Recently I began researching the life of Evander M. Law who was a Confederate General. My plan is to someday write a biography of Law and perhaps a history of the 4th Alabama regiment with which he was a part of and led. Here is a picture of him for those interested. This adventure will take me to several states over the next few years and hopefully this blog will allow me to bring the news to my readers. My first stop is Bartow, Florida this winter. Law lived in this city for the last few decades of his life. He was deeply involved in the school system of Florida and after contacting the historical society in Bartow I was able to find out that it contains many of his papers and other items.
Sorry I 've been ranting and raving here without introducing General Law to my readers. Evander McIvor Law was born in Darlington, South Carolina, on August 7, 1836. In 1856, he graduated from the South Carolina Military Academy, and was an instructor during his senior year. Helping establish the Military High School in Tuskegee, Alabama, he enlisted in the 4th Alabama when the state announced its secession. He fought in the First Battle of Bull Run, and was seriously wounded. Law led his troops though the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days' Campaign, the Battle of Gaines' Mill, the Second Battle of Bull Run and at Antietam.
Promoted to brigadier general on October 2, 1862, he led a brigade at Fredricksburg, and began the Confederate attacks at Little Round Top. When Brig. Gen. John B. Hood was severely wounded at Little Round Top, the controversy over who should replace him brought Law into conflict with Maj. Gen. James Longstreet and with Law's rival, Brig. Gen. Micah Jenkins. In December of 1863, Law resigned, and Jenkins wanted Law court-martialed. The War Department did not prefer charges, however, and Law returned to the corps. After participating in the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor, being wounded at the latter, he commanded a cavalry unit until the end of the war. After the Civil War, Law moved to Florida, helped establish the state's educational system and worked as a newspaperman, remaining active in veteran affairs. Law died in Bartow, Florida on October 31, 1920.
The above biography can be found at: http://www.historycentral.com/bio/CWcGENS/CSALaw.html
My personal webpage on Law can be found at:
Recommended Reading for those interested:
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