The Last Hours of Brig Gen Paul J. Semmes: Major Samuel P. Hamilton of Cabell's Artillery

Just as an aside, several Confederate artillery battalions had sort-of executive officers.

Cabell's Battalion: Colonel Henry C. Cabell, Major Samuel P. Hamilton
Dearing's Battalion: Major James Dearing, Major John P.W. Read
Henry's Battalion: Major Mathias W. Henry, Major John C. Haskell

Ryan
 
There was a poetry in the bearing of General Semmes upon the field of battle which reminded one of the days of ancient chivalry.

Col. Weems, in the course of some remarks before a meeting of the Semmes Brigade, said:

The deceased (Gen. Semmes) was born in the county of Wilkes, State of Georgia, in about the year 1816. Evincing in early life an extraordinary taste and fondness for the profession of arms, he was graduated at a military school, where was laid the foundation of an education that rendered him so useful and efficient in our struggle for independence.

Leaving the home of his nativity, he removed to the city of Columbus, and was soon called to the command of the "Columbus Guards," an old organized company in that city. This company entered the service of the Confederate States in April 1861. It composed one of the companies of the Second Georgia regiment, and was commanded by Capt. Roswell Ellis, the courteous and efficient Adjutant General of this brigade. The proficiency which it has attained in drill and discipline attracted attention to Gen. Semmes, its former commander, who was elected Colonel of the Regiment, by a vote approximating to unanimity.

In April 1862, he was commissioned Brigadier General, and assigned to command of this Brigade, constituting the 10th, 50th, 51st and 53d Georgia Regiments, and in front of which he so gallantly fell, upon the field of Gettysburg. As a disciplinarian, he was firm and inflexible, but kind and courteous in his intercourse with officers and men, and ever mindful of the rights of the humblest private. As a commander, he was vigilant, active and brave. he never ordered his men to go where he feared to lead. His Brigade was never driven, but always led by him, his noble example and dashing courage infusing zeal and confidence throughout the line. At Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Sharpsburg, Crampton's Gap, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, he bore himself most conspicuously and gallantly and proudly illustrated the valor and prowess of the Southern soldier.

There was a poetry in the bearing of General Semmes upon the field of battle which reminded one of the days of ancient chivalry. During the charge of this brigade in the action in which he received his death wound, and whilst a storm of grape and canister was being poured upon us, he exhorted regimental commanders "to keep an eye to their colors; if the color bearer be cut down, tell the color company to seize the staff before it touches the ground."

In that terrible charge, he was as calm and self-possessed as though he were under his marquee, indulging his usual pastime, in reading his Bible. Surviving his wound for a few days, he was removed to Martinsburg, where he died on the 10th day of July.

Just before he breathed his last, he called for his sword and testament. Placing the one by his side, and the other upon his breast, he bequeathed them to his now bereaved wife. Thus died this Christian patriot and brave soldier.

1686970771278.png
1686970807224.png

The Daily Sun. (Columbus, Ga.), August 23, 1863, page 2.
 
Back
Top