James T. Crossland facts for kids

James T. Crossland III was a brave soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate Army. He served under generals like Lafayette McLaws and Edward Walthall.

Crossland was killed during the Battle of Lookout Mountain. This battle was part of the Chattanooga campaign. He was fighting to defend Lookout Mountain for the Confederate side. Interestingly, James Crossland was the cousin of General Braxton Bragg. Crossland reportedly thought Bragg's plan for defending the mountain was not good. He believed Bragg did not care enough about his soldiers.

Early Life and School

James T. Crossland III was born in 1829 in Kentucky. His parents were James T. Crossland Jr. and Mary Davis Crossland. His father was a lawyer in Louisville. James's aunt, Margaret Crossland Bragg, was the mother of General Braxton Bragg. This made James and Braxton cousins.

In 1835, his family moved to Warrenton, North Carolina. This move brought them closer to their relatives. James went to Warrenton Male Academy. He was very good at English and enjoyed writing. Later, he was accepted into Yale University in 1847. He studied literature there for two years.

After Yale, Crossland joined the Virginia Military Institute. This school is in Lexington, Virginia. In 1851, he became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Civil War Service

In 1860, James Crossland was a first lieutenant in the Virginia militia. When the American Civil War began, he left his position. He was then promoted to captain in the Army of Northern Virginia. He served under Major General Lafayette McLaws.

Captain Crossland led a company in the 10th Georgia Infantry Regiment. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, he showed great courage. He successfully led his company in defending an area called Marye's Heights. Because of his bravery, Crossland was promoted to major.

Gettysburg Campaign

Major Crossland led his company at the Battles of Wheatfield and Peach Orchard. These battles were part of the Gettysburg Campaign. His company faced heavy losses. They tried to push back the Union army at Cemetery Ridge, but they were not successful.

After these battles, Crossland was promoted again. He became a lieutenant colonel. He was then moved to the 24th Mississippi Regiment. He worked as the executive officer for this regiment. The 24th Mississippi was part of Major General Walthall's Brigade. This was the first time Crossland served under his cousin, General Braxton Bragg.

Battle of Chattanooga and Death

During the Battle of Chattanooga, General Bragg gave an order. He sent Walthall's Brigade, including the 24th Mississippi, to Lookout Mountain. The 24th Mississippi was placed in the middle of the defense. Other regiments were on its left and right sides.

Some generals under Bragg thought this was a bad defensive spot. They believed the enemy could attack from many directions. As the battle started, the Union army, led by General Hooker, outsmarted the Confederate lines. Lieutenant Colonel Crossland was trying to encourage his troops. During this time, he was shot and killed by a Union sharpshooter.

What We Know About Him

There are not many personal writings or memories left from James Crossland. After he died, his writings were sent to General Bragg's family. They were never seen again after that. Most of what we know about Crossland comes from reports by other Confederate generals. These reports describe his actions in battle.

There is also a letter from General Bragg that mentions his cousin. Some historians believe Crossland wrote critical things about General Bragg in his lost writings. It is thought that General Bragg himself might have destroyed these writings. This would have been to protect his own reputation.