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William "Bull" Nelson | |
|---|---|
 Nelson, c. 1860-62 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Bull" |
| Born | September 27, 1824 Maysville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | September 29, 1862 (aged 38) Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Maysville Cemetery Maysville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |  United States Navy Union Army |
| Years of service | 1840–1861 (Navy) 1861–1862 (Army) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Commander (Navy) Major General (Army) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy Class of 1846 |
William "Bull" Nelson (September 27, 1824 – September 29, 1862) was a United States naval officer who became a Union general during the American Civil War.
As a Kentuckian, Nelson could have sympathized with the Confederates but, like his state, he remained loyal to the United States of America. Secretary of Treasury Salmon P. Chase believed Nelson's actions had kept Kentucky loyal and promoted him to brigadier general in September 1861. Nelson's 4th Division bore the brunt of heavy fighting at the Battle of Shiloh and took part in the Siege of Corinth; he was the first man to enter the town.[citation needed]
Wounded at the Battle of Richmond, Nelson was forced to retreat to Louisville to plan a new assault. It was there that General Jefferson C. Davis, still officially on sick leave, reported to Nelson, who was dissatisfied with his performance and insulted him in front of witnesses. A few days later, Davis demanded a public apology, however, the situation rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation, which concluded in Davis mortally wounding Nelson with a pistol.