until Early came to Lynchburg. Subsequently he participated in the advance upon Washington, and Early's campaign against Sheridan, and was on duty in the Valley until the close of hostilities.
Major-General Edward Johnson was born in Kentucky, April 16, 1816, and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1838 and promoted second lieutenant of the Sixth infantry, U. S. A. He served during the operations against the Florida Indians from 1838 to 1841, and subsequently was on duty in the southwest. He rendered honorable service during the war with Mexico, taking part in the siege of Vera Cruz in March, 1847, the battle of Cerro Gordo, the skirmish at Amazogue and the battle of Churubusco; earned the brevet of captain at Molino del Rey, and was brevetted major for gallant and meritorious conduct at Chapultepec. He also participated in the assault and capture of the Mexican capital. Subsequently he was on duty at the frontier, being stationed at various posts in Kansas, Dakota and California. He was also for a time with the garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y. Early in 1861 he resigned his Federal rank of captain, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, corps of infantry, C. S. A. As colonel of the Twelfth Georgia infantry he was called to Virginia and sent to the relief of Garnett, but was not able to reach that officer before his death. Falling back he occupied Alleghany mountain, and two Virginia regiments were added to his command. In December he defeated an attack by Milroy, his troops fighting splendidly under his inspiring leadership, and he was at once promoted brigadier-general. In May, 1862, with his command, the army of the Northwest, he defeated Milroy at McDowell. This battle was fought under his direction and by his own command, reinforced by Taliaferro. Stonewall Jackson commended his "skill, gallantry and presence of mind." Near the close of the battle Johnson was severely wounded. In February, 1863, he was promoted major-general, and at the reorganization following the death of Jackson he was put in command of a division of the Second corps of the army of Northern Virginia, under Lieutenant-General Ewell, comprising Steuart's, Nicholls', J. M. Jones' and the Stonewall brigades. Soon afterward he was conspicuous in his third defeat of
