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William Bull Nelson Military person

William "Bull" Nelson (September 27, 1824 – September 29, 1862) served as an officer in the United States Navy for nearly twenty-one years before the outbreak of the American Civil War in the spring of 1861. He was authorized by President Abraham Lincoln to arm Kentucky loyalists with 5,000 muskets and that led to his being detached from the Navy to recruit 10,000 troops for a campaign into East Tennessee. That effort brought about the establishment of Camp Dick Robinson on August 6, 1861. Nelson was appointed to Brigadier General of United States Volunteers on September 16, 1861 and promoted to Major General in July 1862. Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell noted, "no commander during the war enjoyed the confidence of his troops in greater degree than did General Nelson. " A huge man (6'4" and weighing 300 pounds), Nelson once comforted rookie troops by telling them "You needn't worry about the enemy, boys, for if they can't hit me, they can't hit the side of a barn. " He alternated both with immense geniality and volcanic rage, for which he received the nickname "Bull". During the defense of Louisville in September 1862, Nelson dismissed Brig. General Jefferson C. Davis for shirking his duty. One week later Davis was publicly humiliated by Nelson when he thoughtlessly confronted him in the lobby of the Galt House. The unexpected embarrassment caused Davis to lose control and he killed the unarmed Nelson with a single shot to the heart. Davis was never prosecuted for the cold-blooded murder and both became better noted for that affair rather than the otherwise commendable service they gave to their country.

Personal facts

Birth date	September 27, 1824
Birth place	Maysville Kentucky
Date of death	September 29, 1862
Place of death	Louisville Kentucky
Resting place	Kentucky

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