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Jones, William E. (1824-1864) [Collection of William E. Jones][Decimalized .01- .28]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02711 Author/Creator: Jones, William E. (1824-1864) Place Written: [various places] Type: Header Record Date: 1844-1864 Pagination: 28 items Order a Copy

Confederate General William E. "Grumble" Jones, 11th regiment, Virginia, cavalry. Collection includes swords, correspondence, West Point pamphlets, military orders, and receipts. Decimalized 02711.01-02711.28.

An 1848 graduate of West Point, Jones served almost a decade with the mounted riflemen until he resigned to manage his estate in southwestern Virginia. Known for his irritable disposition, Jones was nicknamed "Grumble." At the start of the war, Jones raised the 1st Virginia Cavalry regiment and served under J.E.B. Stuart at First Bull Run. He became colonel of the 7th Virginia cavalry at Second Bull Run, then was promoted to brigadier in 1862, assigned to command the 4th Brigade of Stuart's cavalry division, the "Laurel" brigade. He joined Stuart and Lee's army at Brandy Station in preparation for Gettysburg. In October 1863 Stuart court-martialed Jones following a long period of disagreement. "Grumble" was found guilty but Lee intervened and transferred him to West Virginia, where in May 1864 he commanded the Shenandoah Valley. In the Battle of Piedmont on 5 June 1864 he was shot in the head and died while leading a charge.

Jones, William E., 1824-1864

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