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R. Ewell

R. Ewell

Confederate (CSA)

Brigadier General

Richard Stoddert Ewell

"Baldy"

(1817 - 1872)

Home State: Virginia

Education: US Military Academy, West Point, NY, Class of 1840

Command Billet: CO, Division (convalesing)

Branch of Service: Infantry

Unit: Ewell's Division

Before Sharpsburg

He graduated from the USMA in 1840, served in the Mexican War, and resigned his commision in May 1861. He was made LCol. of Virginia forces, and staff Colonel in the Confederate Army. In June 1861 he was commissioned Brigadier General, and commanded the 2nd Brigade at First Manassas. In January 1862 he was promoted to Major General, and then commanded Ewell's Division in Jackson's Shenandoah Valley campaign, at the Seven Days, and at Second Manassas (lost a leg at Groveton).

On the Campaign

Ewell is included here only for information, he was not present at the battle. He had lost a leg in the fighting at Groveton (2nd Manassas) and was still recovering in September 1862. His division was commanded in his absence by Brigadier General Alexander R. Lawton (who was wounded in the battle), then Brigadier General Jubal A. Early.

The rest of the War

In May 1863 he was appointed LGen. in command of the Second (II) Corps and fought at Gettysburg the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. He retired due to poor health but was in the Richmond defences and at Sayler's Creek (captured).

After the War

Post War Career: Farmer.

References & notes

Note: There is some considerable controversy about his not taking Cemetery Hill (at Gettysburg) on July 1, 1863. The suggestion is that had Jackson been there instead of Ewell, things would/may have been different. One of the classic "what-if" scenarios of Civil War studies.

Birth

1817; Washington, DC

Death

1872