Philip Kearny
Philip Kearny was a prominent American military figure known for his service in the U.S. Army during the 19th century. He began his military career in 1837 as a second lieutenant in the First United States Dragoons, where he gained valuable experience in cavalry tactics. Kearny's military journey included significant service in France, where he fought in Algiers and later served on the French army staff during the Crimean War. He played a crucial role in the Mexican-American War, despite losing his left arm in battle, and continued to demonstrate his commitment to military service.
With the onset of the American Civil War, Kearny returned to the United States, where he became a brigadier general in the Army of the Potomac, leading cavalry units in numerous battles. His leadership during the Virginia campaigns, particularly at battles such as Williamsburg and the Second Battle of Bull Run, earned him admiration from his troops and his superiors. Tragically, Kearny was killed in action on September 1, 1862, while preparing for the Battle of Chantilly. His legacy is marked by a reputation for bravery and dedication, with General Winfield Scott recognizing him as "the most perfect soldier he ever knew." Kearny's life and service reflect the complexities of military leadership during a transformative era in American history.
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Philip Kearny
- Born: June 1, 1814
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Died: September 1, 1862
- Place of death: Chantilly, Virginia
Born: June 1, 1814; New York, New York
Died: September 1, 1862; Chantilly, Virginia
Principal wars: Mexican-American War, American Civil War
Principal battles: Solferino (1859), Williamsburg (1862), Second Bull Run (1862), Chantilly (1862)
Military significance: Kearny was a student of the uses of the cavalry and the values of reconnoitering.
Philip Kearny enlisted in 1837 as a second lieutenant in the First United States Dragoons, serving in the West. Sent to France to study cavalry tactics, he fought with distinction with the French in Algiers in 1840. Upon his return to the United States, he became an aide-de-camp to General Winfield Scott, commander in chief of the U.S. Army.
Kearny resigned his commission in 1846 but rejoined the army when the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) began. His lost his left arm in battle but remained in the Army until 1851. He served in 1859 on the French army staff and fought under Napoleon III at the Battle of Solferino. He returned to the United States at the outbreak of the American Civil War (1861–1865) to serve as a brigadier general in charge of the cavalry with the Army of the Potomac.
During the American Civil War, Kearny fought in at least a dozen battles in the Virginia campaign, including Williamsburg (1862) and the Second Battle of Bull Run (1862). He was shot and killed on September 1, 1862, while reconnoitering in preparation for the Battle of Chantilly. Adored by his troops for his bravery and gallantry, Kearny was described by General Scott as “the most perfect soldier he ever knew.”
Bibliography
De Peyster, J. Watts. Personal and Military History of Philip Kearny, Major-General United States Volunteers. New York: Rice and Gage, 1869.
Kearny, Philip. Letters from the Peninsula: The Civil War Letters of General Philip Kearny. Kearny, N.J.: Belle Grove, 1988.
Kearny, Thomas. General Philip Kearny, Battle Soldier of Five Wars, Including the Conquest of the West. New York: G. P. Putnam, 1937.
Werstein, Irving. Kearny, The Magnificent: The Story of General Philip Kearny, 1814–1862. New York: John Day, 1962.