Robert C. Murphy

Robert Creighton Murphy was an American colonel that served the Union during the American Civil War that primarily operated during the Vicksburg campaign and commanded the 8th Wisconsin. Biography Early years Murphy was born on Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1827. He was the first government-salaried U.S. Consul at Shanghai, China from 1853 until June 1857. In 1859, Murphy moved to Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin. American Civil War Murphy entered military service around 1861 as the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was created around September 13 but wouldn't see any major operations until an entire year later at the Battle of Iuka. During the battle, Murphy was stationed to guard a small supply depot but on September 14, applied a scorched earth policy at the depot but the pursuing Confederates doused the fire in time to capture a large amount of supplies as Murphy was captured himself in his pajamas. Afterwards, William Rosecrans relieved Murphy but then ordered him to be court-martialed for his failure to effectively being able to destroy the supplies but Murphy was acquitted of all charges.