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Brig. Gen. Martin E. Green (b. 1815, d. 1863) Bringing a cavalry regiment from northeastern Missouri into Civil War combat, Martin Edwin Green ascended to brigadier general before he was cut down by a Federal sharpshooter at the Vicksburg, Mississippi, defenses June 27, 1863. Green was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, June 3, 1815. In 1836, he married and moved to Lewis County, Missouri. There, he joined his brothers (one who was James S. Green, later a U.S. Senator from Missouri) in starting a steam sawmill enterprise. The business expanded over the years. When the Civil War came, there was strong sentiments for the Confederacy in that part of the state. Green organized a cavalry command and joined Gen. Sterling Price’s army. Green’s Missouri Cavalry Regiment. Green, naturally, was the unit’s colonel. As part of the Missouri State Guard, Green’s men participated in the siege and capture of Lexington, Missouri, Sept. 12-20, 1861. This fight was known for the Confederate strategy of advancing behind huge hemp bales. Next action for Green’s unit was at the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge), Arkansas, March 7-8, 1862, a defeat which drove the Confederates army out of Missouri for some time. In the meanwhile, Green’s men stayed with Price and Green was promoted to brigadier general to rank from July 21, 1862. Green’s new command fought at Iuka, Mississippi, Sept. 19, 1862. Green’s men escaped to Corinth, Mississippi, with Price’s army. In the battle there (Oct. 3-4, 1862), Green commanded in another battle which ended in Confederate withdrawal. On the second day, with the outcome still in question, Brig Gen. Louis Hebert became sick and Green was given command of Hebert’s troops. Supposed to be moving into the attack, Green was unable to get his new unit into position on time. In the aftermath of the defeat, reports of Green’s actions were not glowing. He did survive being sacked, like Hebert and Brig. Gen. Mansfield Lovell. Green was given a brigade in the division of fellow Missourian, Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen. Green’s brigade opposed Gen. U.S. Grant at Port Gibson, Mississippi, May 1, 1863. Green initially held his position against the Federal attack, but had to fall back to another position commanded by Brig. Gen. William E. Baldwin. The Confederates eventually retreated after inflicting greater casualties. This led to the siege of Vicksburg. While defending Vicksburg, Green was slightly wounded June 25, 1863, but stayed in command. Two days later, he was observing Federal activity when he was hit in the head by a Federal sharpshooter and instantly killed. He was buried in a private lot in the city cemetery of Vicksburg, but the exact location is unknown.

Two Confederate brigadiers named Green. Both served in the same area of the war. Both were instantly killed when hit in the head. Odd coincidence.

Two Confederate brigadiers named Green. Both served in the same area of the war. Both were instantly killed when hit in the head. Odd coincidence.

Damn it, you gave away the ending!

Okay, copied.