Colorful Confederate Cavalryman

[rhettbutler1865]

Gilbert Jefferson Wright, or "Gib," as he was referred to by his men was one of the most colorful figures in the Civil War. He really is worth reading a bit about. Promoted through the ranks from Lieutenant to Colonel on October 9, 1863, he led Cobb's Legion Cavalry from then until they were surrendered by Gen. Johnston on April 26, 1865. "Gib" had promised his men that they would not be surrendered against their will, but that was a promise he was unable to keep. P.M.B. Young said, "This officer has proved his gallantry on many fields." J.E.B. Stuart called him "a most competent officer" and commended "his gallant conduct in Maryland where he was wounded." Actually, Wright was wounded several times, but as his obituary said, "...before his [serious] wounds ever healed he would be again on the field of battle fighting with matchless valor." One of his troopers said of him,"...[his] unique personality, vigorous intellect, and untiring energy made a remarkable impression upon all with whom he came into contact."....................Well, I just realized I capsulized him here, so if you've gotten this far, you may not want to read any more about him--but believe me--there's more color to be had.

 

[donna]

For me it is John Hunt Morgan. He was a dashing and handsome officer. His exploits are legendary. His death was so sad. My husband belongs to the Morgan Men Association. Their annual meeting is in August. We will be touring the Cynthiana area of Ky. My Great Great Grandfather came from there. He is one who died after Battle of Middle Creek.

 

[Klaudly]

 

[MRB1863]

...and the master of colorful...Stuart!

 

[Allie]

For me it is John Hunt Morgan. He was a dashing and handsome officer. His exploits are legendary. His death was so sad. My husband belongs to the Morgan Men Association. Their annual meeting is in August. We will be touring the Cynthiana area of Ky. My Great Great Grandfather came from there. He is one who died after Battle of Middle Creek.

Morgan is my cousin through my Civil War ancestress Josephine Morgan.

I'm very fond of Mosby, personally.

@rhettbutler1865 I would love to hear more about Gilbert Jefferson Wright.

 

[rhettbutler1865]

Morgan is my cousin through my Civil War ancestress Josephine Morgan.

I'm very fond of Mosby, personally.

@rhettbutler1865 I would love to hear more about Gilbert Jefferson Wright.

Allie (and y'all), I don't know how to go to a site and "cut and paste," so I'll do snippets if you like. "Gib" Wright was 6'4" tall, a man of social and convivial tastes. In his youth, he fell into bad habits; during one of his drinking bouts, he accidentally killed one of his comrades, but was acquitted of murder. (After the war, he became a judge and was very highly respected all over Georgia for his fairness).

 

[beverett]

Allie (and y'all), I don't know how to go to a site and "cut and paste," so I'll do snippets if you like. "Gib" Wright was 6'4" tall, a man of social and convivial tastes. In his youth, he fell into bad habits; during one of his drinking bouts, he accidentally killed one of his comrades, but was acquitted of murder. (After the war, he became a judge and was very highly respected all over Georgia for his fairness).

Would like to have any info you have on Gib Wright....my gggranduncle, JB Everett, was in Cobb's Legion Cavalry Co. D from Albany Georgia.
Thanks in advance,
Bruce Everett

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

As the host of his forum, my vote goes to Forrest.

But I will admit, 'colorful" may be an understatement when it comes to Bedford.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

As the host of his forum, my vote goes to Forrest.

But I will admit, 'colorful" may be an understatement when it comes to Bedford.

The master of intrigue, not a West Pointer, which makes me wonder how many of these others already mentioned were West Pointers?

Forrest, from what I have been reading recently, was one who thought outside the box, and had Union forces confounded. If that is an element of 'colorful', then Forrest gets my vote, too.

 

[Ole Miss]

Forrest had the self confidence to never call a council of war nor give into any doubts regarding his course of action.

Forrest was a killer who cared less about color or any other sentiment as he played for keeps.
Regards
David

 

[Lubliner]

It is so easy to forget other horsemen with the showy Stuart, Mosby and Forrest at the top of their class. I waited a whole day to remember Wade Hampton from South Carolina, and Rufus Barringer from North Carolina. To pick showy out of all, James Ewell Brown Stuart wins. Of course the meaning to colorful can be held circumspect.
Lubliner.