Deaths on March 2

Ulric Dahlgren, American colonel (b. 1842)

In the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, many families found themselves tragically divided by loyalty and conviction. Such was the case for Ulric Dahlgren, a young but remarkably resolute colonel in the Union Army, born on April 3, 1842. His lineage itself was a microcosm of the conflict: he was the son of Union Navy Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, yet his uncle, Charles G. Dahlgren, was a Brigadier General serving the Confederate cause. This poignant familial split underscored the deep rifts tearing the nation apart, making Ulric's story particularly compelling.

A Promising Military Career Amidst Conflict

From the outset, Ulric Dahlgren plunged into the thick of the Eastern Theater, participating in several pivotal engagements that shaped the course of the American Civil War. His bravery was undeniable, but the war exacted a brutal toll on him personally. During the fierce fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point for the Union, Dahlgren sustained a severe wound that necessitated the amputation of his leg below the knee. In an era where such injuries often ended a soldier's career, Dahlgren’s resilience shone through; he astoundingly returned to military service, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Union cause, even as the nation grappled with its very identity.

The Ill-Fated Richmond Raid and His Tragic End

Despite his debilitating injury, Dahlgren remained an active and determined officer. In early 1864, he was tasked with a daring, high-stakes cavalry raid deep into Confederate territory. The objective was the very heart of the Confederacy: Richmond, Virginia, its capital. While leading his troops during this audacious maneuver, which aimed to liberate Union prisoners and sow chaos within enemy lines, Dahlgren met his tragic end on March 2, 1864, during the Battle of Walkerton. His death, just over a month before his 22nd birthday, marked a somber conclusion to a life lived entirely under the shadow of war.

The Dahlgren Affair: A Firestorm of Controversy

What followed Dahlgren’s death, however, escalated his story from a personal tragedy into a national scandal, forever etched into the annals of the American Civil War as the "Dahlgren Affair." Confederate forces, upon recovering his body, discovered controversial documents allegedly found on his person. These papers contained astonishing orders: to free Union prisoners held at Belle Isle, to burn the city of Richmond to the ground, and most explosively, to assassinate Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet. The revelation sent shockwaves through the Confederacy. When these documents were swiftly published in Richmond newspapers, they ignited a furious outrage across the South. Accusations flew, primarily directed at President Lincoln, suggesting that he had personally authorized such a heinous and uncivilized plan of war.

Naturally, Union newspapers and Northern public opinion swiftly countered these claims. They vehemently asserted that the documents were elaborate forgeries, fabricated by the Confederates to discredit the Union and inflame Southern passions. Adding fuel to the already raging fire, reports began circulating in the North about the alleged mistreatment of Dahlgren's corpse by Confederate soldiers, further inflaming public opinion and deepening the sectional divide. The controversy became a potent piece of propaganda for both sides, symbolizing the deep-seated animosity and distrust that characterized the latter stages of the war. To this day, the authenticity of the "Dahlgren papers" remains a subject of historical debate, but their immediate impact was undeniable, intensifying the already brutal conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ulric Dahlgren

Who was Ulric Dahlgren?

Ulric Dahlgren was a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War, known for his bravery, his severe injury at Gettysburg, and his controversial death during a raid on Richmond.

When did Ulric Dahlgren live?

He was born on April 3, 1842, and tragically died on March 2, 1864, at the age of 21.

What was his family connection to the Civil War?

His father, John A. Dahlgren, was a Union Navy Rear Admiral, while his uncle, Charles G. Dahlgren, served as a Confederate Brigadier General, highlighting the deep divisions within families during the conflict.

What was the "Dahlgren Affair"?

The "Dahlgren Affair" was a major controversy during the Civil War following Ulric Dahlgren's death. Documents allegedly found on his body detailed orders to burn Richmond and assassinate Confederate leaders, leading to widespread outrage in the South and accusations against President Lincoln. The Union, in turn, claimed the documents were forged, further inflaming public opinion in both North and South.

Where was he injured and killed?

He suffered a leg amputation after being wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was later killed in 1864 during the Battle of Walkerton, while leading a raid on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.