Maxcy Gregg
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1814-1862
Maxcy Gregg, born in 1814 in Columbia, S.C., was later educated at
South Carolina College in Columbia. One of the Confedracy's most
intelligent and cultured men, Gregg's diverse knowledge and interests
included philosophy, Greek drama, astronomy, botany, and ornithology.
After passing the bar, Gregg practiced law with his father in
Columbia for many years except for the short time he served in the
Mexican War. The prominent and influential bachelor was an avid
secessionist and a member of South Carolina's secession convention.
When his state withdrew from for Union, Gregg was instrumental in
organizing the 1st South Carolina Volunteers. The regiment, under
Colonel Gregg, included 27 physicians, 30 lawyers, and many prominent
businessmen.
Commissioned brigadier general on December 14, 1861, Gregg led the
leading brigade of Gen. Ambrose P. Hill's Light Division in the
Battle of Gaines's Mill on June 27, 1862. The advance of his five
regiments was, according to Hill, "the handsomest charge in line I
have seen during the War." But the Yankees were well positioned and
over the course of the Seven Days' campaign, Gregg's regiments
suffered 939 casualties.
Gregg's military and leadership abilities were admired by many. "A
regiment or brigade in his hands was a machine, where all parts
worked together in thorough effeciency and smoothest harmony." At 2d
Bull Run on August 29, 1862, Gregg and his men repulsed six assaults.
The tenacious leader sent a message during the Union attack: "Tell
Gen. Hill that my ammunition is exhausted, but that I will hold my
position with bayonet!" That day resulted in 613 casualties among
Gregg's troops. Two days later at Ox Hill, the Light Division drove
back the Union soldiers in a driving rain.
While held in a reserve position at Fredericksburg on December 13,
Gregg's men were surprised by Gen. George B. Meade's Union troops as
they charged through a disastrous gap in the Confederate line. Gregg
was shot in the spine and suffered for two days before he died.
Fascinating Fact: The scholarly lawyer-scientist had a private
observatory at his home that was so well equipped it would have been
coveted by many colleges.
