Delegate to the Texas State Secession Convention in 1861

Colonel of the 9th Texas Infantry, C.S.A.

United States Senator From Texas

(1825-87) Born at Tompkinsville, Kentucky, he graduated from West Point in the class of 1846, and was assigned to the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment, which he saw action with in the Mexican War battles at Monterrey, Cerro Gordo and Contreras in the summer of 1847. Maxey was cited for gallantry, and promoted to the rank of brevet first lieutenant for his actions in these battles. He also participated in the battles of Churubusco and Molino del Rey. He received another promotion and was placed in command of a police company in Mexico City. Maxey was elected as the district attorney for Lamar County, Texas in 1858, and was a delegate to the Texas State Secession Convention in 1861. He was given authority by the Confederate government in September 1861 to raise a regiment as its colonel. In December, Colonel Maxey led his 1,120 man Ninth Texas Infantry Regiment from Bonham, Texas, to join General Albert S. Johnston's army where he saw action in the Kentucky campaign. On March 4, 1862, Maxey was promoted to brigadier general. His regiment was badly beaten up at the Battle of Shiloh, and he later saw action during the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana in 1863, and at Vicksburg. In December 1863, General Maxey was assigned as commander of the Indian Territory, and he participated in the Red River campaign. His early success in conducting raids and capturing supplies prevented the Union Army from invading Texas. In 1865, he was ordered to Houston, Texas, to take command of a Division. Maxey's new command was plagued by desertions and his inability to get supplies and equipment. Frustrated and discouraged, he was allowed to resign on May 22, 1865. He returned home to Paris, Texas, and formally surrendered in July to General E.R.S. Canby, where although a prisoner of war, he remained at home on parole. As a senior officer of the Confederacy, General Maxey was not eligible to hold political office or even practice law. President Andrew Johnson eventually pardoned him on July 20, 1867, after a personal appeal from Maxey's former West Point classmate General Ulysses S. Grant. He then resumed his law practice in Paris. In January 1875, the Texas Legislature elected him to the United States Senate where he served two terms, from March 4, 1875, until March 3, 1887. During his time in Congress he improved postal and rail service in Texas, and argued against increased tariffs. He died on August 16, 1895, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and he is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas.

Signature With State: 6 x 2 3/4, in ink, S.B. Maxey, Texas. Light age toning. Very desirable Confederate General from Texas!