Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 3.djvu/808

750 has served as alderman of Richmond, and during the first administration of President Cleveland held an office with the collector of customs at that city. A warm supporter of the various Confederate organizations, he has been honored by his comrades with conspicuous position. He is past commander of R. E. Lee camp, No. 1, United Confederate Veterans, and past commander of the grand camp of the State. This later important position, with the rank of major-general, he held during the years of 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897. He is also prominent in the maintenance of that noble institution, the Soldiers' Home, of which he is vice-president and chairman of the executive committee.

Colonel Carter M. Braxton, distinguished as an artillery officer of the army of Northern Virginia, was born at Norfolk, Va., September 5, 1836. His father, Carter M. Braxton, was a prominent lawyer in southeastern Virginia, and served as a captain in the war of 1812. The latter's father, who bore the same name, was the son of Carter Braxton, a well-remembered patriot of colonial days, and one of the signers of the declaration of independence. The maiden name of Colonel Braxton's mother was Elizabeth Mayo. When he was two years of age his parents removed to King and Queen county, where, and in the cities of Richmond and Fredericksburg, he passed his childhood and youth. He was educated at the Hanover academy at Fredericksburg, and was prepared for the profession of civil engineering, of which he began the practice in 1853. In this line of work, to which his life was chiefly devoted, he early showed remarkable talent, and was intrusted with responsible positions, being chief engineer of the Fredericksburg & Gordonsville railroad at the outbreak of the war in 1861. In April of that year he promptly resigned his civil employment to serve the State, and accepted a commission as captain of engineers in the Virginia army. In this capacity he was assigned to duty on the Potomac defenses under Col. Thomas Williamson, but soon afterward was made captain of the Fredericksburg Light Artillery, in which he had served as lieutenant previous to the war. This soon became famous as Braxton's battery, and was distinguished for the brave and steady performance of duty throughout the four years' struggle. It served on the Potomac previous to the Peninsular campaign, and in the latter contest fought from Mechanicsville to Frayser's Farm, with the division of A. P. Hill. General Archer reported that "Capt. Carter M. Braxton, with his Fredericksburg battery, seconded by Lieutenant Marye, tendered efficient service at Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill, and displayed remarkable skill and gallantry," and General Hill, in reviewing the whole campaign, gave him especial mention for conspicuous gallantry. Subsequently Captain Braxton was identified with the campaigns and battles of Hill's division, and after the latter's promotion, with the Second army corps, under Hill and Ewell and Gordon, until the fateful 9th of April, 1865. With his division he took part in the fights at Slaughter's Mountain, Chantilly, Groveton, Second Manassas, the investment of Harper's Ferry, during which he shelled the Federal works from Bolivar heights, and at Sharpsburg he acted temporarily as chief of artillery during the disability of Colonel Walker. At Fredericksburg, General Hill reported that "though sick he appeared on the field and fought his guns." After this battle, being promoted major, he was second