I'm researching the Antebellum history of John W. Davidson and one reason he
was so controversial was that, in 1854, he led his men into an ambush and
almost lost an entire company.

Davidson was raised in Fairfax Co, the son of Capt. Willaim B Davidson of
the 3d Artillery. who died in Florida on Christmas of 1840 of exposure. 
John Davidson gained admission at the Military Academy in 1841 based upon a
letter giving consent signed by his grandfather and guardian John G. Hunter.