1832, son of Stephen Elliott, first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
diocese of Georgia and provisional bishop of Florida; and grandson of
Stephen Elliott, a distinguished naturalist. He passed his youth on the
plantation, devoted to manly sports. At the beginning of the formation
of the Confederate States, he organized and equipped a light battery,
known as the Beaufort artillery, of which he was commissioned captain.
He was present at the bombardment of Fort Sumter, aiming several shots
from the siege guns, and during his subsequent service in the State he
became famous for daring and skillful fighting. On guard in 1861 in
the vicinity of Port Royal harbor, he put twenty of his boys on the
tug Lady Davis, and ran out to sea to find a prize. With indomitable
pluck, accompanied by good fortune, he captured a sailing vessel, of
1,200 tons, and brought her in to Beaufort. Subsequently he was ordered
to Bay Point, the other side of Port Royal entrance being held by the
German volunteers under Captain Wagener. There he fought a Federal
fleet for two hours, until his guns were dismounted. After the Federals
occupied the coast islands, he engaged in numerous daring raids.
During one night he burned fourteen plantation settlements; again he
surprised a picket post successfully, and in August, 1862, he commanded
an expedition against a Federal force on Pinckney island, which was
very successful and gained for him the unstinted commendation of his
superiors. His activity also turned to the direction of inventing
floating torpedoes, with which he blew up a tender in St. Helena bay.
He was promoted to chief of artillery of the Third military district,
including Beaufort, near where, in April, 1863, he captured the Federal
steamer George Washington. Promotion followed to major and then to
lieutenant-colonel. Twice he met the enemy in open field at Pocotaligo,
where his guns put the invaders to flight. In command of the Charleston
battalion he occupied Fort Sumter, September 5, 1863, and held the
ruins of the famous citadel against the enemy until May, 1864. Then as
colonel of Holcombe's legion he was ordered to Petersburg, Va., and
was soon promoted to brigadier-general and assigned to the command
of N. G. Evans' old brigade, which included the legion. He served
actively in the defense of Petersburg, his brigade, a part of Bushrod
Johnson's division, holding that important part of the line selected
by the Federals as the point to be mined, and carried by an assaulting
party. Two of his regiments, the Eighteenth and Twenty-second, occupied
the works blown up on the morning of July 30th, and the immense
displacement of earth which formed the crater maimed and buried many of
the command. But, undismayed, General Elliott and his brigade received
the onslaught made through the breach of the Confederate intrenchments.
In the words of the division commander, "Brigadier-General Elliott, the
gallant commander of the brigade which occupied the salient, was making
prompt disposition of his forces to assault the enemy and reoccupy the
remaining portion of the trenches when he was dangerously wounded."
Entirely disabled for further service he returned to his home at
Beaufort, and died from the effects of his wound, March 21, 1866.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Nathan George Evans was born in Marion county, S.
C., February 6, 1824, the third son of Thomas Evans, who married Jane
Beverly Daniel, of Virginia. He was graduated at Randolph-Macon college
before he was eighteen, and at the United States military academy,
which he entered by appointment of John C. Calhoun, in 1848. With
a lieutenancy in the Second Dragoons, he was first on duty at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan., whence he marched to the Rocky mountains in 1849.
In 1850 to 1853 he served in New Mexico, and began a famous career as
an Indian fighter, which was continued in Texas and Indian Territory
after his promotion to captain in 1856, in various combats with the
hostile Comanches. At the battle of Wachita Village, October 1, 1858,
his command defeated a large body of the Comanches, and he killed two
of their noted chieftains in a hand-to-hand fight. For this he was
voted a handsome sword by the legislature of South Carolina. In 1860
he was married to a sister of Gen. M. W. Gary, of Abbeville county. He
resigned from the old army in February, 1861, being then stationed in
Texas, and taking farewell of his colonel, Robert E. Lee, proceeded
to Montgomery, and was commissioned major of cavalry, C. S. A. Being
assigned to duty as adjutant-general of the South Carolina army, he
was present at the bombardment of Fort Sumter and was soon afterward
promoted colonel. Joining the army under General Beauregard at Manassas
Junction, Va., he had a command on the field during the first encounter
at Blackburn's ford, and again in the great battle of July 21, 1861.
At the opening of the latter engagement, his forces, consisting of the
Fourth South Carolina regiment, a battalion of Louisiana volunteers,
Terry's squadron of cavalry, and a section of Latham's battery, were
stationed at the stone bridge, where he held the enemy in check in
front, until he perceived in operation the flank movement which was
the Federal plan of battle. Instantly without waiting for orders
he threw his little command in a new line, facing the enemy, and
alone held him in check until reinforced by General Bee. With great
intrepidity he and his men held their ground against great odds until
the Confederate army could adapt itself to this unexpected attack.
As remarked by a Northern historian: "Evans' action was probably
one of the best pieces of soldiership on either side during the
campaign, but it seems to have received no special commendation from
his superiors." General Beauregard commended his "dauntless conduct
and imperturbable coolness," but it was not until after the fight at
Leesburg that he was promoted. This latter engagement, known also as
Ball's Bluff, was fought in October, near the Potomac river, by his
brigade, mainly Mississippians, and a splendid victory was gained over
largely superior numbers, with great loss to the enemy. His promotion
to brigadier-general was made to date from this memorable affair, and
South Carolina again, through her general assembly, gave him a vote
of thanks and presented him with a gold medal. In 1862 he commanded
a brigade consisting of the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-second
and Twenty-third regiments, and Holcombe's legion, South Carolina
troops, and was mentioned by General Longstreet among the officers
most prominently distinguished in the battles of Second Manassas and
Sharpsburg. In the latter fight he commanded his division. Thereafter
his service was mainly rendered in South Carolina. In 1863 he moved to
the support of Johnston against Grant. After the fall of Richmond he
accompanied President Davis as far as Cokesbury, S. C. A year later he
engaged in business at Charleston, but was mainly occupied as a teacher
at Midway, Ala., until his death at that place, November 30, 1868. Gen.
Fitzhugh Lee has written of him: "'Shanks' Evans, as he was called, was
a graduate of the military academy, a native South Carolinian, served
in the celebrated old Second Dragoons, and was a good type of the
rip-roaring, scorn-all-care element, which so largely abounded in that
regiment. Evans had the honor of opening the fight (First Manassas), we
might say fired the first gun of the war."
[Illustration:
Brig.-Gen. JOHN DUNOVANT.
Brig.-Gen. JAMES CHESTNUT.
Brig.-Gen. BARNARD E. BEE.
Maj.-Gen. M. C. BUTLER.
Brig.-Gen. JOHN BRATTON.
Brig.-Gen. M. L. BONHAM.
Brig.-Gen. N. G. EVANS.
Brig.-Gen. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.
Maj.-Gen. M. W. GARY.
Brig.-Gen. THOS. F. DRAYTON.]
