James J. Archer

James Jay Archer
James Jay Archer
Born(1817-12-19)December 19, 1817
Stafford, near Havre de Grace, Maryland, U.S.
DiedOctober 26, 1864(1864-10-26) (aged 46)
Richmond, Virginia, C.S.
Place of burial
Hollywood Cemetery
Richmond, Virginia
AllegianceUnited States United States of America
Confederate States of America Confederate States of America
Service / branch United States Army
 Confederate States Army
Years of service1847–48, 1855–61 (USA)
1861–64 (CSA)
Rank Captain (USA)
Brevet Major (USA)
Brigadier General (CSA)
UnitRegiment of Voltigeurs
9th U.S. Infantry
Commands5th Texas Infantry Regiment
Archer's Bde, Heth's Div, Hill's Corps
Battles / wars
RelationsHenry W. Archer (brother)
James J. Archer (nephew)

James Jay Archer (December 19, 1817 – October 26, 1864) was a lawyer and an officer in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. He later served as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army (CSA) during the American Civil War.

Taken as a prisoner of war on the first morning of the Battle of Gettysburg, Archer was the first general officer captured from Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.