Robert Seldon Garnett CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA 16 December 1819 - 13 July 1861

Garnett was extremely well regarded and thought to be a future star in the Confederate high command. He had a distinguished career before the civial War, serving in the Seminole War and the War with Mexico. Garnett taught infantry tactics for three years at West Point. He was also highly regarded for his organizational skills, serving as Robert. E. Lee's Adjutant General before assuming control of the ill-fated troops in western Virginia in June of 1861. His death would end the hopes of a confederate-controlled western Virginia and end the promising rise of a Confederate general.

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Generals Richard and Robert Garnett, based on a masters thesis.

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Robert Garnett had the unfortunate distinction of being the first general officer killed in the Civil War, which could have been avoided with better communication. While withdrawing from his Laurel Hill entrenchment following the battle of Rich Mountain, Garnett received false information that his escape route into Virginia along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike was blocked. Instead he turned northeast along the ridges and valleys that were more difficult to travel. He had withdrawn under cover of dark on 11 July 1861, but the federal column had easily followed and caught up with Garnett's rear guard on 13 July. For several days the Federals gave chase and skirmished at every stream crossings. Crossing at Corrick's Ford, Confederate troops on a high bluff gave cover for their troops to cross the river. While directing this rearguard action, Garnett was shot and killed. His body was recovered by Union troops, but was returned to the family by the commander in overall charge of the Union forces in western Virginia at the time -- Major General George B. McClellan.

Before taking command of confederate forces in western Virginia, Garnett had an illustrious career. He fought in the Seminole War and distinguised himself in the War with Mexico, where he served as an aide to Zachary Taylor. Well-know for his extrordinary administrative abilities, he served as Adjutant General to Robert E. Lee while organizing the state forces of Virginia.

The Garnett family lost two generals during the Civil War. Robert Garnett and his cousin, Richard Brooke Garnett, went through West Point together. In 1862, Richard Garnett commanded the infamous "Stonewall Brigade," the brigade that Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson had commanded before being promoted. At the Battle of First Kernstown, Richard Garnett angered Jackson by ordering a retreat as his brigade began to break after running out of ammunition. Jackson wanted a cout-martial, but a trial was never held. Richard Garnett went on to become a successful brigade commander in Major General George S. Pickett's division, gaining the love and respect of his men. He cleared his tarnished reputation on the third day at Gettysburg. To sick to walk, he refused to watch from behind his men, electing instead to ride in front of them and encouraging them. He was killed at the peak of "Pickett's Charge," near the stone wall on Cemetery Ridge.

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