Brigadier-General Samuel W. Ferguson was born and reared at Charleston,
and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1857. As a
lieutenant of dragoons he participated in the Utah expedition under
Albert Sidney Johnston, and in 1859-60 was on duty at Fort Walla Walla,
Washington. When informed of the result of the presidential election
of 1860, he resigned his commission and returned to Charleston, and
on March 1, 1861, entered the service of his native State with the
rank of captain. Being appointed aide-de-camp to General Beauregard,
he received the formal surrender of Major Anderson, raised the first
Confederate flag and posted the first guards at Fort Sumter. He was
then sent to deliver to the Congress at Montgomery the flag used at
Fort Moultrie, the first standard of the Confederacy struck by a
hostile shot. He remained on Beauregard's staff and took an active
part in the battle of Shiloh, on the second day being assigned to
command a brigade of the Second corps. At the battle of Farmington he
was also on duty with General Beauregard. At the same time he held the
rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-eighth Mississippi regiment
cavalry, and subsequently, stationed at Vicksburg, he had command of
cavalry and outlying pickets until detailed for special duty along
the Yazoo delta, opposing with cavalry and artillery the advance of
the Federal transports. During Grant's preliminary movements against
Vicksburg he thwarted the attempt of Sherman and Porter to reach the
city in the rear by way of Deer creek. In 1863 he was promoted to
brigadier-general. He was active in command of cavalry in harassing
Sherman's movement to Chattanooga, and during the Georgia campaign of
1864 his brigade of Alabamians and Mississippians, with Armstrong's
and Ross' brigades, formed the cavalry of the army of Mississippi,
under command of Gen. W. H. Jackson, operating on the left wing
of Johnston's army. He defeated Wilder's "lightning brigade," and
displayed gallantry on every field. When Sherman began his march to
Savannah, he harassed the Federal flank until within a few miles
of Savannah, when he left his horses on the South Carolina side of
the river, after swimming it, and entering Savannah with his men as
infantry, covered the rear of Hardee's army at the evacuation. He
subsequently operated in southern Georgia until ordered to Danville,
Va., but on reaching Greensboro was ordered back, escorting President
Davis from Charlotte to Abbeville, and as far as Washington, Ga.,
where his command was disbanded. He then made his home in Mississippi,
and practiced law at Greenville. In 1876 he was made president of the
board of Mississippi levee commission for several counties, and in
1883 became a member of the United States river commission. In 1894 he
returned to his native city of Charleston, and devoted himself to the
profession of civil engineering. In 1898 he offered his services for
the war with Spain.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Martin Witherspoon Gary was born in 1831 at
Cokesbury, Abbeville county, the third son of Dr. Thomas Reeder Gary.
He was educated at the South Carolina college and Harvard college,
graduating at the latter institution in 1854. Then studying law he
was admitted to the bar in 1855, and soon acquired distinction in
both law and politics. As a member of the South Carolina legislature
in 1860 and 1861, he advocated secession, and when the ordinance
was enacted, at once went into the military service as captain of
the Watson Guards, which became Company B of the Hampton legion. At
First Manassas the command of the legion devolved upon him after
Colonel Hampton was wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson killed and
Captain Conner disabled. At the reorganization in 1862 he was elected
lieutenant-colonel of the infantry of the legion, a battalion of eight
companies, and after it was filled to a regiment, he was promoted
colonel. He participated in the battles around Richmond, at Second
Manassas, Boonsboro and Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and with Longstreet
at Suffolk, Chickamauga, Bean's Station, Campbell's Station and
Knoxville. His command was subsequently mounted as cavalry, and served
on the north side of the James before Richmond. After the fight at
Riddle's Shop, in June, 1864, he was promoted brigadier-general, his
cavalry brigade including the Hampton legion, Seventh South Carolina,
Seventh Georgia and Twenty-fourth Virginia regiments, and Harkerson's
artillery. He led the brigade in all the heavy fighting north of the
James during the siege, and was the last to leave Richmond. Capt.
Clement Sulivane, left behind to destroy the bridge after Gary had
crossed, relates that at daylight April 3d, when the Union troops
were in sight advancing, and a mob was ravaging the storehouses, "a
long line of cavalry in gray turned into Fourteenth street, and sword
in hand galloped straight down to the river; Gary had come. The mob
scattered right and left before the armed horsemen, who reined up at
the canal. Presently a single company of cavalry appeared in sight,
and rode at headlong speed to the bridge. 'My rear guard!' exclaimed
Gary. Touching his hat to me, he called out, 'All over, good-bye!'
and trotted over the bridge." Joining Lee's rear guard he was one of
the heroes of Fitzhugh Lee's command, engaged in incessant fighting
until Appomattox Court House was reached. There he did not surrender,
but cut his way through the Federal lines, and rode to Greensboro,
where he took command of about 200 men of his brigade on their way to
Virginia, and escorted the President and his cabinet to Cokesbury, S.
C. The cabinet held one of their last meetings in his mother's house
at that place. Then resuming the practice of law, he continued in that
profession until his death at Edgefield, April 9, 1881. He was a noted
figure in the exciting political campaign of 1876, and for four years
thereafter held a seat in the State senate.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General States R. Gist was a descendant of that gallant
Marylander, Gen. Mordecai Gist, who distinguished himself at the battle
of Camden in 1780, and at the Combahee in 1782, and subsequently
resided at Charleston, at his death leaving two sons who bore the names
of Independent and States. At the organization of the army of South
Carolina early in 1861, States R. Gist was assigned to the position of
adjutant and inspector general, in which capacity he rendered valuable
service in the preparation for the occupation of Charleston harbor
and the reduction of Fort Sumter. He went to Virginia as a volunteer
aide to General Bee, and at the critical moment in the first battle of
Manassas, when Gen. J. E. Johnston rode to the front with the colors
of the Fourth Alabama at his side, Beauregard relates that "noticing
Col. S. R. Gist, an aide to General Bee, a young man whom I had known
as adjutant-general of South Carolina, and whom I greatly esteemed, I
presented him as an able and brave commander to the stricken regiment,
who cheered their new leader, and maintained under him to the end of
the day, their previous gallant behavior." Subsequently he resumed his
duties as adjutant-general, organizing South Carolina troops for the
war, until in March, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general in
the Confederate service, and ordered to report to General Pemberton,
then in command of the department. He was after this on duty on the
South Carolina coast, in command east of James island in June, on that
island from July; temporarily in command of the first district, and
in December, 1862, in command of the troops ordered to the relief of
Wilmington, until May, 1863, when he was ordered to take command of a
brigade and go to the assistance of General Pemberton in Mississippi.
Reaching Jackson his command formed part of the troops under J. E.
Johnston, took part in the engagement of May 14th at Jackson, marched
to the Big Black river just before the surrender of Vicksburg, and then
returning to Jackson was besieged by Sherman. His brigade comprised the
Forty-sixth Georgia, Fourteenth Mississippi and Twenty-fourth South
Carolina, the Sixteenth South Carolina soon afterward being substituted
for the Mississippi regiment, and was assigned to the division of Gen.
W. H. T. Walker. He fought gallantly at Chickamauga, commanding during
part of the battle Ector's and Wilson's brigades, his own brigade being
led by Colonel Colquitt, and on Sunday commanding Walker's division.
At an important stage of the fight Gen. D. H. Hill called for Gist's
brigade for dangerous duty, in the performance of which it suffered
severely. He continued in conspicuous and valuable service; during the
battle of Missionary Ridge commanded Walker's division, and throughout
the Atlanta campaign of 1864 was identified with that division. After
the fall of General Walker he was transferred to Cheatham's division,
which he commanded for some time during the fall campaign of that year.
