Chatham Roberdeau Wheat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chatham Roberdeau Wheat
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Major Chatham Roberdeau Wheat
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| Born | April 9, 1826 |
| Died | June 27, 1862 (aged 36) |
| Resting place | Hollywood Cemetery Richmond, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1846-1848, 1855 (USA) 1861-1862 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Captain (USA) Major (CSA) |
| Unit |  Louisiana Tigers |
| Battles/wars | Mexican War American Civil War |
Chatham Roberdeau Wheat (born April 9, 1826 – died June 27, 1862) was an interesting American soldier and adventurer. He served as a captain in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. Later, he became a Louisiana State Representative and a lawyer. Wheat was also a mercenary (a soldier who fights for money) in different countries like Cuba, Mexico, and Italy. During the American Civil War, he became a major in the Confederate States Army.
Early Life and Adventures of Chatham Wheat
Chatham Roberdeau Wheat was born in Alexandria, Virginia. His father was a preacher. When Wheat was a young boy, his family moved to Louisiana.
Growing Up and Joining the Army
Wheat grew up to be a very tall and strong man, standing 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. His impressive size made him stand out. He joined the military and became a lieutenant, then a captain, in the First Tennessee Mounted Regiment. This was during the Mexican–American War, where he served under General Winfield Scott.
Becoming a Politician and Lawyer
After serving in the military, Wheat became ill and returned to Louisiana. In 1848, he was elected to represent New Orleans in the Louisiana State Legislature. This meant he helped make laws for the state. A year later, in 1849, he became a lawyer.
Adventures Around the World
Wheat loved to travel and seek adventure. He became a mercenary and took part in several military expeditions in other countries.
- He was made a colonel by Narciso López to help with an expedition in Cuba.
- In 1855, he joined a campaign in Mexico against Antonio López de Santa Anna. There, he was made a brigadier general in charge of artillery for the State of Guerrero.
- He even traveled to Italy to serve under a famous general named Garibaldi. However, he left Italy when his home state decided to leave the United States.
Civil War Service and Legacy
When the American Civil War began, Wheat returned to New Orleans. He used money from people who had supported his past adventures to create a special group of soldiers. This group became famous as "Wheat's Special Battalion," also known as the "Louisiana Tigers."
The Louisiana Tigers: A Unique Fighting Unit
The Louisiana Tigers were known for being tough fighters, but they also had a reputation for not always following rules. The battalion had about 500 men. Many of them were immigrants from Ireland and Germany, as well as people from the streets of New Orleans. They were very loyal to Wheat, who was a strong and respected leader.
First Battle of Bull Run and a Serious Injury
Wheat and his Tigers arrived in Virginia just in time to fight in the First Battle of Bull Run. They fought very well in this battle. During the fighting, Wheat was shot through both lungs. Doctors told him that no one had ever survived such a wound. Wheat famously replied, "Well then, I will put my case on record," meaning he would be the first. And he did survive!
Challenges and Continued Service
In November 1861, Wheat's unit was placed under the command of General Richard Taylor. There were some disagreements between the Tigers and General Taylor. The issues were resolved when Taylor had two soldiers from the Tigers executed for breaking rules and disobeying orders.
Wheat and his battalion continued to serve bravely in important battles. They fought in Jackson's Valley Campaign and the Peninsula Campaign.
Death and Lasting Honor
Chatham Roberdeau Wheat was seriously wounded at the Battle of Gaines's Mill in June 1862. He died from his wounds. He is buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Later in the war, another famous group of soldiers, "Hays' brigade," renamed themselves "The Louisiana Tigers" to honor Wheat and his original brave unit.
