John Bell Hood

John Bell Hood (June 1, 1831 – August 30, 1879) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Hood had a reputation for bravery and aggressiveness that sometimes bordered on recklessness. Arguably one of the best brigade and division commanders in the Confederate States Army, Hood became increasingly ineffective as he was promoted to lead larger, independent commands, and his career is marred by his decisive defeats leading an army in the Atlanta Campaign and the Franklin-Nashville Campaign.

Early life

Hood was born in Owingsville, Kentucky, son of John W. Hood, a doctor, and Theodocia French Hood. He was the cousin of future Confederate general Gustavus W. Smith and the nephew of U.S. Representative Richard French. French obtained an appointment for Hood at the U.S. Military Academy, despite his father's reluctance to support a military career for his son. Hood graduated in 1853, ranked 44th in a class of 52, after a tenure marred by disciplinary problems and near-expulsion in his final year. At West Point and in later Army years he was known to friends as "Sam". His classmates included James B. McPherson and John M. Schofield; he received instruction in artillery from George H. Thomas. All three of these men would become Union Army generals who would oppose Hood in battle.

Related Topics:
Owingsville, Kentucky - Gustavus W. Smith - U.S. Representative - U.S. Military Academy - 1853 - West Point - James B. McPherson - John M. Schofield - George H. Thomas - Union Army

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hood was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Infantry, served in Missouri and California, and later transferred to the 2nd U.S. Cavalry in Texas, where he was commanded by Colonel Robert E. Lee. While commanding a reconnaissance patrol from Fort Mason, Hood sustained one of the many wounds that marked his lifetime in military service—an arrow through his left hand in action against the Comanches at Devil's River, Texas.

Related Topics:
Second lieutenant - Missouri - California - Texas - Robert E. Lee - Comanche

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~