Brigadier General James McQueen McIntosh, CSA

Cavalry Brigade Commander, McCulloch's Division

Goat of the Class of 1849

By the Spring of 1862 McIntosh’s reputation was well established. A.W. Sparks wrote that “the impetuous McIntosh... was at home only amidst the raging of wild elements, and ... courted the missions of danger with a fondness not surpassed by the affection of a lover for his mistress.” He was “the soul of honor and chivalry; the beau sabreur of the Western army.” B.W. Stone, one of his regimental commanders, wrote that McIntosh was an officer “in whose courage the troops had the most implicit confidence.” Lt. George Griscom of the Ninth Texas Cavalry called him “gallant but rash.” Yet his rashness (or gallantry) had served him well. McIntosh had achieved the general officer rank he sought, and been given command of the First Brigade in McCulloch’s division. He led five regiments of Arkansas and Texas cavalry, a total of over 4,400 men. He no longer sought transfer, and events were conspiring to bring more action to the Trans-Mississippi theater, and more opportunities for glory.

McIntosh rode to glory at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 7, 1862. His brigade advanced on the Confederate right, in five columns of four abreast. The terrain was mixed, cleared fence-lined fields separated by strips of oak woodland, in which Union troops were busy hastily establishing gun emplacements and ambushes. As the infantry advanced, a Union battery situated behind a rail fence next to a log cabin opened up from 300 yards, pouring destructive fire into the Confederate infantry. McIntosh instantly ordered his cavalry brigade to charge. The bugles sounded, the men whooped, and thousands of horses thundered across the field. Colonel B.W. Stone of the 6th Texas cavalry wrote that “the heavens resounded with the tramp of warriors' steeds as they swept the field and rushed impetuously on the enemy's battery.” McIntosh was out front, as usual, waving his saber and shouting. The Union support troops fired a volley and then ran as the Confederate horsemen descended on them.

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