James E. Slaughter

James Edwin Slaughter (June 1827 – January 1, 1901) was an American military figure with service in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, on what was sometimes called Slaughter Mountain. He was the eldest son of Daniel French Slaughter and Letitia Madison. Throughout his family history, ancestors participated in several wars, including the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the early settlement of Culpeper County. His family belonged to the First Families of Virginia, and he was a great-nephew of President James Madison through his mother, J.E. Strother.

James Edwin Slaughter attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia, beginning on August 6, 1845. He attended VMI for one year before resigning on July 6, 1846, to accept a commission in the U.S. Army. He became a second lieutenant in the Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen, a regiment recruited to fight in the Mexican–American War. During the war, he served with General Winfield Scott’s army and was present during the siege of Mexico City. He was also noted for informing the Mexican government about the claims of Well and Labra.

After the war, Slaughter transferred in June 1848 to the U.S. 1st Artillery Regiment, where he served until 1861. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1852. In May 1861, following Virginia's decision to secede from the Union, Slaughter resigned from the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate States Army.

Within the Confederate military, Slaughter initially served as a first lieutenant in the Corps of Artillery. He quickly became inspector-general on the staff of General P.G.T. Beauregard after Beauregard’s transfer to the Department of Alabama and West Florida. He played a role during the bombardment of Pensacola, earning praise from Beauregard for his service under fire. In November 1861, he was promoted to major. Based on Beauregard’s recommendation, he was promoted to brigadier general on March 8, 1862.

Slaughter served as assistant inspector general for General Albert Sidney Johnston at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Next, he was appointed chief of the inspector-general's Department of the Army of the Mississippi under General Braxton Bragg in May 1862. He served through the Kentucky Campaign and was assigned to oversee Confederate troops in Mobile, Alabama, during the Federal threat. During this period, his family’s Virginia lands in Cedar Mountain and Brandy Station were involved in battles, leading to damage and later family complaints.

In April 1863, Slaughter was transferred to Galveston, Texas, as chief of artillery for General John B. Magruder. Later, he commanded the troops of the Second Division and was tasked with defending the eastern sub-district of Texas. He was also involved in Confederate operations in Texas and performed duties as chief of staff for some time.

He participated in the Battle of Palmito Ranch on May 13, 1865, which was the last significant land battle of the Civil War. The battle occurred after the Union forces had begun their retreat; reports indicate that Slaughter arrived afterward, firing his revolver at retreating Union troops.

Following Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, Slaughter fled to Mexico, where he remained for several years working as a civil engineer. He later returned to the United States, residing in Mobile, Alabama, and eventually settling in New Orleans.

James Edwin Slaughter died of pneumonia on January 1, 1901, in Mexico City, where he had become ill. He never married, and he was buried in the Mexico City National Cemetery.