He was a graduate of Oxford College of Emory University and served in the Mexican–American War from May 1847 until August 1848 as a second lieutenant in an independent company of Georgia mounted men.
Han tog eksamen fra Oxford College of Emory University, og gjorde tjeneste i den Mexicansk-amerikanske krig fra maj 1847 til august 1848 som Sekondløjtnant i et uafhængigt kompagni af beredne tropper fra Georgia.