SUMMARY
James B. Terrill was a Confederate general during the American Civil War (1861–1865). As the longtime colonel of the 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Terrill fought in nearly every major battle of the Eastern Theater. Confederate general Robert E. Lee called the 13th Virginia “a splendid body of men,” while Confederate general Richard S. Ewell noted that it was “the only regiment in my command that never fails.” Jubal A. Early declared that the unit “was never required to take a position that they did not take it, nor to hold one that they did not hold it.” Noted for his bravery and respected by superiors, Terrill was killed at the Battle of Bethesda Church the day before his appointment to brigadier general was confirmed by the Confederate Senate. Two of Terrill’s brothers also died in the war, one fighting for the Confederacy, the other for the Union.