Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 7.djvu/416

Rh would not take the oath. His name was then withdrawn, and Judge Goldthwaite was nominated and elected. General Battle was a prominent member of the convention which framed the present constitution of Alabama. For many years he has been connected with journalism, a field in which he has won laurels, and contributed largely to the success of democratic principles.

Brigadier-General Pinckney Downie Bowles was born in Edgefield district, S. C., in 1838, and was educated at the military academy in Charleston and at the university of Virginia. He studied law under General McGowan at Abbeville, S. C., and in 1859 removed to Alabama and settled in Conecuh county with the intention of practicing law. He was engaged in this profession when the call to arms aroused the South and made of the whole country one great military camp. He entered the Confederate service as a captain in the Fourth Alabama, which was organized at Dalton, Ga., May 2, 1861, and proceeded immediately to Virginia. This regiment was mustered into service for twelve months, at Lynchburg, Va., May 7th, and was sent to Harper's Ferry. At Winchester it became a part of the brigade of General Bee. At First Manassas the regiment lost heavily, among the killed being Col. Egbert J. Jones. The gallant commander of the brigade, Gen. Barnard E. Bee, also fell. In January, 1862, the Fourth Alabama re-enlisted for three years, and in April was sent to the vicinity of Norfolk. It was engaged on both days at Seven Pines, and a fortnight later marched to join Jackson in the valley, coming back to Richmond with Jackson's corps. After the Seven Days' battles, and shortly before Second Manassas, Captain Bowles was promoted to major of the gallant Fourth, August 22, 1862. Soon after the return from the Maryland campaign, he received his commission as lieutenant-colonel, September 30, 1862, and a few days later, October 3d, he was made colonel. He led his