Charles R. McAlpine, M.D.

Charles R. McAlpine, M.D.. , Major Charles R. McAlpine was a soldier and eminent physician of Portsmouth. Born at Kempsville, Princess Anne County, Virginia in 1827 he was educated at William and Mary and received his M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania in 1847. He practiced his profession in Norfolk County as well as in Portsmouth., Previous to the War he was the health officer of the city, a member of the Council when Portsmouth was incorporated in 1858. He was greatly respected for his force of character, moral courage and administrative ability., Upon the breaking out of war Dr. Mc Alpine raised a company named the Bilisoly Blues which subsequently became Company I, 61st Virginia Regiment. His cool, decided courage, and manly daring was unsurpassed by any soldier of the Confederacy during the eventfuI four year struggle. He valiantly led his troops into every major battle in which the Army of Northern Virginia participated. At the battle of Spotsylvania Court House he was promoted Major for gallant daring at the battle of Fraziers Farm where he was severely wounded. He was officially cited in the Army Northern Virginia Official Reports for numerous acts of heroism and bravery for which his name was placed on the Confederate Roll of Honor., After the war he returned to Portsmouth and resumed the practice of his profession, which he pursued with unfaltering zeal and faithfulness until his death on February 14, 1876., Major McAlpine was a good citizen, a brave soldier and a noble man.