Today in History (general history)/ On This Day in Confederate History/ Confederate general birthdays, August 3.

Click 👉 Today in History (general history) Aug. 3.

On This Day in Confederal History, Aug. 3.

1861: The victory at the First Battle of Manassas in Virginia was still being hailed as a great step toward Southern Independence, and Southerners were enthusiastically encouraged about their nation. The names of generals Joseph Johnston, P.G.T. Beauregard, Stonewall Jackson, and James Longstreet had become nationally known as heroes. President Jefferson Davis may also have been at the pinnacle of his personal popularity.

An unidentified Zouave.

(9th Plate tintype-colorized, M.D. Jones Collection)

CLICK👉The Tiger Rifles: 

The Making of a Louisiana Legend

A history of Company B, 1st Special Battalion (Wheat's), Louisiana Volunteers in the War Between the States. The Tiger Rifles, Company B, of Wheat's Battalion became famous because of their flashy Zouave uniforms, their famous battalion commander, Major Roberdeau Wheat, and their heroics at the First Battle of Manassas. Their nickname, Tigers, became attached, first to the battalion, and then to all Louisiana troops serving in the Army of Northern Virginia. The book tries to separate fact from myth about the Tigers. The men became so notorious for their antics in camp, they got blamed for a lot of things they didn't do, although they did plenty on their own to deserve their reputation. Also examined is the possible real identity of their company commander, Captain Alexander White. His name is an alias, but as far as is known, his real identity has been a mystery. The book focuses tightly on the men of the Tiger Rifles and brings them to life as much as the limited resources allow.

1863: The Richmond Times Dispatch reported on a possible victory by Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor in an engagement at Donaldsonville, La.: "The telegraph, as announced on Saturday morning, has again given Gen. Taylor a victory. The enemy's account of the engagement at Donaldsonville encourages the idea that the victory was on our side, or we might seriously doubt the intelligence from our telegraphic agents in that quarter, who have, in the last three months, sent us much startling news that needed confirmation, and which has not to this day received it. While we accept the fact very gratefully that the General has defeated Banks, we are not sure as to the 6,000 prisoners. We trust that part of the story is also true; for we are very much in need of Yankee prisoners at the present time!"

The battle, which occurred on June 28, was a Federal victory. Taylor was not there, and the Confederates were commanded by Brig. Gen. Tom Green with his brigade and Brig. Gen. James Major's Texas cavalry brigade. The Federals were in a strong fort and supported by two gunboats. Several futile Confederate assaults were repulsed by the Federals. The total Confederate casualties were 301, and the total Federal casualties were 23.

Confederate General Birthdays, Aug. 3.

Brigadier General William Miller was born on this day in 1820 at Ithaca, New York. Miller moved with his family to Louisiana as a child and was educated there. During the Mexican-American War, he served under General Zachary Taylor and was awarded a land grant in Florida. In Florida, he became a lawyer and businessman and practiced in Santa Rosa County. During the War for Southern Independence, he organized the 3rd Battalion Florida Infantry with the rank of lieutenant colonel. The battalion was consolidated with other units to form the 1st Florida Infantry which he commanded as colonel. Miller led the regiment at the Battle of Perryville, Ky. and the Battle of Murfreesboro where he was severely wounded. When he had recovered enough, he was put in command of the Confederate Conscript Bureau for Alabama and Florida. Promoted to brigadier general on August 2, 1864, and given command of the Florida District and the 1st Florida Reserves. Milled led his men in one of the last Confederate victories of the war, the Battle of Natural Bridge on March 6, 1865, saving Tallahassee, the Confederate capital of Florida, from Federal occupation. Following the war, Miller returned to his timber business and served as a justice of the peace and for two terms in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. He died on August 8, 1909, and was buried in Point Washington Cemetery, but then his remains were moved to St. John's Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

Brig. Gen. William Miller