Where is the final resting place of 2nd Lt. Robert B. Sexton?
Robert B. Sexton was a 29 year old, Scott County farmer when he enlisted as a private in the Osborne Ford Independents (Co. C) on May 25, 1861. He was elected 2nd Lt. of the Company in the elections held by Stonewall Jackson's army on April 21, 1862.
Lt. Sexton was mortally wounded in the defense of the Mule Shoe, Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on May 10, 1864, probably in the repulse of Emory Upton's assault of that day. He was captured and was admitted to the 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps hospital of the Army of the Potomac, where he remained until May 14. So say the official documents.
From here, the story becomes unclear.
Dianne Carr Peterson, dpeters1@gte.net is searching for the burial location of her great great grandfather. She found a source that indicated that the wounded lieutenant was carried in a cart to Richmond, where he died.
How did Robert get back into Conferate hands? Perhaps the mortally wounded Robert was released to the care of others. Perhaps the Confederates captured this hospital. William Matter in his book, If It Takes All Summer, discusses the fate of the II Corps hospital. Evidently, the Confederate cavalry under Tom Rosser captured this hospital for a short time on May 14 before being driven off by the Twelfth New Jersey.
Second Lt. Sexton is not listed among the 16,000 Confederates who rest a the Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond.
If you have any insights or clues that may help in this search, please contact Dianne or myself at vbond@ix.netcom.com. Thanks for your assistance!