At the terribly destructive battle of Franklin, Tenn., he was one of
the noblest of the brave men whose lives were sacrificed. Attended by
Capt. H. D. Garden and Lieut. Frank Trenholm, of his staff, he rode
down the front, and after ordering the charge and waving his hat to the
Twenty-fourth, rode away in the smoke of battle, never more to be seen
by the men he had commanded on so many fields. His horse was shot, and
he was leading the right of the brigade on foot when he fell, pierced
through the heart.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Maxcy Gregg was born in Columbia, S. C, the son of
Col. James Gregg, a distinguished lawyer of that city, and was educated
at the South Carolina college, where he graduated with the first honors
of his class. He then entered upon the practice of law as a partner of
his father. In 1846 he had his first military experience as major of a
regiment of the second levy of volunteers sent to Mexico, but did not
arrive at the scene of conflict in time to share in any of the famous
battles. He was a member of the convention of 1860 which determined
upon the secession of the State, and then became colonel of the First
North Carolina regiment, enlisted for six months' service, with which
he was on duty on Sullivan's and Morris islands during the reduction
of Fort Sumter, and afterward in Virginia. Previous to the battle of
Manassas he was stationed at Centreville, and then near Fairfax Court
House, and commanded the infantry in the action at Vienna. At the
expiration of the term of enlistment he reorganized his regiment in
South Carolina, and returning to Virginia was stationed at Suffolk.
In December, 1861, he was promoted to brigadier-general and ordered
to South Carolina, where he took command of a brigade composed of
the First, Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth regiments. With this
brigade he was attached to the famous light division of A. P. Hill for
the Seven Days' campaign before Richmond. He led the advance of the
division at Cold Harbor, crossing the creek under fire made what Hill
pronounced "the handsomest charge in line I have seen during the war,"
and during the remainder of the battle displayed undaunted bravery.
At Frayser's Farm he charged and captured a Federal battery. At the
battle of August 29th, on the plains of Manassas, he with his comrades
of the division, fought "with a heroic courage and obstinacy almost
beyond parallel," repelling six determined assaults of the enemy, who
sought to overwhelm Jackson's corps before Longstreet could arrive.
Hill reported: "The reply of the gallant Gregg to a message of mine
is worthy of note: 'Tell General Hill that my ammunition is exhausted,
but that I will hold my position with the bayonet.'" In the battle of
the 30th and at Ox Hill on September 1st, he was again distinguished.
He participated in the capture of Harper's Ferry, at Sharpsburg shared
with distinguished gallantry in the heroic work of the Light division,
which reached the field in time to save the Confederate right, and was
wounded in the fight; and at Shepherdstown, after the crossing of the
Potomac by the army, commanded the line of three brigades which drove
back and terribly punished the enemy's forces, which had the temerity
to pursue the lion-hearted veterans of Lee's army. His part in the
battle of Fredericksburg we may best describe in the words of the
immortal Lee. After describing the momentary success of the Federals
on the right, he wrote: "In the meantime a large force had penetrated
the wood so far as Hill's reserve, and encountered Gregg's brigade.
The attack was so sudden and unexpected that Orr's Rifles, mistaking
the enemy for our own troops retiring, were thrown into confusion.
While in the act of rallying them, that brave soldier and true
patriot, Brig.-Gen. Maxcy Gregg, fell mortally wounded." Again, "In
Brigadier-Generals Gregg and Cobb the Confederacy has lost two of its
noblest citizens and the army two of its bravest and most distinguished
officers. The country consents to the loss of such as these, and the
gallant soldiers who fell with them, only to secure the inestimable
blessing they died to obtain."
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Johnson Hagood was born in Barnwell county, February
21, 1829. His ancestors were of English extraction, and the family
in America was first established in Virginia, removing thence to
South Carolina before the revolution. He was graduated at the Citadel
military academy in 1847, and then studying law was admitted to the bar
in 1850. Throughout his subsequent career he maintained an association
with the State military forces, holding the rank of brigadier-general
when South Carolina seceded. He was then elected colonel of the First
regiment, and after participating in the reduction of Fort Sumter
was ordered to Virginia, where he was present at the first battle of
Manassas. Returning to South Carolina with his regiment he was engaged
in the operations about Charleston and the battle of Secessionville,
June, 1862, after which he was promoted brigadier-general. Until May,
1864, he served on the coast of the State, in defense of Charleston
during Gillmore's siege, and was distinguished for gallantry in the
defense of Fort Wagner and the operations on James island. On May 6,
1864, part of his brigade arrived at Petersburg and immediately went
into battle at Walthall Junction with the advancing forces of Butler,
and a few hours later General Hagood arrived with reinforcements. With
three regiments, the Twenty-first, Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh
South Carolina, he repulsed Butler's advance, "at least two brigades,"
on the 7th; and on the 9th, the remainder of his brigade having come
up, the Eleventh regiment and Seventh battalion, he was again engaged.
As General Beauregard has written: "General Hagood and his command
became the heroes of the day, and were justly looked upon as the
saviors of Petersburg on that occasion." At the battle of Drewry's
Bluff, May 16th, Hagood, with great vigor and dash, drove the enemy
from the outer lines in his front, capturing a number of prisoners
and three 20-pound Parrotts and two fine Napoleons. These Parrott
guns were afterward used in shelling Butler's transports, causing
him to set about the famous Dutch Gap canal. In June Hagood and his
gallant men fought at Cold Harbor, and soon afterward were sent to
meet Grant before Petersburg, the brigade being the first of Hoke's
division to reach the field, June 16th, at the critical moment and
save Petersburg for the second time. During the siege which followed
his brigade served in the trenches at one period sixty-seven days
without relief, and was reduced in numbers from 2,300 to 700 present
for duty. In August, 1864, during the fighting on the Weldon railroad,
200 of his men, he accompanying them, charged into the enemy's works at
a re-entering angle, and found themselves under a severe cross-fire,
and about to be surrounded. A Federal officer rode up, seized the
colors of the Eleventh and called upon them to surrender, when General
Hagood, on foot, his horse having been killed, demanded the return
of the colors, and ordered the officer back to his lines. This being
refused, he shot the Federal officer from his horse, the colors were
regained by Orderly Stoney, and the intrepid general mounted his
antagonist's horse and brought off his men. General Beauregard warmly
commended this act of gallantry of a "brave and meritorious officer,"
and recommended him for promotion. When Wilmington was threatened in
December, Hagood was sent to the relief of Fort Fisher. Subsequently
he participated in the North Carolina campaign, including the battles
of Kinston and Bentonville, and was surrendered with Johnston's army,
the brigade then containing less than 500 officers and men. During the
exciting period of reconstruction he took a conspicuous part in the
movement which finally brought about the election of General Hampton
in 1876, and he was elected on the same ticket as comptroller-general,
having previously rendered services of great value in investigating the
financial condition of the State and the State bank. He and Gen. James
Conner were the advisers and executive officers of General Hampton
during the perilous period preceding the recognition by President Hayes
of the Hampton government. In 1878 he was re-elected comptroller, and
in 1880 he was honored with the highest office in the gift of the
commonwealth. His admirable reorganization of the finances of the State
was fitly complemented by his honest, business-like and common-sense
administration as governor. By his marriage to Eloise, daughter of
Senator A. P. Butler, he had one son, Butler Hagood. The death of
General Hagood occurred at Barnwell, January 4, 1898.
