Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. An 1854 graduate of Indiana University, he practiced law prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. He entered the service as a private in the 12th Illinois Infantry but was soon commissioned and served in various staff positions finally becoming lieutenant colonel, assistant adjutant general and chief of staff of the Army of the James. Read was brevetted brigadier general September 29, 1864 "for gallantry before the enemy". During Lee's retreat to Appomattox, Army of the James commander Major General E.O.C. Ord sent Read in command of a mixed command of cavalry and infantry to destroy the railroad and wagon bridges over the Appomattox River at High Bridge in an attempt to cut off Lee's army. The expedition was intercepted by Confederate forces under Major General Thomas Rosser. After a sharp engagement which resulted in the death of Colonel Read and mortal wounding of Confederate Brigadier General James Dearing, the Union force was repulsed.
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. An 1854 graduate of Indiana University, he practiced law prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. He entered the service as a private in the 12th Illinois Infantry but was soon commissioned and served in various staff positions finally becoming lieutenant colonel, assistant adjutant general and chief of staff of the Army of the James. Read was brevetted brigadier general September 29, 1864 "for gallantry before the enemy". During Lee's retreat to Appomattox, Army of the James commander Major General E.O.C. Ord sent Read in command of a mixed command of cavalry and infantry to destroy the railroad and wagon bridges over the Appomattox River at High Bridge in an attempt to cut off Lee's army. The expedition was intercepted by Confederate forces under Major General Thomas Rosser. After a sharp engagement which resulted in the death of Colonel Read and mortal wounding of Confederate Brigadier General James Dearing, the Union force was repulsed.
Bio by: Steve Dunn
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