Maxcy Gregg

August 1, 1814 - December 15, 1862

Maxcy Gregg, born in 1814 in Columbia, S.C., was later educated at South Carolina College in Columbia. One of the Confedracy's most intelligent and cultured men, Gregg's diverse knowledge and interests included philosophy, Greek drama, astronomy, botany, and ornithology. After passing the bar, Gregg practiced law with his father in Columbia for many years except for the short time he served in the Mexican War. The prominent and influential bachelor was an avid secessionist and a member of South Carolina's secession convention. When his state withdrew from for Union, Gregg was instrumental in organizing the 1st South Carolina Volunteers. The regiment, under Colonel Gregg, included 27 physicians, 30 lawyers, and many prominent businessmen.

Commissioned brigadier general on December 14, 1861, Gregg led the leading brigade of Gen. Ambrose P. Hill's Light Division in the Battle of Gaines's Mill on June 27, 1862. The advance of his five regiments was, according to Hill, "the handsomest charge in line I have seen during the War." But the Yankees were well positioned and over the course of the Seven Days' campaign, Gregg's regiments suffered 939 casualties.