The Louisiana in the Civil War Message Board

Generals Duel on Battlefield

Confederate and Union Generals
Duel on Battlefield Results in
Death for Both Men

(YSC Lecture Series August 8, 2009)

On April 6, 1865 Brigadier General James Dearing and his command of the famous Laurel Brigade of Virginia Cavalry fought one of the Confederate States of America’s last successful cavalry actions. General Dearing and his cavalry completely routed a federal cavalry brigade at High Bridge near Sailor’s Creek, Virginia. Toward the end of the battle Dearing engaged federal Brevet General Theodore Read in a personal duel on the battlefield. General Dearing was mortally wounded and the federal commander was killed. Dearing later died as a result of his wounds on April 24, 1865. General Dearing died two weeks after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Dearing had been one of the Confederacy’s youngest generals and he was the last Confederate General to die in the war of a battle wound.

On August 8, 2009 the Young-Sanders Center for the Study of the War Between the States in Louisiana will present Mr. Reinhard Dearing as guest speaker. Mr. Dearing will speak about his ancestor Brigadier General James Dearing. He will also present for display the saber, boot pistol, colt revolver and holster owned and used by his ancestor Brigadier General James Dearing.

Mr. Dearing is a retired CEO for the City of Slidell, La. and a retired army Colonel. Dearing is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a M.A. in history and a Ph.D in history from Northwestern University.

Mr. Dearing’s program will begin at 1:30, Saturday August 8, 2009 at the Young-Sanders Center for the Study for the War Between the States in Louisiana located in Franklin, Louisiana at 701 Teche Drive. Mr. Dearing’s lecture is free admission and opened to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact the Center at (337) 413-1861 of email ysc1861@aol.com. Visit the Young-Sanders Center’s web site at www.youngsanders.org