Albert Lindley Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Lindley Lee
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Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee
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| Born | January 16, 1834 Fulton, New York |
| Died | December 13, 1907 (aged 73) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Mount Adnah Cemetery, Fulton, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 7th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry 9th Division, XIII Corps, 1st Brigade, 9th Division, XIII Corps, Cavalry Division, Department of the Gulf |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Albert Lindley Lee (born January 16, 1834 – died December 13, 1907) was an important person in American history. He was a lawyer and a judge. He also became a general for the Union side during the American Civil War.
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Albert Lee's Early Life and Career
Albert Lee was born in Fulton, New York. His parents were Moses and Ann Lee. He went to Union College and finished his studies in 1853.
After college, he became a lawyer in New York. In 1858, he moved to Kansas. There, he helped start a newspaper called the Elwood Free Press. In 1859, he was chosen to be a district judge. When the American Civil War started, he was serving as a justice on the Kansas Supreme Court.
Albert Lee in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Albert Lee joined the Union Army. In October 1861, he became a major in the 7th Kansas Cavalry. He was later promoted to colonel of his regiment.
Capturing Corinth
Colonel Lee took part in the capture of Corinth, Mississippi. This was led by General Henry W. Halleck. Soon after Corinth fell, Lee commanded a group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback). He fought in the Battle of Corinth.
Becoming a General
On November 29, 1862, Albert Lee was promoted to brigadier general. This is a high rank in the army. He continued to lead cavalry groups. Later, he became the Chief-of-Staff for the XIII Corps. This meant he was a main helper to General John A. McClernand.
Vicksburg Campaign Battles
General Lee served as Chief-of-Staff during much of the Vicksburg Campaign. This was a very important series of battles. He was involved in the Battle of Port Gibson, the Battle of Champion Hill, and the Battle of Big Black River.
During the fighting at the Big Black River, another general, Peter J. Osterhaus, was hurt. General Lee was chosen to take his place and command the 9th Division of the XIII Corps. This was his first time leading a large group of infantry (foot soldiers).
Wounded in Action
General Osterhaus was able to return to command the next day. However, the commander of the 9th Division's 1st Brigade, Theophilus T. Garrard, got sick. So, General Lee took command of that brigade. He led them into action during the attack on Vicksburg on May 19. During this attack, General Lee was wounded in the head. He had to give up command of the brigade to recover.
He spent the rest of the siege healing from his wounds. Later that summer, he returned to lead a division in the XIII Corps.
Red River Campaign
In August 1864, General Lee was put in charge of the Cavalry Division for the Department of the Gulf. He led the cavalry forces during General Nathaniel P. Banks's Red River Campaign. In the last month of the war, he led a quick attack against Clinton, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He defeated a small Confederate force there.
After the Civil War
General Lee left the army on May 4, 1865. After the war, he became an editor for a newspaper in New Orleans. Later, he became a banker and worked in New York. He remained active in the Republican Party throughout his life.
Albert Lindley Lee died in New York City on December 31, 1907.
