Robert H. Hatton graduated from Cumberland University and passed the bar exam in 1850, establishing a successful law practice in Lebanon, Tennessee. He began his political career by being elected to the State Legislature as a Whig Party member in 1855. Hatton transitioned from the legal to the military sphere, forming the Lebanon Blues and rising to the rank of colonel in the 7th Tennessee Infantry. His military career culminated in a promotion to brigadier general, though his appointment was not confirmed, and he was killed in action during the Peninsula Campaign.

Robert H. Hatton's political identity is marked by a complex evolution from opposing secession to becoming a staunch secessionist, reflecting a highly localized approach to regional interests. His military service, particularly his promotion to brigadier general despite the appointment not being confirmed, suggests a calculated and strategic mindset. Hatton's ideological agility is further evidenced by his initial support for the Union, which shifted dramatically in response to President Lincoln's call for volunteers. This unexpected convergence of positions reveals a nuanced and context-driven political philosophy.