John Dunovant

John Dunovant (1825-1864) was a brigadier general with temporary rank in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Dunovant was a native of South Carolina who had been a Mexican–American War veteran and captain in the U.S. Army from March 3, 1855, to December 29, 1860. During the Civil War, he was commander of the 1st South Carolina Regulars and later the 5th South Carolina Cavalry Regiment. He was in command of a cavalry brigade in the later part of the Overland Campaign and the early part of the Siege of Petersburg. He was killed at the Battle of Vaughan Road on October 1, 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg.

Early life John Dunovant was born in Chester, South Carolina, in 1825.

American Civil War service Dunovant held the rank of major of infantry in the South Carolina militia during the initial Confederate operations at Fort Sumter. During the bombardment of Fort Sumter, he was present and active at Fort Moultrie. He was wounded in the left hand at the Battle of Haw's Shop on May 28, 1864. In this capacity he had brigade command under General Hampton until his death six weeks later. Challenged by pickets that his officers realized were Union soldiers, Dunovant insisted that the pickets allow his men to pass. He was shot down while leading a charge against the Union position. Major General Matthew Butler wanted to turn the Union flank and initially rejected Dunovant's insistence on a frontal charge. Historians have suggested that Dunovant's rash action was motivated by his continuing effort to redeem his reputation.

On receipt of news of the death of the gallant soldier, General Lee replied to General Hampton: "I grieve with you at the loss of General Dunovant and Dr. Fontaine, two officers whom it will be difficult to replace."

John Dunovant was buried in a family burial plot southeast of Chester, South Carolina.