Maxcy Gregg American lawyer, US Army commander during the Mexican War Date of Birth: 01.08.1814 Country: USA

1. American Jurist and Confederate General: David McMurtrie Gregg
2. Early Life and Education
3. Legal Career and Intellectual Pursuits
4. Military Service in the Mexican War
5. Confederate Service and Military Leadership
6. Wound and Death at Fredericksburg

American Jurist and Confederate General: David McMurtrie Gregg

David McMurtrie Gregg was an accomplished American jurist and a prominent Confederate general during the Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 10, 1833, Gregg was the grandson of Continental Navy Commodore Esek Hopkins. He received his formal education at South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina).

Legal Career and Intellectual Pursuits

Gregg pursued a legal career with his father. Beyond his legal practice, he possessed a multifaceted intellect, with interests in astronomy, botany, ornithology, and foreign languages. He even established a private observatory for his astronomical studies.

Military Service in the Mexican War

In 1846, Gregg enlisted in the U.S. Army as a major in the 12th Infantry Regiment during the Mexican-American War. He distinguished himself in the conflict, but his military service ended with the war.

Confederate Service and Military Leadership

With the secession of South Carolina from the Union in December 1860, Gregg became a staunch advocate of the Confederacy. He organized and commanded the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Regiment as its colonel. Subsequently, he rose to the rank of brigadier general and served in Ambrose Hill's Light Division.

Gregg's brigade played a pivotal role in Hill's attack at Gaines' Mill during the Seven Days Battles. He gained prominence at the Second Battle of Bull Run, where his men repelled six Union assaults. He also participated in Lee's Maryland Campaign.

Wound and Death at Fredericksburg

At the Battle of Antietam, Gregg was wounded in the hip by the same shell that killed General Lawrence Branch. In the Battle of Fredericksburg, his brigade faced heavy fire from George Meade's division. Gregg suffered a severe spinal wound and died two days later, on December 15, 1863.

Before his passing, Generals Stonewall Jackson and Ambrose Hill visited Gregg at the Yerby House, where he was dying. He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina.