James Alpheus Skidmore Harris

James Alpheus Skidmore Harris (1828-1863) was superintendent of a copper mine at Canton, GA before the war. He was elected Lieutenant and later Lt. Colonel of the 2nd Ga, and was made the first Colonel of the new 43rd Georgia in March 1862. He died of a leg wound received while leading his troops, on the 16th May 1863 - during the Vicksburg Campaign.

James Alpheus Skidmore Harris in Southern Victory
James Harris was the superintendent of a copper mine at Canton, Georgia when the War of Secession began in 1861, eventually rising through the ranks to the position of Brevet Colonel. He served under James Longstreet during the war where he commanded a regiment. After the War ended, Colonel Harris stayed on in the Confederate Army.

By 1881, Harris was now a proper Colonel and in command of a brigade of the Army of Northern Virginia guarding the Shenandoah Valley. When the Second Mexican War began later that year, his brigade was forced back by a numerical superior force of US troops. He withdrew south to Front Royal where he awaited the arrival of General in chief, Thomas Jackson.

Upon arrival, Jackson took full command. Harris didn't mind and worked with the General, who lead Harris's brigade to victory over the US forces. Although he was ecstatic at beating the Yankees, he was surprised by Jackson's vigorousness at perusing their foe all the way to Harpers Ferry. Though tired, he none the less obeyed with great relish.

For the remainder of the war, Harris's brigade lay encamped just outside the town of Harpers Ferry, until he was transferred south of the Potomac to threaten Washington D.C., thus ending the war.