James Harrison Wilson Signed CDV Wilson was a known as one of the "boy generals" of the American Civil War. He was one of the few commanders to consistently defeat Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, notably at the Battle of Franklin. In 1865, he led a massive cavalry raid through Alabama and Georgia, capturing major industrial hubs like Selma and Columbus. Finally his forces successfully captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Andersonville commandant Henry Wirz in May 1865.