* * * * *
Major-General Benjamin Huger was born at Charleston in 1806, son
of Francis Kinlock Huger, whose wife was a daughter of Gen. Thomas
Pinckney. His father, who was aide-de-camp to General Wilkinson in
1800, and adjutant-general in the war of 1812, suffered imprisonment in
Austria for assisting in the liberation of Lafayette from the fortress
of Olmutz; his grandfather, Benjamin Huger, was a famous revolutionary
patriot, killed before Charleston during the British occupation; and
his great-great-grandfather was Daniel Huger, who fled from France
before the revocation of the edict of Nantes and died in South Carolina
in 1711. General Huger was graduated at West Point in 1825, with a
lieutenancy in the Third artillery. He served on topographical duty
until 1828, then visited Europe on leave of absence; after being on
ordnance duty a year was promoted captain of ordnance in 1832, a
department of the service in which he had a distinguished career. He
was in command of Fortress Monroe arsenal twelve years, was member of
the ordnance board seven years, and one year was on official duty in
Europe. He went into the war with Mexico as chief of ordnance on the
staff of General Scott, and received in quick succession the brevets
of major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, for gallant and meritorious
conduct at Vera Cruz, Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. In 1852 he
was presented a sword by South Carolina in recognition of the honor
his career had cast upon his native State. After this war he was a
member of the board which prepared a system of artillery instruction
for the army, and was in command of the armories at Harper's Ferry,
Charleston and Pikesville, Md., with promotion to major of ordnance,
until his resignation from the old army to follow his State in her
effort for independence. He was commissioned colonel of artillery in
the regular army of the Confederate States, in June, brigadier-general
in the provisional service, and in October, 1861, major-general. In
May, 1861, he was assigned to command of the department of Southern
Virginia and North Carolina, with headquarters at Norfolk, and after
the evacuation of Norfolk and Portsmouth in the spring of 1862, he
commanded a division of the army under General Johnston and General
Lee, during the campaigns which included the battles of Seven Pines and
the series of important actions ending at Malvern hill. Subsequently he
was assigned as inspector of artillery and ordnance in the armies of
the Confederate States, and in 1863 was appointed chief of ordnance of
the Trans-Mississippi department. After the conclusion of hostilities
he was engaged for several years in farming in Fauquier county, Va. His
death occurred at his native city of Charleston, December 7, 1877. His
son, Frank Huger, a graduate of the United States military academy,
1860, entered the Confederate service as captain of the Norfolk light
artillery and had a conspicuous career with the army of Northern
Virginia, rising to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and the command of a
battalion of artillery of the First corps.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Micah Jenkins was born on Edisto island in 1839.
After his graduation at the South Carolina military academy, at the
head of his class, he with the co-operation of his classmate, Asbury
Coward, founded the King's Mountain military school in 1855. His
military genius was valuable in the first organization of troops in
1861, and he was elected colonel of the Fifth regiment, with which
he went to Virginia, in the brigade of Gen. D. R. Jones. In the
latter part of 1861 he was in command of that brigade, and had grown
greatly in favor with his division commander, General Longstreet.
Longstreet proposed to begin the reorganization, a matter approached
with much misgiving, in this brigade, and he declared that he hoped to
hold every man in it if Jenkins could be promoted brigadier-general.
"Besides being much liked by his men, Colonel Jenkins is one of the
finest officers of this army," Longstreet wrote. Beauregard also added
his approval to this recommendation. Still in the rank of colonel,
Palmetto sharpshooters, he commanded R. H. Anderson's brigade in the
battles of Williamsburg and Seven Pines, and was warmly commended by
Longstreet and D. H. Hill and by J. E. B. Stuart, whom he supported
at Fort Magruder. He was again distinguished at Gaines' Mill, and at
Frayser's Farm, having been ordered to silence a battery, Longstreet
supposing he would use his sharpshooters alone, he threw forward his
brigade and captured the guns, bringing on the battle. July 22, 1862,
he was promoted brigadier-general, and continuing in command of the
same brigade, participated in the battles of August 29th and 30th,
Second Manassas, and was severely wounded. He was on duty again at the
battle of Fredericksburg and during the Suffolk campaign, his division
now being commanded by General Pickett, and was on the Blackwater under
Gen. D. H. Hill, during the Gettysburg campaign. When Longstreet was
sent to the assistance of Bragg at Chattanooga, Jenkins' brigade was
transferred to Hood's division, and reached the field of Chickamauga
after the battle. During the investment of Chattanooga he commanded
the attack upon the Federal reinforcements arriving under Hooker, and
then accompanied Longstreet in the Knoxville campaign, commanding
Hood's division. He took a conspicuous part in the operations in east
Tennessee, and then, early in 1864, returned to Northern Virginia.
Field was now in charge of the division, and Jenkins led his famous
old brigade to battle on May 6th, the second day of the Wilderness
fighting, when the splendid veterans of the First corps arrived in
time to check the current of threatened disaster. As he rode by the
side of Longstreet, he said to his chief, "I am happy. I have felt
despair for the cause for some months, but now I am relieved, and
feel assured that we will put the enemy across the Rapidan before
night." Immediately afterward, by the mistaken fire of another
body of Confederates, he and Longstreet were both wounded, Jenkins
mortally. General Longstreet has written of him: "He was one of the
most estimable characters of the army. His taste and talent were for
military service. He was intelligent, quick, untiring, attentive,
zealous in discharge of duty, truly faithful to official obligations,
abreast with the foremost in battle, and withal a humble, noble
Christian. In a moment of highest earthly hope, he was transported to
serenest heavenly joy; to that life beyond that knows no bugle call,
beat of drum or clash of steel. May his beautiful spirit, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace! Amen!"
* * * * *
Major-General David Rump Jones was born in Orangeburg county, S. C.,
in 1825. His family removed to Georgia in his childhood, and from
that State he was appointed to the United States military academy,
where he was graduated in 1846 in the class with Stonewall Jackson,
McClellan and other famous commanders. As a lieutenant of the Second
infantry he served in the war with Mexico, participating in the siege
of Vera Cruz, the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco,
Molino del Rey, and the capture of the city of Mexico, particularly
being distinguished and earning promotion on the fields of Contreras
and Churubusco. He subsequently served as adjutant of his regiment,
made the voyage to California in 1848-49, and with promotion to first
lieutenant was on duty there until the fall of 1851, after which
he acted as instructor in infantry tactics at West Point. With the
brevet rank of captain of staff he served from the spring of 1853,
successively as adjutant-general of the Western department and the
Pacific department, as acting judge-advocate of the Pacific department,
and as assistant adjutant-general of the department of the West, until
his resignation, February 15, 1861. He was commissioned major in the
Confederate States army, and assigned to duty as chief-of-staff of
General Beauregard, in which capacity he visited Fort Sumter on April
13th and offered the terms of surrender, which were accepted. On June
17, 1861, he was promoted brigadier-general. With the army under
Beauregard at Manassas, Va., he had command of a brigade composed of
Jenkins' Fifth South Carolina and Burt's Eighteenth and Featherston's
Seventeenth Mississippi. In the original Confederate plan of battle,
July 21st, he was to have taken a prominent part in the fight, but the
actual events of the day confined him to demonstrations against the
Federal flank. Soon afterward his brigade was composed of the Fourth,
Fifth, Sixth and Ninth South Carolina regiments, until February, 1862,
when he was assigned to command of Gen. Sam Jones' Georgia brigade.
