Braxton Bragg
- Born on March 22 1817, Warrenton, NC, age 44
- West Point class of 1837, fought with the 3rd US Artillery against the Seminole Indians in Florida
- During the Mexican War, his "prompt and fearless conduct" earned him a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel
- Briefly retired in 1856 to become a sugar planter in Louisiana
- Promoted to Major General of the militia on February 20 1861. Commanded the forces around New Orleans.
John Cabell Breckinridge
- Born January 15 1821, Lexington, KY, age 40
- Studied law at Transylvania University in Lexington and was admitted to the bar in 1840
- Major of the 3rd Kentucky Volunteers during the Mexican-American War
- Democrat Congressman in 1851,
- Elected Vice President of the United States in 1856, on the Democratic ticket with James Buchanan as President
- Unsuccessful candidate for President in 1860
- Was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1860 from Kentucky
Franklin Buchanan
- Born September 13 1800, Baltimore, MY, age 60
- Became a midshipman in 1815, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1825, Commander in 1841 and Captain in 1855
- Served as the first Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy during the Mexican-American War
- Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard since 1859.
Simon Bolivar Buckner
- Born April 1 1823, Hart County, KY, age 38
- West Point class of 1844
- Served as the 2nd U.S. Infantry regiment quartermaster during the Mexican-American War, his conduct earned him three field promotions
- Was assistant instructor of infantry tactics at West Point in 1848–50 then served on the frontier
- Resigned in 1855 and moved to Illinois to manage family properties in Chicago
- Moved to Kentucky in 1858, commander of Kentucky Sate Guard.