Orphan Brigade

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Orphan Brigade ( English : orphan " orphan ") was the nickname of the "First Kentucky Brigade" ( First Kentucky Brigade ). The Orphan Brigade fought on the side of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War . It consisted of infantry , cavalry and artillery , and was the biggest recruited in Kentucky during the American Civil War United Association . Its first commanding officer was the former Vice President of the United States and John C. Breckinridge, who was very popular in Kentucky .

The origin of the name "Orphan Brigade" is unclear; it may have something to do with Kentucky's special status during the American Civil War: while official Kentucky never broke away from the Northern states , there was great popular sympathy for the Confederate . Therefore, John C. Breckinridge also managed to set up large volunteer associations. Since the southern states never gained control of Kentucky during the war, the members of the First Kentucky Brigade could not visit their families during the war because they were threatened with imprisonment.

The Orphan Brigade took part in many battles, skirmishes and skirmishes during the Civil War, including the Battle of Shiloh . On January 2, 1863, the brigade suffered very heavy losses in the Battle of the Stones River . The commander, Brigadier General Roger Hanson, was fatally wounded on January 2, 1862 in the Battle of the Stones River, his successor Brigadier General Benjamin Hardin Helm suffered the same fate during the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863.

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