The American Civil War - This Mighty Scourge of War

104 The American Civil War

The death of Confederate General Zollicoffer in the
Battle of Mill Spring, Kentucky, 19 January 1862. One of
the first Confederate generals to fall in battle, his death
is surrounded in controversy. The fighting was so close
that battle lines became confused, and Zollicoffer
apparently mistook Union troops for other Confederate
forces and ordered them to cease firing on their fellows
Whether or not he then recognized the Union general
(Col. Speed S Fry) to whom he spoke is unclear; but
in the ensuing exchange he was shot dead from his
horse. The scene became a favorite of artists.
(Battles and Leaders of the Civil War)