Major-General Evander McIver Law was born at Darlington, S. C., in 1836; was graduated at the military academy in Charleston in 1856; for three years he was a
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nature of the fighting done by this brigade in that battle is shown by the fact that within an hour it suffered a loss of 300 out of 876 effective men. His immediate promotion was urged by Generals Preston, Liddell and Cleburne, the latter saying, ‘I know no better officer of his grade in the service.’
He was promoted promptly; his commission being dated November 16, 1863.
Thus, at the early age of twenty-three and a half years, he was made a brigadier-general, and was very soon assigned to the duties of a major-general.
At the beginning of the Georgia campaign of 1864 he was put in charge of a cavalry division of Wheeler's corps, embracing the brigades of Allen and Dibrell, to which Hannon's brigade was added.
His career was now signalized by a series of brilliant exploits.
He acted a very prominent part in Cleburne's brilliant success at Pickett's mill, May 27, 1864, and in all the movements of the Atlanta campaign Kelly's men were always ready for the fiercest fight, either on foot or mounted.
On the expedition to the rear of Sherman's army in August, 1864, his command was again actively employed.
Near Franklin, Tenn., on August 20th, during Wheeler's raid against Sherman's communications in Tennessee, this valiant young leader was killed.
In his report General Wheeler paid him this tribute: ‘To my brave division commander, General Kelly, who gave up his life at Franklin, while gallantly fighting at the head of his division, I ask the country to award its gratitude.
No honors bestowed on his memory could more than repay his devotion.’
In 1866 General Kelly's remains were removed to Mobile and laid to rest in the bosom of his native State.
It may be said of him, as Lee said of Pelham, another son of Alabama, ‘It is glorious to see such courage in one so young.’
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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