James E. Slaughter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James E. Slaughter
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| Born | June 1827 Cedar Mountain, Virginia |
| Died | January 1, 1901 (aged 73–74) Mexico City |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1861 (USA) 1861–1865 (CSA) |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant (USA)Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
James Edwin Slaughter (born June 1827 – died January 1, 1901) was an American soldier. He fought in the Mexican–American War. Later, he joined the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He became a high-ranking officer, a Brigadier General.
Early Life and School
James Slaughter was born in June 1827. His family lived in Culpeper County, Virginia, near a place called Slaughter Mountain. His family had lived in Virginia for many generations.
In 1845, James went to the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. This was a military school. However, he only stayed there for one year.
Joining the U.S. Army
In July 1846, James left military school. He joined the United States Army. He became a Second Lieutenant in a new group of soldiers. This group was formed to fight in the Mexican–American War.
He went with General Winfield Scott and his army to Mexico City during the war. After the war ended, Slaughter joined the U.S. 1st Artillery Regiment in June 1848. He stayed with this group until the American Civil War began in 1861. In 1852, he was promoted to First Lieutenant.
In May 1861, Virginia decided to leave the United States. Soon after, James Slaughter resigned from the U.S. Army. He quickly joined the Confederate Army.
Confederate Army Service
Slaughter started as a First Lieutenant in the Confederate States Army. He soon became an Inspector-General. This meant he helped General P. G. T. Beauregard organize and train troops. General Beauregard praised Slaughter for his hard work. In November 1861, Slaughter was promoted to Major.
General Beauregard strongly suggested that Slaughter be promoted again. So, on March 8, 1862, Slaughter became a Brigadier General. The next month, he served as an assistant inspector general at the Battle of Shiloh.
In May 1862, he became the chief of the inspector-general's department. He worked under General Braxton Bragg. Slaughter continued in this role during the Kentucky Campaign. Later, he was put in charge of troops in Mobile, Alabama. This city was being threatened by Federal (Union) forces.
In April 1863, Brigadier General Slaughter moved to Galveston, Texas. He became the Chief of Artillery for General John B. Magruder. Later that year, he took command of all troops in the eastern part of Texas. He helped defend this area for the rest of the war. He also worked as a chief of staff for some time.
After the war ended, General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Brigadier General Slaughter then left for Mexico. He lived there for several years and worked as an engineer. Later, he returned to the United States. He worked in Mobile, Alabama, and then lived in New Orleans.
Later Life and Death
James Slaughter never married. While visiting Mexico City, he became sick. He died from pneumonia on January 1, 1901.
He is buried in the Mexico City National Cemetery.
