A Civil War Biography

Charles Cochrane Lee

Lee was born 2 February 1834 in Charleston, South Carolina. Lee graduated from West Point standing 4th in the class of 1856. He was a 2nd lieutenant in the Ordnance service before he resigned in 1859 to take a position as an instructor at the Charlotte Military Academy.

When the war began Lee left his position as an instructor and offered his services to North Carolina. He was named lieutenant colonel of the 1st North Carolina Volunteer infantry on 11 May 1861. The 1st saw action at Big Bethel of 10 June 1861 and became known as the "Bethel Regiment". Lee was promoted to colonel of the 1st North Carolina on 1 September. After the 1st's enlistment expired, Lee joined the newly formed 37th North Carolina as its colonel on 20 November. The 37th fought at Hanover Court House on 27 May 1862 and saw action during the Seven Days at Gaines Mill and Fraysers Farm. He was killed on 30 June 1862 at the latter.

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