James Dearing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Dearing
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| Born | April 25, 1840 Campbell County, Virginia |
| Died | April 22, 1865 (aged 24) Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Spring Hill Cemetery, Lynchburg
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General(not confirmed)  Colonel |
| Commands held | Dearing's (Lynchburg) Battery 38th Virginia Light Artillery Battalion 8th Confederate Cavalry Regiment Dearings Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Dearing (born April 25, 1840 – died April 22, 1865) was a brave officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He fought in both the artillery (soldiers who use cannons) and cavalry (soldiers who ride horses).
Dearing started at the West Point military school in 1858. He left on April 22, 1861, when his home state, Virginia, decided to leave the United States. Dearing was badly hurt at the Battle of High Bridge in 1865. This battle was part of the Appomattox Campaign, one of the last parts of the war. He was one of the last officers to die in the war.
Even though he led a cavalry group and was called a brigadier general, his promotion was never fully approved. This means his official rank was colonel.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Dearing was born in Campbell County, Virginia. He was related to Colonel Charles Lynch, a famous hero from the American Revolutionary War.
Dearing went to Hanover Academy before joining the United States Military Academy in 1858. At West Point, he was known as a "reckless, handsome boy." He even introduced the popular song "Dixie" to the academy. This made some people think he supported the Southern states leaving the Union.
He was a top student in his class. But when Virginia left the Union, he resigned from West Point on April 22, 1861. This was just before his class was supposed to graduate early.
Joining the Civil War
After leaving West Point, Dearing went to Richmond, Virginia. He became a lieutenant in the Virginia artillery, which meant he was in charge of cannons. He joined the Washington Artillery from New Orleans. He became a 2nd Lieutenant and helped train soldiers.
Dearing fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. He was part of Colonel Jubal Early's group in the Army of the Potomac. He also helped Major James B. Walton, his battalion commander.
In July 1861, Dearing was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. In April 1862, he became a captain. He then took command of the Lynchburg Battery, a group of cannons.
Fighting with Pickett's Brigade
Dearing's battery joined George E. Pickett's Brigade. They helped Pickett's soldiers in the Peninsular Campaign. Lieutenant General James Longstreet praised Dearing for his good work. Dearing also fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run.
When Pickett became a division commander, Dearing's battery was assigned to his division. They fought together in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Leading Artillery Units
In early 1863, Captain Dearing was promoted to Major. He became the Chief of Artillery for Pickett's Division. In April, his group of cannon batteries became known as the 38th Battalion, Virginia Light Artillery.
He led his unit during Longstreet's operations in the Tidewater area and the Siege of Suffolk.
Battle of Gettysburg
At the Battle of Gettysburg, Dearing's Battalion was marching towards the battlefield. Major Dearing rode ahead and offered his help to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Porter Alexander. Alexander was in charge of the corps reserve artillery.
Dearing was given command of two of Alexander's batteries. These batteries helped in the attack on the Peach Orchard. On July 3, Dearing's battalion took part in a huge cannon attack before Pickett's Charge. His cannons were right in the middle, supporting Pickett's division.
Dearing's batteries caused a lot of damage. They also faced heavy fire from the enemy. But they stayed in position and were given more cannons. After the main attack, Dearing's cannons supported other brigades. They also fired at the counterattack by George J. Stannard's 2nd Vermont Brigade, wounding Stannard.
Becoming a Cavalry Commander
After Gettysburg, Pickett was sent to command in Southern Virginia and North Carolina. Dearing went with him. Pickett needed soldiers on horseback, so he chose Major Dearing to lead them. Dearing gathered about 200 men to form a temporary group.
On January 12, 1864, a new cavalry regiment was suggested for Pickett's command. Pickett recommended Dearing to lead it. The next day, the Secretary of War approved it. Dearing, who was officially a Lieutenant Colonel in the artillery, was promoted to a temporary Colonel in the cavalry. His new group was called the 8th Confederate Cavalry.
In April 1864, Dearing was ordered back to the Army of Northern Virginia. He was supposed to command its horse artillery. But then the Siege of Petersburg began, and Dearing's role changed again.
On April 29, 1864, he was put forward for promotion to brigadier general. Even though the Congress of the Confederate States did not officially approve his promotion, he served as a brigadier general. He commanded a cavalry brigade under P.G.T. Beauregard. Dearing's brigade acted as scouts and a quick-response force.
In July, Dearing was given another command in the Army of Northern Virginia. He served in the cavalry division of Major General W.H.F. "Rooney" Lee. His new brigade included several cavalry regiments. He was wrongly reported to have been killed in the Battle of Boydton Plank Road.
Final Battle and Death
During the Appomattox Campaign, Dearing was given another brigade. It was in the division of his old friend, Major General Thomas L. Rosser.
At the Battle of High Bridge on April 6, 1865, Dearing and his cavalry fought against Union soldiers. Dearing had a close-range pistol duel with two Union commanders, Colonels Theodore Read and Francis Washburn. Read was killed right away, supposedly by Dearing. Both Washburn and Dearing were badly wounded. Dearing was captured.
He was taken to a hospital in Lynchburg. On April 13, his old West Point classmate, Brigadier General Ranald S. Mackenzie, visited him and released him. James Dearing died on April 22, 1865, just like Colonel Washburn. He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery.
