James Clay Rice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Clay Rice
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James C. Rice in Harper's Weekly 28 May 1864
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| Nickname(s) | "Old Crazy" |
| Born | December 27, 1828 Worthington, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 10, 1864 (aged 35) Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General of Volunteers |
| Commands held | 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | teacher, journalist, lawyer |
James Clay Rice (born December 27, 1828 – died May 10, 1864) was a smart lawyer from Massachusetts. He became a high-ranking officer, a brigadier general, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his bravery and leadership.
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Early Life of James Clay Rice
James Clay Rice was born in Worthington, Massachusetts, on December 27, 1828. His parents were William and Welthea Rice. He mostly taught himself when he was young. Later, he went to Yale University and graduated.
After college, he became a teacher in Natchez, Mississippi. He also worked for a newspaper. During this time, he studied law. He passed his law exams in New York City and started his own law practice there.
James Clay Rice in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, James Clay Rice joined the army. He enlisted on May 28, 1861, in the 39th New York Infantry Regiment. He quickly became a captain and fought in the First Battle of Bull Run.
Soon after, Rice joined the newly formed 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment was also called the "People's Ellsworth Regiment." He became a lieutenant colonel. He led his troops in the Peninsula Campaign. On July 4, 1862, he was promoted to colonel of the regiment.
At the Second Battle of Bull Run, Colonel Rice took command of a larger group of soldiers. This happened when his commander was wounded. He then returned to lead the 44th New York. He led them in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
Hero at Gettysburg
One of his most famous moments was at the Battle of Gettysburg. Rice and his regiment were sent to defend a very important hill called Little Round Top. During the intense fighting, his brigade commander was badly wounded. Rice bravely took command of the brigade. He led them for the rest of the battle.
For his excellent service at Gettysburg, Rice was promoted. He became a brigadier general on August 17, 1863.
Final Battles and Sacrifice
In March 1864, General Rice commanded another brigade. He led them into action at the Battle of the Wilderness. Sadly, General Rice was badly wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. As he was dying, he famously said, "Turn me over that I may die with my face to the enemy." He died on the battlefield on May 10, 1864.
James Clay Rice was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York.
Remembering James Clay Rice
There is a large monument at the Gettysburg battlefield. It honors the 12th New York and Rice's own 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
In the 1993 movie Gettysburg, Colonel Rice was played by Joshua D. Maurer. In the film, he briefly congratulates Colonel Joshua Chamberlain after the fighting on Little Round Top. He also tells Chamberlain the name of that important place.
