps of artillery, Confederate States army, and became inspector-general on the staff of General Beauregard after the transfer of the latter to the department of Alabama and West Florida. After the bombardment at Pensacola, in which Lieutenant Slaughter rendered valuable service under fire, General Beauregard reported that to him, probably more than to any one else in the command, he was indebted for patient labor and unceasing vigil given to the organization and instruction of the troops. Beauregard earnestly recommended his promotion to brigadier-general, which was bestowed in the spring of 1862. In May he was appointed chief of the inspector-general's department of the army of the Mississippi, under General Bragg. In this duty he continued through the Kentucky campaign, and was then assigned to the charge of the troops of Mobile, that port being threatened by Federal invasion. Thence he was transferred in April, 1863, to Galveston, Tex., as chief of artillery for General Magruder. Later in the year he was given charge of the eastern sub-district of Texas, and command of all the troops of the Second [663] division. During the remainder of the war period he played an important part in Confederate affairs in Texas, for some time performing the duties of chief of staff.Brigadier-General William E. Starke
Brigadier-General William E. Starke went to the assistance of Gen. R. S. Garnett at Laurel hill, early in July, 1861, as colonel, and served as his aide-de-camp in the disastrous retreat on the Cheat river. His coolness and judgment in the midst of the confusion that followed the death of General Garnett were highly commended by Colonel Taliaferro, who succeeded to command. Subsequently he was put in command of the Sixtieth Virginia regiment, and sent to Lewisburg, to the support of General Floyd, whence, in December, he was ordered to accompany General Donelson's brigade to Bowling Green, Ky. It appears, however, that he was instead, attached to General Wise's command, stationed at Goldsboro, N. C. During the Seven Days campaign in Virginia he commanded his regiment in Field's brigade, and was commended for gallantry, and his promotion to brigadier-general followed early in August, 1862. Reporting for duty to General Jackson, he was assigned to command of the Second Louisiana brigade and marched with it to Manassas. In that campaign he took command of the Stonewall division, after General Taliaferro was wounded on the 28th. He was with Jackson at the capture of Harper's Ferry, and at Sharpsburg was called on again to take command of the division, after the fall of J. R. Jones. Soon afterward he himself fell mortally wounded, pierced by three minie balls, and survived but an hour. Gen. Bradley T. Johnson, in reporting the battle of Second Manassas, said: ‘I cannot forbear doing but scant justice to a gallant soldier now no more. It was my fortune during the two days of battle, during which he commanded the division, to be thrown constantly in contact with Brigadier-General Starke. The buoyant dash with which he led his brigade into the most withering fire on Friday, though then in command of the division; the force he showed in the handling of this command the coolness and judgment which distinguished him in action, made him to me a marked man, and I regretted his early death as a great loss to the army and the cause.’ His name deserves lasting remembrance in association with the Stonewall division.[664]
Brigadier-General Walter Husted Stevens
Brigadier-General Walter Husted Stevens, whose Confederate service was rendered in Virginia, was born at Penn Yan, N. Y., August 24, 1827. He was appointed from New York to the United States military academy, where he was graduated fourth in the class of 1848, and promoted in the army to brevet second lieutenant, corps of engineers. After a short service at Newport harbor, R. I., he was assigned to the repair of fortifications, defending the approaches to New Orleans until 1853, when he was put in charge of the survey of the rivers and harbors of Texas. From 1853 to 1857 he served as lighthouse inspector on the coast of Texas, with the rank of second lieutenant until 1855, when he was promoted first lieutenant. He was superintending engineer of the construction and repair of fortifications below New Orleans, 1854-60, superintended the construction of the custom house and the fortifications at Galveston, and was a member of the special board of engineers for Gulf defenses. Entering the service of the Confederate States in May, 1861, he accompanied General Beauregard to Virginia, as a member of his staff, and with the rank of captain, corps of engineers. He served with the advance forces at Fairfax Court House for sometime before the battle of Manassas, and laid out the works there in an admirable manner, General Beauregard reporting that he had ‘shown himself to be an officer of energy and ability.’ General Bonham commended him for his indefatigable labors, and constant attention to execution of orders, in camp and field, and Gen. J. E. Johnston especially mentioned his valuable services during the battle of July 21st. He was promoted major, and appointed chief engineer of the army of Northern Virginia, under Johnston, and was commended for his skillful and devoted services both in his own profession and as a member of the general staff at Seven Pines. After General Lee came into command of the army, he was succeeded by Colonel Gilmer, and with promotion to colonel was given charge of the defensive works around Richmond. In command of the troops and defenses of Richmond in 1863-64, he participated in the operations against Kilpatrick's and Dahlgren's raid, and rendered valuable assistance to General Beauregard when the city was threatened by Butler. In August, 1864, he was [665] promoted brigadier-general and assigned to his former position of chief engineer of the army of Northern Virginia. After the close of the war he went to Mexico and became superintendent and constructing engineer of the railroad from Vera Cruz to the capital, the property of which he skillfully preserved from damage during the war of that period. He died at Vera Cruz, November 12, 1867.Major-General Carter L. Stevenson
Major-General Carter L. Stevenson, a Virginian distinguished in the western armies throughout the war, was a graduate of the National military academy, of the class of 1838. He went into the United States army with the rank of second lieutenant, and was assigned to the Fifth infantry. He served on frontier duty in Wisconsin, and was promoted first lieutenant September 22, 1840. His principal service after this was rendered in the Florida war and in the military occupation of Texas, until the Mexican war. He participated with distinction in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma as well as other events of this struggle, and in June, 1847, was promoted captain in the Fifth infantry. He served for a time as aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Brady; was in garrison at East Pascagoula, Miss.; on frontier duty at Fort Gibson, I. T., and Fort Belknap, Tex.; and while engaged in Pacific railroad exploration, skirmished with the Apache Indians. He took part in the Seminole war of 1856-57, fighting at Big Cypress swamp and near Bowleytown, and marched in the famous Utah expedition; subsequently continuing on frontier duty until 1861, when, obeying the call of his State, he tendered his services for her defense. He received the commission of lieutenant-colonel, corps of infantry, C. S. A., and with the rank of colonel took command of the Fifty-third Virginia infantry. When Beauregard was transferred to the west, he recommended the promotion of Stevenson, among others, to brigade and division command of the western troops, and Stevenson was accordingly made brigadier-general in February, 1862. On March 15th, he was ordered to report to General Huger for assignment on the Weldon railroad, but soon after was transferred to the department of East Tennessee, and given command of a division of troops. After the Federal General Morgan seized Cumberland Gap, he was in command of the Confederate [666] force which threatened that position and compelled Morgan's withdrawal. After July 17th he pursued the Federal forces into Kentucky, and there made a junction with Kirby Smith, with whom he served during the return to Murfreesboro. In October he was promoted major-general. In December, 1862, he was sent by Bragg from Murfreesboro with 10,000 men to reinforce Pemberton at Vicksburg, already threatened by the Federal army. He reached the field of battle at Chickasaw bluffs just after the repulse of Sherman, and by reason of his rank was assigned to the command of the forces in front of the enemy. He was subsequently in command of a division under Pemberton, and during the unfortunately planned operations against Grant, bore the brunt of the battle at Champion's hill, and after the defeat at Big Black bridge was left in charge of the retreating columns, while Pemberton hastened to Vicksburg. During the long siege he took a conspicuous part as commander of the right of the Confederate lines. After the surrender of Vicksburg he was for a time under parole, but he returned to the army before Chattanooga and was given a division of Hardee's corps, with command on the right, including Lookout mountain, from which he withdrew just before the battle of Missionary Ridge to reinforce the main line on the ridge. He took part in this battle, and was subsequently identified with the army of Tennessee as a division commander until the close of the war. During the Atlanta campaign he had a division of Hood's corps, and led his troops in brilliant action at Resaca, Kenesaw mountain and elsewhere. After the promotion of Hood he held temporary command of the corps. During the Tennessee campaign he commanded a division of the corps of S. D. Lee, which, holding the center of the line before Nashville, earned distinction by stubborn fighting despite the general disaster, and after the wounding .of Lee he had the immediate command of the division covering the retreat, a trust which was ably performed. With his division of the army of Tennessee, reduced to 2,600 men, he participated, in the operations in the Carolinas against Sherman, arid surrendered with Johnston in April, 1865. After the war he was occupied as a civil and mining engineer until his death in Caroline county, Va., August 15, 1888.[667]
