The death of Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn

Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn

Earl Van Dorn (September 17, 1820–May 7, 1863), whose mother was the niece of President Andrew Jackson, was a career U.S. Army officer who fought with distinction in the Mexican-American War. After the war, he was once again sent to outposts in the South and took part in action against the Seminole and against Comanche Indians. During the War Between the States he served as a Confederate cavalry major general. Although he had military successes, including his successful raid on Grant's forces at Holly Springs, Tennessee, Van Dorn is also noted for his defeats at Pea Ridge and Corinth in 1862.

But on today's date in 1863, Gen. Van Dorn is remembered for having been slain by a jealous husband. 

Known to be brusque, impulsive, and highly emotional, Van Dorn was also a noted painter, writer of poetry, respected for his skill at riding a horse. A married man, sadly he was also alleged to be a womanizer. Regrettably, this reputation led to a self-induced tragedy on this date. 

Van Dorn was murdered in his headquarters at Spring Hill, Tennessee by Dr. James Bodie Peters, who claimed that the general had carried on an affair with his young and attractive wife. Alone in his office, Peters entered and shot Van Dorn in the back of the head. Peters was later arrested by Confederate authorities but was never brought to trial for the killing. In defense of his actions, Peters claimed that Van Dorn had "violated the sanctity of his home.” 

My Great-Great Grandfather David Crockett Neal’s 6th Tennessee Regiment escorted General Van Dorn's remains to Columbia, Tennessee. Later, Van Dorn's body was brought back to Mississippi and buried at Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson.

General Van Dorn is one of the 2 major generals—both cavalry officers that one time or another commanded Great-great Grandfather Neal’s 6th Tennessee Regiment—who died violently, but not from enemy action. The other was Maj. Gen. John A. Wharton, shot as the result of an argument with Col. George Wythe Baylor, in April 1865.

Sources: eHistory Archive; The Civil War Trust