Charles W. Blair facts for kids

Charles White Blair was a lawyer and a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served in three different groups of soldiers. He fought mostly in the western part of the war, known as the Trans-Mississippi Theater. He was especially known for his actions during a big event called Price's Missouri Raid.

Becoming a Soldier: Early Life and Career

Charles White Blair was born in Georgetown, Ohio, on February 5, 1829. Before the war, he became a lawyer. He then moved to Kansas.

When the Civil War began, Blair joined the Union Army. He was made a captain in the 2nd Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in his first big battle at Wilson's Creek.

Blair left the army briefly in October 1861. But he rejoined in February 1862 as a major in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry. With this group, he fought in the First Battle of Newtonia.

In 1863, Blair was in charge of Fort Scott. Later that year, he became a lieutenant colonel in the 14th Kansas Cavalry. This was his third and final group of soldiers during the war. By November 1863, he was promoted to colonel of the 14th Kansas Cavalry.

Leading Troops: The 3rd Brigade

In 1864, Blair's 14th Kansas Cavalry was part of the VII Corps. They fought under General Frederick Steele during the Camden Expedition. However, a part of Blair's group, Company E, was sent to a different area.

Blair went with this smaller group. He was then put in charge of the 3rd Brigade. This was a challenging job for Blair.

The 3rd Brigade was mostly made up of Kansas State Militia soldiers. Their leader, Brigadier General William H. M. Fishback, did not like taking orders from a colonel like Blair. This caused some problems in the command.

The 3rd Brigade became like "a brigade within a brigade." Fishback directly led the militia groups. But Blair was in overall charge of the whole brigade. This included his own 14th Kansas Cavalry and the 9th Wisconsin Artillery Battery.

When the Union army moved into Missouri, the Kansas State Militia units refused to go. They said they would only defend Kansas. Fishback even sent one group home without permission. General James G. Blunt had Fishback arrested. But General Samuel R. Curtis soon released him. Fishback was told to follow orders from Blair and Blunt. Because of these issues, Blair's brigade missed the Second Battle of Lexington. As the Union forces moved back from Independence, Blair's men built defenses along the Big Blue River.

The Battle of Westport: A Turning Point

At the Battle of the Big Blue River, Blair's brigade was with the Kansas Militia Division. This division was led by General George Deitzler. The militia units struggled in their first big fight. They retreated with the rest of the Union army into Westport.

General Blunt set up his brigades for battle south of Westport. Blair's group was ready to support them. As the fighting continued, General Curtis arrived with Blair's brigade. He moved them into a new position, ready to attack.

Blair was worried the enemy might try to go around their side. So, he bravely started a counter-attack. General Curtis then ordered the rest of the army to move forward and help Blair. The attack slowed down. But at this important moment, Curtis personally led Blair's 9th Wisconsin Battery. They moved through a deep ditch and began firing on the enemy's side. This changed the battle, and the Confederate soldiers started to retreat. Blair's brigade then moved to the center of the Union army. They pushed forward against the weakening Confederate line.

Chasing the Enemy: Mine Creek and After the War

After the big victory at Westport, most of the Kansas Militia units went home. The urgent need for them was over. However, a few units from Blair's brigade stayed to chase the retreating Confederate soldiers.

General Alfred Pleasonton's Union cavalry caught the Confederates near Mine Creek in Kansas. The Confederates were slowed down by their wagons. Many were captured, including two of their generals. One of these generals, John S. Marmaduke, officially surrendered to Colonel Blair.

Blair was promoted to brevet brigadier general on February 13, 1865. This was an honorary promotion for his brave service. He left the volunteer army on August 11, 1865.

After the war, Charles White Blair went back to being a lawyer. He passed away in Coronado Beach, California, on August 20, 1899.