The New Student's Reference Work/Johnston, Albert Sidney

John′ston, Albert Sidney, was born in Kentucky, Feb. 3, 1803, and was educated at West Point, where he graduated in 1826.  He fought in the Black Hawk War, and later emigrated to Texas, where he was made commander of its forces.  In 1838 he was appointed secretary of war in Texas.  During the Mexican War Johnston was inspector-general on the staff of Gen. W. O. Butler.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he was brigadier-general in the department of the Pacific, but in May, 1861, entered the Confederate service as general, with a command in the west.  With 50,000 men he attacked General Grant on April 6, 1862, at Shiloh, where was fought a notable battle.  General Johnston was killed by a rifle-ball on the first day of the engagement.  He was one of the bravest and ablest of the Confederate generals.  See the Life by his son.