Robert Plunket Maclay

Robert Plunket Maclay (February 19, 1820 – May 20, 1903) was a Confederate States Army major during the American Civil War (Civil War). On May 13, 1864, he was assigned to duty as a brigadier general to rank from April 30, 1864, by General E. Kirby Smith. He was never officially appointed by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, nor confirmed by the Confederate Senate to that grade.

Early life Robert Plunket Maclay was born in Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, on February 19, 1820. His parents were Samuel Plunket Maclay and Elizabeth (Johnston) Maclay. He was assigned as a second lieutenant to the 8th United States Infantry Regiment. General Smith assigned Maclay to duty as a brigadier general on May 13, 1864, to rank from April 30, 1864. Despite Smith having no authority to promote or appoint officers to general officer grade, Smith gave Maclay command of the 1st (Waul's) Brigade in John G. Walker's division.