Brief Biography of General Lovell H. Rousseau,

Written by Major Alfred Pirtle for

MAJOR GENERAL LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU was born in Lincoln County, Ky., in 1818. He left home with a limited education, and acquired the French language while employed at daily labor. Studied law and began practice soon after reaching manhood, at Bloomfield, Ind., 1841. Became a member of the Indiana Legislature, 1844. Was in the Mexican War; captain of a company, distinguishing himself at Buena Vista. About 1850, removed to Louisville to become quite prominent at the bar and in politics. Served in both branches of the General Assembly; was in the Senate at the breaking out of the war.

In the summer of 1861, recruited a large force at Camp Joe Holt in Indiana, opposite Louisville. The 5th Ky. Infantry, a battery, a battalion of infantry that became part of the 6th Ky. Infantry, and two companies of cavalry, were enlisted at Camp Joe Holt.

On the advance of Buckner, from Bowling Green toward Louisville, September 17, 1861, Rousseau,with his command, crossed the river and moved to Lebanon Junction, preventing the anticipated move on Louisville. Was promoted to brigadier-general, October 1, 1861; served during the war in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama; made major-general for bravery at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862; distinguished himself at Shiloh, Stone's River, and Chickamauga; in 1865 was elected to House of Representatives and left the field, took sides with the Democrats in Congress. In 1867, was sent to Alaska to take formal possession of the country in the name of the United States; was appointed upon his return to the command of the Gulf Department, and died suddenly in New Orleans, January 7, 1869.

Of an uncommonly handsome personal appearance, and tall, well-proportioned figure, he attracted attention at all times. His personal popularity was immense with the men of the army, whether of his own command or not, and his progress through the camps was usually accompanied with the cheers of whole regiments. He possessed great bravery and considerable executive ability.