Matthew Butler Cavalryman Date of Birth: 06.03.1836 Country: USA

Biography of Matthew Butler

Matthew Calbraith Butler, a brigadier general in the Confederate Army, was born on March 6, 1836, near Greenville, South Carolina. He came from a military family, with his grandfather, General W. Butler, being a renowned hero of the Revolutionary War. Butler received a legal education at South Carolina College and began practicing law in 1857. The following year, he married Maria Pickens, the daughter of the governor of South Carolina.

At the start of the Civil War, Butler voluntarily joined Hampton's Legion, a famous Confederate unit, and became a captain of cavalry. His heroic actions during the First Battle of Manassas in July 1861 led to his promotion to major. Butler then embarked on a successful career in the Army of Northern Virginia, commanding cavalry forces under Stuart.

Butler's tactical talent and personal bravery were evident in various battles, including the Second Battle of Manassas and the Maryland Campaign. He particularly distinguished himself at the Battle of Monocacy Junction and the Chambersburg Raid. Despite losing his right leg during the Battle of Brandy Station, Butler returned to active duty and was promoted to brigadier general in September 1863. He replaced Wade Hampton as the commander of the brigade and continued his success in the fall campaign of 1863 and subsequent battles at Wilderness and Spotsylvania.

Butler's heroic reputation grew during defensive battles against Sheridan's cavalry near Richmond, earning praise from General Sheridan himself. At the Battle of Trevilian Station, he commanded Hampton's entire division, successfully repelling multiple attacks by Sheridan's forces. In September 1864, Butler was promoted to major general and led a small, understaffed cavalry division in engagements against Sherman's forces in both North and South Carolina.

After the war, Butler faced financial difficulties but remained involved in politics and continued his legal career. He strongly opposed the destructive Reconstruction policies in South Carolina and played a significant role in the election of his former commander, Wade Hampton, as the state's governor. In 1876, Butler was elected to the United States Senate, which sparked protests from northerners and their supporters.

During his 18-year tenure in the Senate, Butler defended the interests of his home state and played a key role in building a strong navy and reforming the civil service. In March 1895, he retired from the Senate and pursued a legal career in Washington, D.C. However, in 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Butler joined the army, received the rank of major general of volunteers, and participated in combat operations against the Spanish in Cuba. After the war, Butler served on the commission overseeing the evacuation of Spanish troops from the island.