Why did Philip St. George Cocke kill himself?

[CivilWarBuff 1986]

Was it PTSD or was he upset for being demoted? After First Manassas..

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Found this on findagrave.com:
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Birth: Apr. 17, 1809
Death: Dec. 26, 1861
Expired Image Removed
Civil War Confederate Brigadier General Confederate States Army. He was born in Fluvanna County, Virginia. He graduated 6th in the 1832 class at the United States Military Academy with the rank of brevet 2nd Lieutenant. He maintained that rank with the artillery at Charleston, South Carolina. On July 13, 1833, he became adjutant of the 2nd Artillery but resigned in favor of farming in 1834. As an agriculturist he wrote in 1852, Plantation and Farm Instruction and was voted president of the Virginia Agricultural Society, serving from 1853 to 1856. He also served on the board of visitors at the Virginia Military Institute for 9 years. After serving on the Advisory Council of the State of Virginia in the state's secession process, he accepted an appointment as Brigadier General in command of the frontier district at the Potomac River. He was later commended by General Robert E. Lee for his defensive policies and by General P.G.T. Beauregard for his actions as a Colonel at Blackburn's Ford. The Battle of Centreville was his last battle before he took his own life in Powhatan County, Virginia, after only 8 months service in the Confederate Army. Shattered in health and mind was the documented reason given for his suicide.
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--BBF

 

[Frederick14Va]

A subject that has been debated for many years, with no single clear reasoning known. It has long been pondered that it had issues to do with him not receiving commission. He and most others thought it was well warranted and due for his previous exemplary service. Others have speculated possible other issues or combination of same. No real specific evidence existing to know for sure.

Besides his involvement at First Manassas, he was also very involved and instrumental in mustering up several local companies. The Powhatan Troop (Later to become 4th Virginia Cav. Co. E), he himself purchased the sabers and carbines for. His home in Powhatan County Va, still stands known as "Belmead" Built abt 1845. According to local court records he walked out behind his home in the back yard per-se, and ended things there alone at his own hand. When found the local sheriff was summoned, he reported the subject died of a single self inflicted gunshot wound. I don't recall mention of any notes or letters reference it left behind. Post war Belmead estate was purchased by a Catholic Order, a series of schools and vocational facility built 1895, and used there till the 1970's. Majority of the large 2000 acre estate is still intact, but in poor condition due to lack of funds for the upkeep and restoration.

 

[CivilWarBuff 1986]

What role did he and his men play at First Manassas?

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Beautiful.

--BBF

 

[theoldman]

A subject that has been debated for many years, with no single clear reasoning known. It has long been pondered that it had issues to do with him not receiving commission. He and most others thought it was well warranted and due for his previous exemplary service. Others have speculated possible other issues or combination of same. No real specific evidence existing to know for sure.

Besides his involvement at First Manassas, he was also very involved and instrumental in mustering up several local companies. The Powhatan Troop (Later to become 4th Virginia Cav. Co. E), he himself purchased the sabers and carbines for. His home in Powhatan County Va, still stands known as "Belmead" Built abt 1845. According to local court records he walked out behind his home in the back yard per-se, and ended things there alone at his own hand. When found the local sheriff was summoned, he reported the subject died of a single self inflicted gunshot wound. I don't recall mention of any notes or letters reference it left behind. Post war Belmead estate was purchased by a Catholic Order, a series of schools and vocational facility built 1895, and used there till the 1970's. Majority of the large 2000 acre estate is still intact, but in poor condition due to lack of funds for the upkeep and restoration.

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Thanks for the information and pictures. I am no expert on antebellum Virginia architecture but that house looks strange. Is there a story behind the house?

 

[rpkennedy]

What role did he and his men play at First Manassas?

IIRC, it was his and Evans' men on the far left of the Confederate line that delayed the Union advance.

R

 

[Frederick14Va]

The general style is "Gothic Revival".... Not the typical Georgian, Federal, or other popular styles that most tended to favor in the 1840's. Richmond had its share of Gothic style fans... a host of churches, public buildings and other private homes were designed and built with this influence.... But much less found out in the rural countryside estates such as this one. Philip was rather affluent so he definitely had the means available... and didn't spare much in his home... The inside features and hand carved trim work is equally impressive... Sad to see it deteriorating at the rate it is....

 

[theoldman]

The general style is "Gothic Revival".... Not the typical Georgian, Federal, or other popular styles that most tended to favor in the 1840's. Richmond had its share of Gothic style fans... a host of churches, public buildings and other private homes were designed and built with this influence.... But much less found out in the rural countryside estates such as this one. Philip was rather affluent so he definitely had the means available... and didn't spare much in his home... The inside features and hand carved trim work is equally impressive... Sad to see it deteriorating at the rate it is....

Thank you.

 

[donna]

It is a beautiful home.