Downing attended VMI after leaving R-MC. He enlisted in Co. D of the 9th VA Cavalry on September 26, 1861 as a private. He was discharged on December 13, 1861 to resume his studies at VMI. On March 25, 1862, he enlisted in Co. L of the 55th VA Infantry as second lieutenant. He was wounded August 29, 1862 at the Battle of Second Manassas and again on May 2, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA. He was promoted to captain July 8, 1863. On November 27, 1863 at the Battle of Mine Run, VA, he sustained a third wound, this time in his lower abdomen. During his convalescence in Northumberland County, VA, he was taken prisoner on January 13, 1864. He was sent to the prison camp at Point Lookout, MD and was hospitalized there on January 28, 1864. Downing was exchanged on March 25, 1864 and he returned to his regiment. He was wounded a fourth time, this time in the arm, on August 18, 1864 at the Battle of Weldon Railroad, VA. He was paroled on May 8, 1865 in Northumberland County, VA.
In 1870, Downing was teaching school in Heathsville, VA. By the time of his death on March 11, 1885, he was living in Maryland. He is buried in Baltimore in Loudon Park Cemetery.
No comments:
Post a Comment