William M. Browne | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Acting Confederate States Secretary of State | |
| In office February 18, 1862 – March 18, 1862 | |
| President | Jefferson Davis |
| Preceded by | Robert Hunter |
| Succeeded by | Judah Benjamin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 7, 1823 County Mayo, Ireland, U.K. |
| Died | April 28, 1883 (aged 59) Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oconee Hill Cemetery Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Eliza Jane Beket |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Colonel (CSA) |
| Commands | 1st Virginia Cavalry Battalion, Local Defense Browne's Local Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Montague Browne (July 7, 1823 – April 28, 1883) was a prominent Confederate politician and American newsman. During the American Civil War, he served as Acting Secretary of State for the Confederacy in 1862 and as a temporary brigadier general in the Confederate States Army. When he was not confirmed to that rank by the Confederate Senate, he reverted to his permanent grade of colonel.