He was in charge of General Magruder's first division, including the
Georgia brigade of Robert Toombs and his own under George T. Anderson,
during the retreat from Yorktown, and the battles of Gaines' Mill,
Savage Station and Malvern Hill, and other engagements of the Seven
Days before Richmond. In the Second Manassas campaign he commanded a
division of Longstreet's corps, Drayton's brigade having been added to
the two previously mentioned. He drove the enemy through Thoroughfare
Gap, held the extreme right next day, confronting Fitz John Porter, and
in the battle of the 30th actively engaged the Federal left. In the
Maryland campaign his division, increased by the addition of Kemper's
and Garnett's Virginia brigades and Jenkins' South Carolina brigade,
had a conspicuous part, winning renown first by the heroic defense of
the passes of South mountain, and at Sharpsburg fighting desperately
against the advance of Burnside across the Antietam on the Confederate
right. After this battle he was promoted major-general. His coolness
and excellent judgment as a commanding officer would have doubtless
brought still higher honors, but at this time an affection of the heart
to which he had long been subject was greatly aggravated, and after a
lingering illness he died at Richmond, January 19, 1863.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General John D. Kennedy was born at Camden, January 5, 1840,
son of a native of Scotland, who settled in Kershaw county about 1830,
and married a granddaughter of Abraham Belton, a pioneer of Camden and
a soldier of the revolution. He was a student at the South Carolina
college, read law, and was admitted to practice in January, 1861, but
at once gave himself to the military service of his State. In April,
1861, he became captain of Company E, Second South Carolina infantry,
under Col. J. B. Kershaw. With this command he was in the first battle
of Manassas, and was struck by a Federal ball. Upon the promotion of
Kershaw to brigadier-general he became colonel of the Second regiment,
and in that rank participated in the skirmish on the Nine-mile road
near Richmond, in June, 1862, and the battle of Savage Station, after
which he was disabled for some time by fever. During the investment of
Harper's Ferry he was with Kershaw's brigade in the capture of Maryland
heights, and at Sharpsburg his regiment was the first of the brigade
to come to the relief of Jackson. He drove the enemy from his front,
but fell painfully wounded in the first charge. At Fredericksburg
he was sent with his own and the Eighth regiment to the support of
General Cobb at Marye's hill, the focus of the hottest fighting of that
memorable battle, and aided materially in the defeat of the Federal
attacks; and at Chancellorsville he was identified with the gallant
action of his brigade. During 1864 when not disabled he was either in
command of his regiment or of Kershaw's old brigade, in the Richmond
and Shenandoah Valley campaigns, and in December he was promoted to
the temporary rank of brigadier-general. With his brigade in McLaws'
division of Hardee's corps he took part in the final campaign in North
Carolina against Sherman, including the battle of Bentonville, and
surrendered with the army at Greensboro. He was six times wounded
during his service, and was hit fifteen times by spent balls. After
the close of hostilities he was mainly engaged in planting until 1877,
when he resumed the profession of law. He was elected to Congress in
1865, but declined to take the "ironclad" oath demanded and did not
take his seat. In 1878-79 he represented his county in the legislature,
was elected in 1880 and served as lieutenant-governor of the State
to 1882, and in the latter year was a prominent candidate for the
nomination of governor. In 1884 he was presidential elector-at-large
on the Democratic ticket, and in 1886 was appointed consul-general at
Shanghai, China, by President Cleveland. Returning from that post in
1889, he continued the practice of law at Camden until his death in
April, 1896.
[Illustration:
Maj.-Gen. J. B. KERSHAW.
Brig.-Gen. ROSWELL S. RIPLEY.
Maj.-Gen. BENJAMIN HUGER.
Brig.-Gen. A. M. MANIGAULT.
Brig.-Gen. ABNER PERRIN.
Brig.-Gen. ELLISON CAPERS.
Brig.-Gen. C. H. STEVENS.
Brig.-Gen. J. B. VILLEPIGUE.
Brig.-Gen. W. H. WALLACE.
Brig.-Gen. SAMUEL MCGOWAN.]
Major-General Joseph Brevard Kershaw was born at Camden, S. C.,
January 5, 1822, son of John Kershaw, member of Congress in 1812-14,
whose wife was Harriet, daughter of Isaac Du Bose, an aide-de-camp of
General Marion. His line of the Kershaw family in South Carolina was
founded by Joseph Kershaw, a native of Yorkshire, who immigrated in
1750, and served as a colonel in the war of the revolution. General
Kershaw was educated for the legal profession and began practice in
1844 at Camden. He was a member of the governor's staff in 1843, and
served one year in the Mexican war as first lieutenant of Company C,
Palmetto regiment. From 1852 to 1856 he was a representative in the
legislature, and in 1860 participated in the convention which enacted
the ordinance of secession. In February, 1861, he was commissioned
colonel of the Second South Carolina regiment, with which he served
at Sullivan's island, and in April went to Virginia. He commanded his
regiment, in the brigade of General Bonham, at the Blackburn's Ford
engagement and the battle of First Manassas, and in February, 1862,
was promoted brigadier-general, to succeed General Bonham. In this
rank he participated in the Yorktown campaign, and in McLaws' division
fought through the Seven Days' campaign before Richmond, commanded the
troops which captured Maryland heights, and had a gallant part in the
fighting at Sharpsburg. At Fredericksburg his brigade was sent into
the fight at Marye's hill, where Kershaw was in command after General
Cobb was wounded; at Chancellorsville he was an active participant,
and at Gettysburg he and his brigade were conspicuous in the defeat
of Sickles at the peach orchard. Reaching the field of Chickamauga in
time for the fighting of September 20th, he was in the grand line of
veterans with which Longstreet overwhelmed the Federals, commanding
McLaws' division, and in the last grand assault on George H. Thomas
also commanding McNair's, Grade's, Kelly's and Anderson's brigades.
He drove the enemy into their lines at Chattanooga, and subsequently
participated in the Knoxville campaign, at Bean's Station and other
engagements commanding the division. In the same command he went into
the Wilderness campaign of May, 1864, checked the Federal success
on May 6th with his veterans, sweeping the enemy from his front and
capturing his works. He was riding with Longstreet and Jenkins when
these two generals were wounded, and fortunately escaped injury. It was
his division which reached Spottsylvania Court House in time to support
Stuart's cavalry and thwart the flank movement of Grant, and by an
attack on Sheridan opened the bloody struggle at Cold Harbor, where the
heaviest Federal loss was before Kershaw's position. He was promoted
major-general, and after participating in the Petersburg battles
was ordered to the support of Early in the Shenandoah valley. In
September he was ordered back to Richmond, and while on the way Early
was defeated at Winchester. Then returning to the valley he opened the
attack at Cedar Creek, with great success. After this, until the fall
of Richmond, he served before that city, north of the James. His last
battle was Sailor's Creek, where he was captured with General Ewell and
the greater part of the remnant of his command. As a prisoner of war he
was held at Fort Warren, Boston, until August 12, 1865. On his return
to South Carolina he again took up the practice of law, and in the same
year was elected to the State senate and made president of that body.
In 1874 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress in his district,
and three years later was elected to the position of judge of the
Fifth circuit. He served upon the bench until 1893, when he resigned
on account of failing health and resumed practice as an attorney at
Camden. In February, 1894, he was commissioned postmaster at that city,
but he died on the 12th of April following. His wife, Lucretia Douglas,
to whom he was married in 1844, four daughters and a son survive him.
The latter is rector of St. Michael's church, Charleston.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Thomas M. Logan was born at Charleston, November 3,
1840, the son of Judge George William and Eliza Staun (Yonge) Logan.
His family is of ancient Scottish descent. He was graduated at the
head of his class at the North Carolina college in 1860, and was among
the early volunteers in 1861 as a private in the Washington light
infantry, with which he served during the investment of Fort Sumter.
