Biography of General Charles William Field

Born April 6, 1828 in Woodford County, Kentucky at "Airy Mount," Charlie Field would eventually command a division. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1849. He resigned when the war began and became colonel of the 6th Virginia Cavalry, serving initially under Jeb Stuart.

Charlie Field was promoted general in March 1862 and began his association with the Light Division commanding the Virginia brigade. Field was very badly wounded at the battle of Second Manassas in the leg.

Although he was able to keep his leg and avoid an amputation, the wound was very serious and it took him nearly a year to recover from his wounds. By May of 1863, he was doing conscription duty while on crutches in Richmond.

Field spent nine months doing conscription duty in Richmond before returning to the field, serving as the superintendent of the conscription department.

Field never did return to the Light Division; he rejoined the army in February 1864 and then commanded what had been Hood's division. He was slightly wounded twice in the Wilderness and briefly took command of Longstreet's corps, but because of his lack of seniority and combat service, he was later replaced by Richard H. Anderson, another of Hill's division commanders.

Field continued on with the army, commanding a division with distinction in the First Corps. He was with the Army of Northern Virginia at the Appomattox surrender.

After the War, Field led a varied and productive life. He served in Egypt as a colonel of engineers, engaged in business, served as a civil engineer, and and was doorkeeper for the U.S. House of Representatives. He died in Washington D.C. on April 9, 1892.

He is buried in Baltimore in Loundon Park Cemetery.