Robert Clayton Maffett facts for kids

Robert Clayton Maffett (born around 1836 – died April 26, 1865) was a colonel in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He fought in many important battles and was known for his bravery.

Robert's Early Life and Family

Robert Maffett was born in Newberry County, South Carolina. His family, the Maffetts, are believed to have come to Newberry County in 1772. They were part of a large group of people from Ulster, Ireland, who came to America looking for religious freedom and new chances. Robert's father, James H. Maffett, was a successful farmer and served in the state government for a long time.

Robert Maffett was married twice. His first wife, Ann Lavinia Gallman, passed away in 1860. They had one child, a daughter named Florence, who was born in 1856. After his first wife died, Robert married Sarah Halfacre.

Joining the Civil War

When the Civil War began, Robert Maffett joined the "Pickens Guards" on April 14, 1861. This group was Company C of the 3rd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was chosen to be a captain.

For most of the war, Maffett's regiment was part of Kershaw's Brigade. This brigade was in McLaws' Division, which was part of the Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee. Maffett and his regiment fought in at least 28 major battles. Many soldiers from his regiment were killed or wounded.

Fighting in Major Battles

After fighting in battles like Savage's Station and Malvern Hill, Maffett's regiment was kept in reserve during the Battle of Antietam. Later in 1862, Captain Maffett became sick with typhoid fever and had to recover in a hospital in Richmond.

In December 1862, at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Maffett was a major. He and his regiment were positioned on Mayre's Heights. Seven officers from his regiment were hurt in this battle, including Maffett. Luckily, his wounds were not serious.

A Close Call at Chancellorsville

In April 1863, the 3rd South Carolina Regiment fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville. On the last day of the battle, Major Maffett and some other soldiers from his regiment were captured by soldiers from Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvanians wanted Maffett to give up his sword, but he refused unless it was to an officer of his same rank. A soldier then pointed a rifle at him. Maffett finally gave up his fancy pearl-handled sword. However, he soon escaped during the confusion of the battle. No one knows what happened to his sword after that.

The Battle of Gettysburg

In June 1863, Maffett's South Carolina soldiers were camped near Gettysburg. On July 2, the second day of the battle, Kershaw's Brigade tried to stop Federal cannons. Maffett's regiment, the 3rd South Carolina, moved across the Rose Farm to the Stony Hill.

In his battle report, Major Maffett wrote about how they held their ground against the enemy for over an hour. He said they were under heavy fire from guns in front and from the side. They stayed there until it got dark, then they were ordered to move back.

Later Engagements and Final Capture

In September 1863, the 3rd South Carolina Regiment was in northern Georgia at the Battle of Chickamauga. They fought hard at Snodgrass Hill, where a Union general made a brave stand.

After fighting in the Battle of Knoxville, the regiment went back to Virginia. In 1864, they fought in the Battle of the Wilderness, where their commander, Colonel James D. Nance, was killed. After this, Maffett was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

On August 26, 1864, while on duty in Halltown, West Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel Maffett and about 100 men were captured by Federal cavalry. He was sent to the military prison at Fort Delaware, which was in the middle of the Delaware River.

Robert Clayton Maffett died at Fort Delaware on April 26, 1865. He died from a serious illness called dysentery. This was just seven days after General Lee's army surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, which ended the war. The prison records only said he died and "left no effects," meaning he had no belongings. The exact place where he is buried is not known.