Then aiding in the organization of Company A, Hampton legion, he was
elected first lieutenant and accompanied the legion to Virginia, where
he participated in the first battle of Manassas, and was soon afterward
elected captain. Though wounded at Gaines' Mill he continued on duty
at Second Manassas, and for conspicuous gallantry at Sharpsburg was
promoted major. His command was subsequently transferred to Jenkins'
brigade, and he was promoted lieutenant-colonel. During the Suffolk and
Blackwater campaigns under Gen. D. H. Hill he was distinguished for the
successful management of a reconnoissance in force fifteen miles in
advance of the Confederate lines; and in command of the sharpshooters
of Longstreet's corps in the Chattanooga and Knoxville campaigns, he
gained new laurels as a daring and active leader. He commanded the
advance guard which Longstreet organized to push Burnside back toward
Knoxville in an attempt to prevent his intrenching, and kept up a
running skirmish with the Federals for several days. On May 19, 1864,
he was promoted colonel of Hampton's legion, served temporarily on
the staff of General Beauregard during the battle of Drewry's Bluff,
and was severely wounded in the fight at Riddle's shop. Promoted
brigadier-general at the age of twenty-four years, he was assigned
to the command of the old cavalry brigade of Gen. M. C. Butler, with
which he served in the North Carolina campaign and at the battle of
Bentonville, and made the last charge of this last campaign at the head
of Keitt's battalion. After the close of hostilities General Logan
began the study of law at Richmond, Va., in which State he has since
resided and practiced that profession for several years. He then became
interested in railroad management, and soon became prominent in the
organization of the Richmond & Danville system, of which he was elected
vice-president.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Samuel McGowan was born of Scotch-Irish parentage
in Laurens county, October 19, 1819, and was graduated at the South
Carolina college in 1841. He embarked in the practice of law at
Abbeville, but answered the call of his country in 1846 and started
for the Mexican war as a private in the Palmetto regiment. He was
soon appointed to the general quartermaster's staff, with the rank
of captain, in which capacity he served during the war, first on the
staff of General Quitman and afterward with Generals Worth and Twiggs.
As volunteer aide to General Quitman at the storming of Chapultepec
and the capture of Garita de Belen he was distinguished for gallantry.
On his return to South Carolina he continued with much success the
practice of his profession, and sat twelve years in the lower house
of the State legislature; but also retained his connection with
military matters, becoming major-general in the State militia. Upon
the secession of South Carolina he was commissioned brigadier-general
in the State army and assigned to command of one of the four brigades
first formed, and in that capacity assisted General Beauregard during
the reduction of Fort Sumter. Upon the transfer of the troops to the
Confederate service he joined General Bonham in Virginia, and served as
a volunteer aide at the battles of Blackburn Ford and First Manassas.
Then returning to South Carolina he was elected lieutenant-colonel of
the Fourteenth regiment, and in the spring of 1862, while in service
on the coast, was promoted colonel. Soon afterward, with Gregg's
brigade, he began a distinguished career in the army of Northern
Virginia. He was wounded at Cold Harbor, where he led his regiment in
several daring charges; retrieved the ground lost by another brigade
at Frayser's Farm, and continued on duty in spite of his injury
until after Malvern Hill. For his gallantry in these battles he was
recommended by General Gregg for promotion. After fighting at Cedar
Run he was wounded at Second Manassas, and for some time disabled, but
he rejoined his regiment after the battle of Sharpsburg and commanded
it at Fredericksburg. There General Gregg was killed, and in January,
1863, Colonel McGowan was promoted brigadier-general and became Gregg's
successor in command of the gallant brigade. In this capacity he served
until the end of the war, receiving several wounds, the most severe of
which befell him at Chancellorsville and during the fight at the bloody
angle at Spottsylvania Court House. After the surrender at Appomattox
he returned to his home and resumed the profession from which he had
been twice diverted by war. He was elected to Congress in 1865, but was
not permitted to take his seat; made a thorough canvass of the State as
an elector-at-large on the Democratic presidential ticket in 1876; in
1878 was elected to the legislature, and in 1879 was elected associate
justice of the supreme court. In the latter office he won lasting honor
and distinction as he had upon the field of battle. His death occurred
in December, 1893.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Arthur Middleton Manigault was born at Charleston
in 1824. He was a great-grandson of Gabriel Manigault, a native of
Charleston, and a famous merchant who was treasurer of the province
in 1738; after the declaration of independence advanced $220,000 from
his private fortune for war purposes, and in 1779, with his grandson
Joseph, served as a private soldier in the defense of Charleston.
General Manigault entered business life at Charleston in youth. In
1846 he went to the Mexican war as first lieutenant of a company of
the Palmetto regiment, and served in the army of General Scott from
Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. Returning to Charleston he was in
the commission business until 1856, and then was engaged in rice
planting until the beginning of the Confederate war, when he raised
a company of volunteers. He served as inspector-general on the staff
of General Beauregard during the period including the reduction of
Fort Sumter, after which he was elected colonel of the Tenth South
Carolina regiment. Under Gen. R. E. Lee he commanded the First military
district of South Carolina, with headquarters at Georgetown. After the
battle of Shiloh he and his regiment were transferred to the army in
Mississippi under General Bragg, forming part of the brigade composed
of the Tenth and Nineteenth South Carolina and three Alabama regiments,
commanded by General Withers until the latter was given division
command, afterward by Patton Anderson and later by Colonel Manigault.
He was in brigade command from the summer of 1862, and participated
in the occupation of Corinth during the siege, and the operations of
the army in Tennessee and Kentucky. In April, 1863, he was promoted to
brigadier-general. At the battle of Stone's River his brigade under his
gallant leadership was distinguished in the assaults upon the Federal
line, and at Chickamauga again was conspicuous in the attacks upon the
position held by George H. Thomas. In both these battles the brigade
suffered severely in the loss of officers and men, but the remnant
fought through the Atlanta campaign of 1864 among the bravest of the
heroes of that memorable struggle, from Dalton to Ezra church. He
subsequently participated in the operations under General Hood, until
he fell severely wounded in the disastrous battle of Franklin, Tenn.
After the conclusion of hostilities he engaged in rice planting in
South Carolina. In 1880 he was elected adjutant-general of the State,
was continued in this office, and was about to be re-elected when he
died from the effects of his wound received at Franklin, August 16,
1886.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Abner M. Perrin was born in Edgefield district,
in 1827. He entered the Confederate States service as captain of a
company of the Fourteenth regiment, South Carolina infantry, Col.
James Jones, and was present at the engagement at Port Royal Ferry,
January 1, 1862. His regiment was ordered to Virginia in the spring of
1862, and attached to the South Carolina brigade of Gen. Maxcy Gregg,
the regiment then being commanded by Col. Samuel McGowan. Captain
Perrin shared the services of the Fourteenth in the battles before
Richmond, at Cedar run, Second Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and
Fredericksburg, and then being promoted colonel, commanded the regiment
at Chancellorsville, where, after the wounding of General McGowan and
Colonel Edwards, he had command of the remnant of the brigade in the
Sunday battle. He continued in charge of this brigade, consisting of
the First, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth South Carolina regiments
and First Rifles, Pender's division, A. P. Hill's corps, during the
Gettysburg campaign. On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, said A. P.
