Bust view of Kemper in uniform. Three-star collar insignia is visible. Image is clear with good contrast. The mount is clean and in fine condition. Photographer's backmark, Vannerson & Jones, Richmond. Pencil notes on back including Bill Turner's note that this photo came from the album of Sallie Ann Block Putman. A 2-cent revenue stamp is also on the back.

James Lawson Kemper (June 11, 1823 – April 7, 1895) was a lawyer, a Confederate general in the American Civil War, and the 37th Governor of Virginia. He was the youngest brigade commander and only non-professional military officer in the division that participated in Pickett's Charge, in which he was severely wounded.

When the Civil War began, Kemper served as a brigadier general in the Provisional Army of Virginia, and then a colonel in the Confederate States Army, becoming head of the 7th Virginia Infantry. Kemper was promoted to brigadier general in June 1862. Following the Seven Days, General Robert E. Lee reorganized the army, and Kemper became a temporary division commander. Another army reorganization after Antietam led to Kemper's brigade being placed in a division commanded by Brigadier General George Pickett, who had been on medical leave since being wounded at Gaines Mill. The division was held in reserve at Fredericksburg, and during the spring of 1863 was on detached duty in the Richmond area. As a result, Kemper also missed the Chancellorsville Campaign.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Kemper arrived with Pickett's division late on the second day of battle, July 2, 1863. His brigade was one of the main assault units in Pickett's Charge, advancing on the right flank of Pickett's line. After crossing the Emmitsburg Road, the brigade was hit by flanking fire from two Vermont regiments, driving it to the left and disrupting the cohesion of the assault. In spite of the danger, Kemper rose up in his stirrups to urge his men forwards, shouting "There are the guns, boys, go for them!" He was wounded by a bullet in the abdomen and thigh before being captured by Union troops. However, he was rescued shortly thereafter by Sgt. Leigh Blanton of the First Virginia Infantry Regiment and carried back to the Confederate lines.

During the Confederate Army's retreat from Gettysburg, Kemper was again captured by Union forces. He was exchanged (for Charles K. Graham) on September 19, 1863. For the rest of the war he was too ill to serve in combat, and commanded the Reserve Forces of Virginia. He was promoted to major general on September 19, 1864.

Kemper was paroled in May 1865. Kemper resumed his legal career. However, the bullet that had wounded him at Gettysburg had lodged close to a major artery and could not be removed without risking his life, so he suffered groin pain for the rest of his life.

After his wife Bella died in September 1870 of complications from the birth of their seventh child, Kemper's political activities increased. He won the 1873 election for Governor of Virginia. Kemper served as Virginia's Governor from January 1, 1874, to January 1, 1878.

Complications from the inoperable bullet worsened, and eventually paralyzed his left side. Kemper died on April 7, 1895 and was buried in the family cemetery.

This is from the late William Turner collection.  [jet]   [ph:L]

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