Henry Embry Merritt, Class of 1853

Merritt, brother of John Bennett Merritt and William Thomas Merritt, is listed in college records as "Embry" and attended the University of Virginia after graduating from R-MC. In the late 1850s until the outbreak of the war, he took care of family cotton plantations near Vicksburg MS and spent time in New Orleans as well. He enlisted as a private in Co C of the 28th MS Cavalry on Feb. 12, 1862, with his name variantly spelled Merrett in his records. In the autumn of 1862, he was granted a sick furlough. He was considered AWOL on December 31st, 1862 but later returned for duty with a valid excuse. Merritt is listed as having died in the hospital at Linnville (Lynnville), TN on May 17, 1863, with no cause given.