Jeff Davis Legion

by

Mr. Robert Cook

 

"Jeff Davis Legion, which was assigned to Jeb Stuart's cavalry division in the Army of Northern Virginia. "WILLIAM GRIFFING FULTON" was a member of the above unit.(1841-1914)

William G. Fulton, born in Adams County in 1841, was a son of John and Penelope Eleanor Griffing Fulton. In May 1861, Will enlisted in the Adams Troop, known as the Jeff Davis Legion, which was assigned to Jeb Stuart's cavalry division in the Army of Northern Virginia.

The Jeff Davis Legion served as escort for Stuart during the battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam) in September 1862, made the famous ride around Gen. George B. McClellan's entire Union army, fought in the "Seven Days Battles" east of Richmond, at Brandy Station, Gettysburg, and all major battles in the East.

During the battle of Trevilian Station in June 1864, Sgt. Fulton as color bearer, was shot through the leg, killing his prized bay mare. The brigade surgeon, Dr. Orrick Metcalf, saw him bleeding and raving and told him the wound was not dangerous.

"I know that," Fulton declared, "but damn them, they have killed my horse!" The thouroughbred was valued at $1,333.33. Sgt. Fulton would have another horse shot from under him during the War, also a bay mare. She was valued at $866.67.

Will Fulton was never 'Reconstructed.' Following the War, he would never allow the 'Yankee Flag' to be flown over his house. In February 1864, a company of the 4th Illinois Cavalry rode out from their camp near Natchez, raiding the family home of Sgt. Fulton.

They stole 500 bales of cotton ($75,000) and slaughtered or drove off all the

cattle, hogs, and horses. William Griffing Fulton died in 1914 and is buried in the Natchez City Cemetery. So are 14 members of the 4th Illinois Cavalry...in the Natchez National Cemetery..