Hill, Perrin's brigade took position after position of the enemy,
driving him through the town of Gettysburg. He maintained an advanced
position throughout the next two days, keeping up a continual heavy
skirmish and repelling several assaults on the third. On the retreat
he repulsed an attack of cavalry near Falling Waters. He was promoted
to brigadier-general in September, 1863. Previous to the campaign of
May, 1864, in Virginia, General McGowan returned to the command of
the South Carolina brigade, and General Perrin was transferred to
the Alabama brigade lately commanded by General Wilcox, Anderson's
division. He passed through the fiery ordeal in the Wilderness, but at
Spottsylvania, in the words of the telegram of General Lee to President
Davis, "the brave General Perrin was killed." It was just after Hancock
had swept over the "bloody angle," early on May 12th, capturing the
larger part of Johnson's division, and A. P. Hill was called on for
reinforcements, that Perrin came up leading his brigade through a
terribly destructive fire, and fell dead from his horse just as he
reached the works.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General John Smith Preston was born at Salt Works, near
Abingdon, Va., on April 20, 1809, of Irish descent, his ancestors
having emigrated from Donegal, Ireland, in the early part of the
seventeenth century. He was educated at Hampden-Sidney college
and graduated at that institution in 1824. He then studied law at
the university of Virginia and Harvard college. In 1830 he married
Caroline, daughter of Gen. Wade Hampton, and settled at Abingdon, Va.,
where he began the practice of his profession, but later removed to
Columbia, S. C. He was engaged for several years in sugar planting in
Louisiana, also devoted a great deal of his time to literary pursuits,
and the collection of paintings and statuary. His interest in art
led him to assist many struggling young men of genius, notably Hiram
Powers, who in appreciation, gave him the replica of the "Greek Slave."
General Preston was a distinguished orator, and made many brilliant
addresses, among them the speech of welcome to the Palmetto regiment on
its return from the Mexican war in 1848. He was an ardent secessionist,
and in May, 1860, was chairman of the South Carolina delegation to
the Democratic convention that met at Charleston. After the election
of President Lincoln, he was a commissioner to Virginia, and in
February, 1861, made an eloquent plea in favor of the withdrawal of
that State from the Union. He entered the Confederate army, and served
on the staff of General Beauregard during 1861 and 1862, receiving
special commendation for efficiency in the first battle of Bull Run.
He was promoted, June 10, 1864, brigadier-general in the provisional
army of the Confederate States, and placed in charge of the bureau
of conscription, in which office he rendered valuable service. He
went to England shortly after the war, and remained several years.
After his return he delivered an address at a commencement of the
university of Virginia, which, as a fervent assertion of the right
of secession, incurred the severe criticism of the Northern press.
His last appearance as an orator was on the occasion of unveiling the
Confederate monument at Columbia.
[Illustration:
Brig.-Gen. JOHN S. PRESTON.
Brig.-Gen. MAXCY GREGG.
Brig.-Gen. T. M. LOGAN.
Maj.-Gen. DAVID R. JONES.
Brig.-Gen. MICAH JENKINS.
Brig.-Gen. JOHNSON HAGOOD.
Brig.-Gen. S. W. FERGUSON.
Brig.-Gen. JAMES CONNER.
Brig.-Gen. JOHN D. KENNEDY.
Brig.-Gen. S. R. GIST.]
Brigadier-General Roswell Sabine Ripley was born at Worthington,
Ohio, March 14, 1823. He was graduated at the United States military
academy, number seven in the class of 1843, of which Gen. U. S. Grant
was twenty-first. With promotion to brevet second lieutenant, Third
artillery, he served until 1846 on garrison duty, and for a few months
as assistant professor of mathematics at West Point. In 1846, being
commissioned second lieutenant, he was on the coast survey until
ordered to Mexico, where he fought at Monterey in September. Then
being promoted first lieutenant, Second artillery, he took part in the
siege of Vera Cruz, and at the battle of Cerro Gordo won the brevet of
captain. At Contreras, Churubusco Molino del Rey, Chapultepec and the
capture of the Mexican capital he won new honors and came out of the
war with the brevet rank of major. After service as aide-de-camp to
General Pillow to July, 1848, he prepared and published a history of
the war in 1849, and subsequently was engaged in the Indian hostilities
in Florida and in garrison duty until March, 1853, when he resigned
and engaged in business at Charleston, the home of his wife. At the
organization of the South Carolina army he received the rank of
lieutenant-colonel, commanding the First artillery battalion, and at
the bombardment of Fort Sumter was highly commended by the generals
commanding for his services in charge of the batteries on Sullivan's
island. In August following he was commissioned brigadier-general in
the provisional army of the Confederate States, and was put in command
of the department of South Carolina, and when that was merged in a
larger department under Gen. R. E. Lee, he was given charge of the
Second military district of the State. Joining the army of Northern
Virginia in June, 1862, he commanded a brigade of D. H. Hill's
division, composed of Georgia and North Carolina regiments, in the
battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, South Mountain
and Sharpsburg. In the latter engagement he was shot in the throat,
but returned to the fight after his wound was dressed. About a month
later he took command of the First military district of South Carolina,
including Charleston and its defenses, and was in immediate command
during the memorable attacks of the Federal fleets and army in 1863 and
1864. In January, 1865, he was ordered to report to General Hood, and
at the last was assigned to command of a division of Cheatham's corps
of the army in North Carolina. Then going abroad he resided in Paris
several years, and upon his return resumed his business operations at
Charleston. He died at New York, March 26, 1887.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General Clement Hoffman Stevens was born in Norwich,
Conn., August 14, 1821, the son of Lieut. Clement W. Stevens, United
States navy, and Sarah J. Fayssoux, daughter of Dr. Peter Fayssoux,
surgeon-general of the army in South Carolina during the war of the
revolution. Not long after his birth the father left the navy and the
family settled in Florida, but removed to Pendleton, S. C., at the
outbreak of Indian troubles in 1836. In youth he served for several
years as private secretary to his kinsmen, Commodore William B.
Shubrick and Capt. Edward Shubrick. In 1842 he abandoned this service
at sea, and became an official of the Planters and Mechanics bank at
Charleston, of which he was cashier at the period of secession. In
January, 1861, he presented to Gen. David F. Jamison, secretary of war
for the State, a design he had prepared for an ironclad battery, and it
being approved, he immediately began the erection of an armored battery
of two guns on Cummings point, known as the Stevens' iron battery. It
was built of heavy yellow pine timber with great solidity, and the
face, inclined at an angle of forty degrees, was covered with bars of
railroad iron. In this protected battery, which was of service in the
bombardment of Fort Sumter, was the germ of the armored ship Virginia,
and her class. The floating battery designed by Lieut. J. R. Hamilton,
in use at the same time, approached still more closely the plan of the
famous ironclad of Hampton Roads. General Stevens' mechanical ingenuity
was later shown in the invention of portable ovens, by the use of which
his regiment was supplied with excellent bread. Stevens next served as
volunteer aide to his cousin, Gen. Barnard E. Bee, at the battle of
First Manassas, and was severely wounded. Returning home, as soon as he
had recovered from his wound he took charge of a militia regiment at
Charleston, but soon joined in the organization of the Twenty-fourth
regiment, of which he was elected colonel. In the winter of 1861-62
he was for some time on duty as aide to General Ripley. In the fight
at Secessionville he commanded the Confederate forces on the field.
