Beverly Robertson American cavalryman of the Southern Army Date of Birth: 05.06.1827 Country: USA

Biography of Beverly Robertson

Beverly Holcomb Robertson was born on June 5, 1827, in Amelia City, Virginia. He graduated from West Point in 1849, and shortly after, he joined the 2nd Dragoon Regiment as a second lieutenant. After serving in the cavalry school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he was promoted to second lieutenant and sent to the western frontier.

During his time in New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska, Robertson proved himself to be an excellent soldier. He distinguished himself in battles against the Apache at Tornado Del Muerto and the Sioux at Blue Water, which led to his promotion to lieutenant in 1859. He was then transferred to Utah, where he served as a staff officer and eventually reached the rank of captain.

After five months, Robertson retired from the federal army and accepted a commission as a colonel in the Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. In 1861, he joined the newly formed cavalry brigade under Stuart's command and took command of the 4th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. He fought bravely against the Union forces at New Bridge, trying to defend Mechanicsville, a crucial position for the Confederates.

In June 1862, Robertson was promoted to brigadier general and given command of the cavalry replacing the fallen Turner Ashby. Under his leadership, the brigade consisted of the 7th and 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiments, commanded respectively by W.E. Jones and E.W. Harman, the 17th Battalion (later became the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment) under Major O.R. Funsten, the 6th Flornoy's Regiment, and the 2nd Manford's Regiment.

Robertson's brigade participated in battles around Culpeper and received personal commendation from Jeb Stuart for its discipline and exemplary command. During the Battle of Groveton, Robertson commanded the cavalry on the right flank and launched a successful attack against John Buford's positions, capturing over three hundred prisoners.

On September 5, 1862, General Robertson left his brigade and was assigned to the Department of North Carolina to organize and train local cavalry. In March 1863, he took part in the demonstration of Confederate military strength at New Bern and later sent two regiments, the 4th and 5th North Carolina Cavalry, to reinforce Stuart's forces.

Robertson's cavalry played a significant role in the Battle of Appomattox and the Gettysburg campaign. He commanded a cavalry division in Lee's main army, observing enemy movements and providing rear guard protection during Stuart's raid into Maryland. His division consisted of the North Carolina brigade and his former Virginia brigade under W.E. Jones' command.

During the Gettysburg battle, Robertson's division fought at Fairfield and engaged in numerous skirmishes during the retreat, including fights at Funkstown and Hagerstown. Heavy losses reduced the strength of two of his regiments to only 300 men. Disheartened by the defeat, Robertson requested a transfer to another area.

In October 1863, Robertson was appointed commander of the 2nd District of southern South Carolina. He remained in this position until the end of the war, successfully repelling a Union attack on Jones Island in July 1864 and showcasing his skills as a rugged cavalryman in operations to cover Hardy's retreat from Charleston and in battles against Sherman's marauding troops.

After the war, Beverly H. Robertson became disillusioned and lost interest in an active life. He founded a small insurance company and dedicated most of his time to his family. He passed away on November 12, 1910, in Washington, D.C., as one of the last surviving Confederate generals.