VAN DORN, EARL ( 1820-133). An American soldier prominent on the Confederate side in the Civil War. He was born near Port Gibson. Miss.; graduated at West Point in 1842, was appointed second lieutenant in the Seventh Infantry, and served in garrison duty for several years. Ile took part in the military occupation of Texas by United States troops, and in the :Mexican War, winning the brevet of a captain for valor at Cerro Gordo and of major for his conduct at Contreras and Churubusco. After the war he was engaged in suppressing the outbreak of the Seminole Indians in 1849-50, and subsequently in the operations against the Comanches in the Indian Territory. lle became a captain in 18.55 and a major in 1860. But after the secession of his native State he re signed his commission, and was appointed briga dier-general of the 'Mississippi troops. Later he succeeded Jefferson Davis as major-general of the Mississippi forces, and in March, 1861, received an appointment as colonel in the Confederate Army. Ile was promoted to the rank of hriga dier-gencral in June, 1861. and in September to
the rank of major-general. and in .Tanuary, 1862. was appointed commander-in-ehief of the Trans ississippi Department. Ile was defeated at Pea in March, 1862. and was superseded in command by General Holmes and given command of a division in the Army of the Mississippi. Again promoted. lie was in command of his own and Sterling Priee's troops in the unsuccessful attack on Rosecraus at Corinth. October 3 and 4, 1862. After the defeat of his army at this point charges were brought against him for neglect of duty, but he was completely exonerated by a court of inquiry. Superseded by Pemberton. he commanded a division under the latter, and while in command of the Confederate cavalry during the first advance movements of the Fedcrals on Vicksburg, won an engagement at llolly Springs, Miss., and conducted other operations with great success and brilliancy. Ile continued in the field until Slay, 1863, when lie was shot and killed as a result of a private quarrel.