John C. Pemberton - Early Life and Career

Early Life and Career

Pemberton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the second child of John Pemberton (1783-1847) and Rebecca Clifford (1792-1869). He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1833, and graduated four years later, standing 27th out of 50 cadets. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery Regiment on July 1, 1837. He participated with the 4th during the U.S. actions against the Seminole Indians, tribe of native Americans in 1837 and 1838, fighting in Florida at the Battle of Locha-Hatchee on January 24, 1838.

Pemberton and the 4th Artillery served in garrison duty at Fort Columbus, New York, in 1838 and into 1839, and then at the Camp of Instruction located near Trenton, New Jersey, in 1839. He then served along the northern U.S. frontier during the Canada Border Disturbances. Pemberton and the 4th were next stationed in Michigan, serving at Detroit in 1840, at Fort Mackinac in 1840 and 1841, and at Fort Bradyin in 1841. He then served in Buffalo, New York, in 1841 to 1842, and was promoted to first lieutenant on March 19, 1842. Pemberton and the 4th returned to garrison duty at Fort Monroe, Virginia in 1842, then were stationed at the U.S. Army Cavalry School at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, in 1842 and 1843, and returned to Fort Monroe from 1844 to 1845.