CSA Brig. Gen. John Adams

[Missouri_Rebel]

Brig. Gen. John Adams (b.1825 d.1864) was born on July 1, 1825 in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended West Point and graduated in 1846, 25th in his class. Upon graduation he was commissioned second lieutenant of the First Dragoons, serving in the war with Mexico and later would be promoted to first lieutenant. In 1853 he acted as aide to the governor of Minnesota with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of State forces. 1st Lt. John Adams resigned his commission in the United States army May 27, 1861 and offered himself to the Confederate cause. Escaping arrest ordered by Secretary of State William Seward, he made his way south and was commissioned a captain of a cavalry in the Confederate army. His duties took him from Memphis, Tennessee to western Kentucky and then on to Jackson, Mississippi. On June 4, 1862, a low point in Adams military career, his brigade was taken by surprise by a force of Federals at Sweeden Cove. His pickets were captured and his brigade was routed during the confusion. A Federal officer reported that the brigade had "...fled in the wildest disorder, strewing the ground for miles with guns, pistols and swords." He was promoted to brigadier-general December 29, 1862. On May 16, 1863 he was given command of brig. general Lloyd Tilghmans' brigade following his death and was later involved in Gen. J. E. Johnston's campaign for the relief of Vicksburg. Adams served with distinction in the various battles of the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta capturing a high number of prisoners. On November 30, 1864, at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, he was severely wounded in the right arm but refused to leave the field saying "No, I am going to see my men through." He then led a brilliant but unsuccessful charge on enemy works where he was killed. Many years after the war lieut. colonel. Edward Adams Baker, of the Sixty-fifth Indiana infantry, who witnessed the death of General Adams wrote a letter to Adams' widow describing the events of his death. He is quoted as saying; "General Adams rode up to our works and, cheering his men, made an attempt to leap his horse over them. The horse fell upon the top of the embankment and the general was caught under him, pierced with bullets. As soon as the charge was repulsed, our men sprang over the works and lifted the horse, while others dragged the general from under him. He was perfectly conscious and knew his fate. He asked for water, as all dying men do in battle as the life-blood drips from the body. One of my men gave him a canteen of water, while another brought an armful of cotton from an old gin near by and made him a pillow. The general gallantly thanked them, and in answer to our expressions of sorrow at his sad fate, he said, 'It is the fate of a soldier to die for his country,' and expired." Brig. John Adams leaves a legacy of a competent commander and of incredible courage ensuring himself hero status among southern patriots and northerners alike.

[Gil R.]

Thanks, this looks good.

[Gil R.]

Here's the revised version, with ratings:

Brig. Gen. John Adams (b. 1825, d. 1864). Adams was born on July 1, 1825 in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended West Point and graduated in 1846, 25th in his class. Upon graduation he was commissioned second lieutenant of the First Dragoons, serving in the war with Mexico and later being promoted to 1st Lieutenant. In 1853 he acted as aide to the governor of Minnesota with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of state forces. Adams resigned his commission in the United States Army on May 27, 1861 and offered himself to the Confederate cause. Escaping the arrest ordered for him by Secretary of State William Seward Is the change I made accurate, in that the orders were specifically for him? Or did Seward issue a blanket arrest order regarding any officers who resigned from the U.S. Army to join the Confederates?, he made his way south and was commissioned a Captain of a cavalry A cavalry what? in the Confederate army. His duties took him from Memphis, Tennessee to western Kentucky and then on to Jackson, Mississippi. On June 4, 1862, a low point in Adams’ military career, his brigade was taken by surprise by a force of Federals at Sweeden Cove. His pickets were captured and his brigade was routed during the confusion. A Federal officer reported that the brigade had "...fled in the wildest disorder, strewing the ground for miles with guns, pistols and swords." He was promoted to Brigadier General on December 29, 1862. On May 16, 1863 he was given command of Gen. Lloyd Tilghmans' brigade following his death and was later involved in Gen. J. E. Johnston's campaign for the relief of Vicksburg. Adams served with distinction in the various battles of the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta, capturing a high number of prisoners. On November 30, 1864, at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, he was severely wounded in the right arm but refused to leave the field, saying "No, I am going to see my men through." He then led a brilliant but unsuccessful charge on enemy works, where he was killed. Many years after the war Lt. Col. Edward Adams Baker, of the Sixty-fifth Indiana infantry, who witnessed his death wrote a letter to Adams' widow describing the circumstances. He is quoted as stating, "General Adams rode up to our works and, cheering his men, made an attempt to leap his horse over them. The horse fell upon the top of the embankment and the general was caught under him, pierced with bullets. As soon as the charge was repulsed, our men sprang over the works and lifted the horse, while others dragged the general from under him. He was perfectly conscious and knew his fate. He asked for water, as all dying men do in battle as the life-blood drips from the body. One of my men gave him a canteen of water, while another brought an armful of cotton from an old gin near by and made him a pillow. The general gallantly thanked them, and in answer to our expressions of sorrow at his sad fate, he said, 'It is the fate of a soldier to die for his country,' and expired." Adams leaves a legacy of a competent commander and of incredible courage ensuring himself hero status among southern patriots and northerners alike. I’m hoping to avoid editorial comment, especially since it might seem odd that some generals receive applause while others who were equally worthy don’t. What do others think?

Leadership: 4
Tactics: 5
Initiative: 3
Command: 3
Cavalry:

Teaches: Chargers (13)

[Missouri_Rebel]

ORIGINAL: Gil R.

Is the change I made accurate, in that the orders were specifically for him? Or did Seward issue a blanket arrest order regarding any officers who resigned from the U.S. Army to join the Confederates

Actually General Winfield Scott found out about his plans to go and join the confederates and asked Secretary of State William Seward to have Adams arrested and held as a political prisoner. Scott ordered the arrest of any Regular Army officers resigning to join the confederacy. How about this line instead?;

Escaping the arrest ordered for any Regular Army officer resigning his command to join the confederacy,...

A cavalry what?

I'm sorry. Not complete there. It should read;
...,he made his way south and was commissioned a Captain of cavalry, being placed in command of Memphis, Tennessee.

Thats all the info I can find for that time.

I’m hoping to avoid editorial comment, especially since it might seem odd that some generals receive applause while others who were equally worthy don’t. What do others think?

Yeah, I think you are right. Lets drop that last line. I really considered not putting it in, but decided to at the last minute.

mo reb

[Gil R.]

Okay, thanks for the additional info. We're good to go.