Alexander McRae (American soldier)
Alexander McRae (September 4, 1829 – February 21, 1862) was a U.S. Army officer from North Carolina, who served on the antebellum frontiers in Texas and New Mexico, and fought in the Union Army, being killed in the Battle of Valverde. Early life and career Alexander McRae was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1829 to John and Mary McRae. McRae received an appointment as a Cadet at the United States Military Academy, from July 1, 1847, which he attended until July 1, 1851, when he was graduated 23rd in his class. With it the same day he was promoted in the Army to Brevet Second Lieutenant, and Second Lieutenant, Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. McRae's first duty was served in the garrison at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri from 1851‑52. He then began frontier duty in Texas, first at Fort Merrill, in 1852. He then was sent to Fort Ewell, engaging in scouting during 1852‑53, then returned to Fort Merrill in 1853‑54 before being sent to Fort Inge, again scouting in 1854‑55, then was assigned to Fort Clark from 1855 to 1856. In 1856, he conducted recruits to New Mexico Territory and served at Fort Union during 1856‑57, where he received his