In December, 1862, he was assigned to command one of the brigades to
be sent under General Gist for the support of Wilmington, and in May,
1863, he and his regiment were ordered to Mississippi under the brigade
command of Gist. With the forces collected under Gen. J. E. Johnston
he participated in the summer campaign of that year for the relief of
Vicksburg, and the defense of Jackson against Sherman, and subsequently
joined the army at Chattanooga. At the battle of Chickamauga he was
actively engaged until two horses were killed under him and he was
wounded. Gist alluded to him as the "iron-nerved," and General Walker
reported "that the gallant Stevens, who was severely wounded, from what
I know of his capacity as an officer, from his gallantry on the field,
and from his devotion to the cause, would grace any position that might
be conferred." January 20, 1864, he was promoted to brigadier-general,
and was assigned to the command of a Georgia brigade, formerly known
as Wilson's, of Walker's division, which he led with distinction
throughout the Atlanta campaign, until he was killed in the battle of
July 20, 1864, near the city of Atlanta.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General James H. Trapier, a native of South Carolina, was
graduated in the United States military academy, third in the class of
1838, of which General Beauregard was second and William J. Hardee,
Edward Johnson and Carter L. Stevenson were other famous members. As
a lieutenant of engineers in the United States service he assisted in
the construction of defenses at Charleston harbor and Fort Pulaski, and
was promoted first lieutenant in 1839. Subsequently he was constructing
engineer of repairs at Forts Macon and Caswell, and Forts Ontario,
Niagara and Porter, New York; served in the war with Mexico in 1847,
and was assistant engineer connected with the fortification of New
York harbor until his resignation in 1848. Returning to South Carolina
he was engaged as a planter at Georgetown until the organization of
the Confederacy, serving also as chief of ordnance of the State in
1851-52, and as aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, on the staff
of Governor Means. With the rank of captain of engineers he rendered
valuable service in the construction of the Confederate batteries for
the attack on Fort Sumter, and was engineer-in-chief on Morris island.
Soon afterward he was promoted major of engineers, and in October was
promoted brigadier-general and assigned to command of the department
of Eastern and Middle Florida, with especial care of Cumberland
sound. Asking to be relieved in March, 1862, he was ordered to report
to General Johnston in Alabama. He commanded the First division of
General Polk's corps at Corinth and in the battle of Farmington, May 9,
1862, and in November following was assigned to command of the Fourth
district of South Carolina, with headquarters at Georgetown. In the
spring of 1863 he was in command on Sullivan's island during the attack
by the Federal fleet, April 7th, and not long afterward resumed his
duties at Georgetown. Surviving the war he died at Mansfield, S. C,
January 2, 1866, at the age of fifty-one years.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General John Bordenave Villepigue was born at Camden, S. C,
July 2, 1830, of French descent. He was graduated at the United States
military academy in 1854, with a brevet lieutenancy in the dragoons;
a year later was promoted to second lieutenant, and in 1857 to first
lieutenant. His military service of about seven years in the old army
was rendered in the Second dragoons, mainly on the frontier in Kansas
and Nebraska, participating in the Sioux expedition of 1855 and the
march to Fort Lookout, Dakota, in 1856. He took part in the Utah
campaign of 1857-58, and then after a period spent at the Carlisle
cavalry school, was on duty in Utah until he resigned, March 31, 1861,
to enter the service of the Southern Confederacy. He received the
commission of captain of artillery from the government at Montgomery,
and soon afterward was promoted colonel in the provisional army, and
assigned to the Thirty-sixth Georgia regiment. In command of Georgia
and Mississippi soldiers he first attracted attention by his heroic
defense of Fort McRee, Pensacola harbor, during the bombardment of
November 22, 1861. General Bragg reported at that time that for the
number and caliber of guns brought into action it would rank with the
heaviest bombardment of the world. The buildings of the fort were
several times on fire, and Villepigue was seriously wounded, but
his coolness inspired his volunteers to fight with the tenacity of
veterans. Said Bragg: "An educated soldier, possessing in an eminent
degree the love and confidence of his officers and men, he had been
specially selected for this important and perilous post. The result
fully vindicates the fortunate choice, and presents for our admiration,
blended in perfect harmony, the modest but heroic soldier with the
humble but confiding Christian." Villepigue was appointed chief of
engineers and artillery on the staff of General Bragg, was for a time
in command at Pensacola, then was at Mobile, and joining Bragg was
promoted brigadier-general early in 1862. He was assigned to command
at Fort Pillow on the Mississippi, General Beauregard sending him
there as "the most energetic young officer" at his command. Week after
week he held the open batteries, and kept back the enemy's superior
land and naval forces until ordered to retire, when he blew up his
fortifications and brought off his command in safety, June 4th. He was
given command of a brigade of the army in Mississippi, under General
Van Dorn, and at the battle of Corinth in October was distinguished
both in the attack and in the protection of the rear during the
retreat. Soon after this arduous and dispiriting campaign the young
soldier was prostrated by a severe illness, which resulted in his death
at Port Hudson, November 9, 1862.
* * * * *
Brigadier-General William Henry Wallace was born in Laurens county,
March 24, 1827, son of Daniel Wallace, for several terms a member of
the legislature, a major-general of militia, and from 1849 to 1853
representative in Congress. His grandfather was Jonathan Wallace, a
native of Virginia who removed to South Carolina before the war of
the revolution, in which he was a patriot soldier. General Wallace
was graduated at the South Carolina college in December, 1849, and in
the following spring was married to Sarah, daughter of Robert Dunlap,
of Newberry. She was the niece of James Dunlap, appointed governor
of Florida by Andrew Jackson, and granddaughter of William Dunlap, a
revolutionary soldier who was the grandson of John Hunter, a native
of Ireland who was United States senator from South Carolina in
1801. General Wallace was occupied as planter in Union county until
1857, when he became the proprietor of the Union Times newspaper,
and in 1859 began the practice of law at Union. In 1860 as a member
of the legislature he supported the call for a convention, and at
the expiration of his term he enlisted as a private in Company A,
Eighteenth South Carolina volunteers. A few days later he was appointed
adjutant of the regiment by Col. James M. Gadberry, who was killed
at Second Manassas. Before going into the field the regiment was
reorganized, and Wallace was elected lieutenant-colonel in May, 1861.
The regiment was ordered into Virginia in time to engage the enemy near
Malvern Hill in August, after which it fought at the battle of Second
Manassas, losing about half its number in battle, including the gallant
Colonel Gadberry. Wallace was at once promoted colonel, and he led
his regiment, in the brigade of Gen. N. G. Evans, through the battles
of South Mountain and Sharpsburg with the army of Northern Virginia.
Subsequently he was on duty in defense of Charleston. In the spring of
1864 the brigade under Gen. Stephen Elliott was ordered to Petersburg,
where Colonel Wallace participated in the defense of the lines and all
the operations of Bushrod Johnson's division. His brigade suffered most
heavily at the battle of the Crater, four companies of his regiment
being blown up or destroyed by falling earth at the explosion of the
mine, July 30, 1864. In September he was promoted brigadier-general,
and up to the eve of the surrender he commanded the brigade, fighting
gallantly at Gravelly run and Namozine church on the retreat. At
Appomattox Court House, on the night of April 8th, he was assigned by
General Gordon to the command of Johnson's division, in which capacity
he reported to Gen. Clement A. Evans and participated in the last
action of the army on the morning of April 9th. After his parole he
devoted himself to the practice of the law, the care of his plantation
and the restoration of good government in the State. He was one of the
few Democrats elected to the legislature in 1872, and was re-elected
in 1874 and 1876. In 1877 he was chosen judge of the Seventh circuit,
a position in which he continued to serve with honor and ability until
1893, when he retired from public life.
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
Compound nouns, names, and hyphenated words
are not consistant in the original text.
Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.
Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.
Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.
Enclosed bold font in =equals signs=.
The caret symbol (^) has been used to indicate superscript
characters.