MAJOR GENERAL JOHN CABELL BRECKINRIDGE
Item #: CWB12030
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Major-General John Cabell Breckinridge was born near
Lexington, Ky., in January, 1821, and was educated for the
profession of law, which he practiced at Lexington.
He was major of the Third regiment Kentucky volunteers in the
Mexican war, and then began in the legislature of 1849 an
illustrious political career. In 1851 he was elected to
Congress from the Ashland district, and re-elected in 1853.
He declined the mission to Spain offered by President Pierce
and retired from public life; but in 1856 he was chosen Vice-
President of the United States, and before the expiration of
his term the Kentucky legislature elected him to the Senate
for six years from March 4, 1861.
He was the choice of the Southern States for President in
1860, and received the main part of the electoral vote of his
party in the United States. On October 8, 1861, he issued an
address from Bowling Green resigning his senatorship and
proclaiming his devotion to the Southern cause.
He was commissioned brigadier-general November 2, 1861, and
given a brigade at Bowling Green. At Shiloh he distinguished
himself in command of the Reserve corps, taking an active part
in the battle and covering the subsequent retreat.
Having been promoted major-general April 14, 1862, he was
ordered with his division to Vicksburg in June. He defeated
the enemy at Baton Rouge, took possession of Port Hudson,
marched to the relief of Bragg, and took a conspicuous part in
the battle of Murfreesboro.
In 1863 he joined Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in Mississippi, and
repelled the enemy at Jackson. Returning to Bragg he
participated in the battle of Chickamauga and succeeded D. H.
Hill in command of an army corps, in this capacity serving at
Missionary Ridge.
Then going into Virginia, he defeated Sigel at New Market May
15, 1864, joined General Lee in the campaign of that summer,
protected the communications during Sheridan's raid, and did
good service at Cold Harbor. In conjunction with General
Early he discomfited the Federals under Hunter in the
Shenandoah valley and made the campaign in Maryland, defeating
Wallace at Monocacy.
Subsequently he fought in the valley until given command in
southwest Virginia, whence he was called to the cabinet as
secretary of war.
After Appomattox he escaped to Cuba and visited Canada and
Europe before returning home. His death occurred May 17,
1875, at Lexington.
Shipping Weight:
0.6 lb
Item # CWB12030
$275.00 USD