Hugh Reid Miller

Colonel Hugh Reid Miller was born in South Carolina on May 14, 1812. In 1840, he moved to Pontotoc, Mississippi where he became a circuit court judge. A Whig, he also served in the Mississippi legislature and was a member of the Mississippi Secession Convention.

Miller served as a captain at First Manassas. He became colonel of the 42d Mississippi on May 14, 1862. He was mortally wounded while commanding the regiment at Gettysburg. During the July 3d assault, Miller was shot through the chest and knee. He was captured and lingered for a few weeks in the Second Corps hospital. He died on July 19, 1863. His funeral was held at Richmond's First Presbyterian Church on July 29.

Miller was apparently a friend of Robert E. Lee because Lee sent a message to General Meade asking about his condition on July 4. This message sent under flag of truce was probably the only communication between the commanders on the battlefield.