The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 65, July 1961 - April, 1962 Page: 235
663 p. : ill., maps (some col.), ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Texans in the Union Army, 1861-1865
that whether the Federal forces were victorious or not and what-
ever his gain, his loss would inevitably be great. He could have
remained in Texas, as many did, quietly going about his business,
in some danger perhaps, but not so much as that he faced in front
of Confederate guns. Whatever the motive, it is estimated that
2,132 whites and 47 Negroes from Texas sought and found
service in the Union armies.3
By far the most important Texan who became a Union soldier
was Edmund Jackson Davis, and it is fitting that he organized and
led by far the most important official unit of Texas troops to fight
under the Stars and Stripes. Davis was a tall, slender, graceful
sort of man, measuring six feet two and a half inches, of fair
complexion and possessing a rather fine face and delicate blue
eyes suggesting a generous character. Born in St. Augustine,
Florida, of wealthy parents in 1827, he became a cadet at West
Point and volunteered for service in the Mexican War. He moved
to Texas in 1848 and occupied himself as a postal clerk, deputy
customs officer, lawyer, and district attorney. He was a district
judge when the war began. After running unsuccessfully for a
seat in the secession convention, he decided to leave Texas. His
escape was made good when in May, 1862, he boarded a Federal
blockader at the mouth of the Rio Grande. In the fall of that
year he began organizing what was to become the First Texas
Cavalry (Union) .4
By November 12, 1862, Major General Benjamin F. Butler was
making plans for the use of E. J. Davis's troops.5 Davis had ar-
rived at Butler's headquarters with his refugees and "renegades"
six days before, and it was already obvious that they desired
service nearer home.6 Butler proposed to send them and other
3Frank Klingberg, Southern Claims Commission (Berkeley and Los Angeles, 1955;
University of California Publications in History, Volume L), 43; Congressional
Globe, 41st Congress, 2nd Session, 3018 (April 27, 1867). These figures are based
on a report by the Adjutant-General.
4Clipping from Weekly Free Man's Press (Galveston), July 25, 1865, in E. J.
Davis File (Biographical Files, Texas History Center, University of Texas Library).
DButler to Pierce, November 12, 1862, War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Oficial Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (70 vols. in 128; Wash-
ington, 1880-1901), Ser. I, Vol. XV, 591.
6Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion (New York,
1959), 1647; Quinterro to Benjamin, March 21, 1863, Oficial Records, Ser. I, Vol.
XXVI, Pt. II, 68.235
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 65, July 1961 - April, 1962, periodical, 1962; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101195/m1/265/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.