*Major George Freaner

Assistant adjutant and inspector general

December 7, 1863 to May 12, 1864

Like Dabney Ball and L.T. Brien, Freaner had to make a choice between remaining with his state in the Union or siding with the South. Freaner's political belief's made this choice clear. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland on January 20, 1831. Freaner entered Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1848 but left in 1851 before receiving his degree. He was admitted to the bar of Washington County in 1853. He then moved to California, settling in Oakland, where he established a law practice. His business did not flourish, and he accepted the position of editor for The Times and Transcript.After that venture he returned to Hagerstown , where he resumed his law pratice until the outbreak of the war.

According to records he joined the 1st Virginia Cavalry in the fall of 1861 and received an appointment as first lieutenant and adjutant from Virginia on October 4, 1862, to date from August 8. Freaner met Stuart in september of 1861. Stuart's admiration for Freaner led to the following letter, which stated in part: General:

I have the honor to recommend the following officers as Brigade Inspectors for my command viz:

George Freaner (now adj.1st Va. Cav.) now of Fitz Lee Br.

Jono M. Lee(already appt)- W.H.F. Lee's Br.

I desire to have the first name (George Freaner) appointed additional Division Inspector with the rank of Major as he is an officer of decided ability and merits and as my command is so extensive as to require another Inspector.

These selections have been made with a view to the peculiar ability and fitness of those recommended.

The Government responded so slowly to Stuart's request that it was not until November 20, 1863, Freaner received his commission as major and orders to report to R.E. Lee for assignment to the cavalry corps.

Freaner's death on November 10, 1878, was unexpected. Though he was not well, his condition had not been diagnosed as life threatening. He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland. One of his pallbearers was Henry Kyd Douglas. Freaner left a wife and two daughters.