[2] In 1831 he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, and graduated four years later standing 44th out of 56 cadets.

[5] Withers returned to Alabama following the war with Mexico and became a merchant there before entering local politics.

Withers was promoted to brigadier general on July 10, and began his Western Theater service in the fall.

[5] Withers fought during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee on April 6, and was promoted to major general from that date.

[7] He commanded the reserve corps of the Army of Mississippi from June 30 to August 18, later referred to as "Withers' Division" in the "Right Wing" until November 20.

His division had the most dangerous, difficult work of the day to perform, and they fought nobly, but with terrible loss, 2,500 out of 7,700 engaged.

[4]Withers commanded his division until resigning his commission in the Confederate Army on July 13, 1863, but was quickly restored to his rank as a major general a week later and sent to Alabama to guard the railroad between Demopolis and West Point.