Intrepid gray warriors: the 7th Texas Infantry, 1861-1865

Abstract

The Seventh Texas Infantry mustered into service in October 1861. This regiment contained men from various East Texas counties--McClenan, Smith, Rusk, Upshur, Freestone, Cherokee, and Marion. Only seven percent of the regiment owned slaves, and by comparison to other units from the same counties they were not extremely wealthy. Primary accounts points to patriotism as being their primary reason for enlisting in the army. Judge John Gregg became the unit's first colonel with other men of distinction from Texas filling in the other officers slots--J. M. Clough, lieutenant colonel; Hiram B. Granbury, major; Khleber M. Van Zandt, captain; William L. Moody, captain. These men would serve with distinction during the conflict, Gregg and Granbury became brigadier generals, and after war. The 7th Texas participated in the Fort Donelson siege, resulting in eight months of prison camp. During the fall of 1862 the regiment returned to the South serving in John Gregg's Brigade. They spent the winter and early spring of 1862-63 aiding the Port Hudson garrison in the creation of defensive works. May 1863, the 7th Texas participated in the toughest battle of their existence--Raymond, Mississippi. Gregg's Brigade fought General James McPherson's Corps near the small town, resulting in fifty-three percent casualties. After the fall of Vicksburg the regiment joined General Braxton Bragg's Army in time to participate in the battle of Chickamauga. The 7th Texas served with distinction in General Bushrod Johnson's Division. Following the wounding of Gregg in the battle, the brigade was disbanded. The unit joined General A. J. Smith's Texas Brigade in General Patrick Cleburne's Division. Once again the men served with valor defending Tunnel Hill on the Confederate left during the battle of Missionary Ridge. Cleburne's men were selected to act as the Confederate rear-guard during the rout from Chattanooga. They successfully stalled the Union advance at Ringgold Gap. Over the next year the regiment participated in General Joseph E. Johnston's retreat through Georgia to Atlanta, then General John B. Hood's failed invasion of Tennessee. The remnants of the unit, now combined into Granbury's Brigade, surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina in 1865.