Nathan George "Shanks" Evans attended Randolph-Macon and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1848, placing 36th in a class of 38. Upon graduating, he joined the dragoons. Serving on the frontier and in Indian fighting, he resigned on February 27, 1861 as captain to become Major Adjutant General in the South Carolina Army during the bombardment of Fort Sumter.
Commissioned Captain of C.S.A. Cavalry in May, 1861, he led a small brigade at First Bull Run. Posted on the extreme left at the Stone Bridge, he played a major part in the Confederate victory. He was promoted Colonel a few days later.
He next led the Confederate force in the small but famous action at Ball's Bluff. Given the C.S.A. thanks of Congress and a Gold Medal from his state for this, he was also appointed Brigadier General on October 21, 1861, and took command of an independent brigade. This force was usually in the Carolinas, but was so often sent on temporary duty that it was called the "Tramp Brigade." He led it at Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam under Lee and then J. E. Johnston at Vicksburg.
However, troubles began to plague him in 1863. He was tried and acquitted twice, first for drunkenness and second for disobedience. Deprived of his command by Beauregard, who considered him incompetent, he returned to the field in the spring of 1864, but shortly after, fell from his horse and was injured. He was on duty in the spring of 1865 until Jefferson Davis was captured.
After the war, he was a high school principal in Alabama.
Biography: Union Gen. John Newton
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