Who was Major John Pelham скачать в хорошем качестве

Who was Major John Pelham

John Pelham, born on September 7, 1838, near Alexandria, Alabama, emerged as one of the most celebrated artillery officers of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. Known for his tactical brilliance and unwavering courage, Pelham's brief yet impactful military career earned him the enduring title “The Gallant Pelham,” bestowed by General Robert E. Lee in recognition of his valor at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Raised on a 1,000-acre plantation, Pelham was the third of seven children in a family that valued discipline and horsemanship. His early exposure to horses would later prove instrumental in his military service. In 1856, he secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he excelled academically and socially. However, the rising tensions of Southern secession in 1861 prompted Pelham to resign just weeks before graduation to join the Confederate cause. Pelham's military journey began as a lieutenant in the artillery of Joseph E. Johnston’s army. His disciplined battery quickly attracted the attention of cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart, who transformed Pelham’s unit into a mobile “horse artillery.” This innovation allowed Pelham to support cavalry operations with unprecedented speed and flexibility, revolutionizing Confederate artillery tactics. Throughout the war, Pelham participated in over sixty engagements, including pivotal battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. At Antietam, his guns on Nicodemus Hill inflicted significant damage on Union forces, disrupting their formations and contributing to Confederate resistance. His most renowned feat occurred at Fredericksburg, where he positioned his artillery far ahead of Confederate lines and held off an entire flank of the Union Army for hours. Despite being under direct fire from multiple batteries, Pelham’s composure and effectiveness earned him high praise from Lee for his “unflinching courage”. Tragically, Pelham’s promising career was cut short at the Battle of Kelly’s Ford on March 17, 1863. He was mortally wounded by shell fragments and died at the age of 24. His death was mourned across the Confederacy, and he was posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel. Pelham was buried in Jacksonville, Alabama, where his legacy continues to be honored. John Pelham’s life exemplifies the complex interplay of youthful idealism, military innovation, and the tragic costs of war. His contributions to Confederate artillery tactics and his personal bravery left an indelible mark on Civil War history, securing his place among the most revered figures of the Southern military tradition.