One who saw Philip Kearny recognized in him the typical soldier. As early as
1849 the young and brilliant cavalry officer had lost his left arm before one
of the gates of Mexico at the battle of Churubusco. His infirmity did not
prevent him from always mounting the most vigorous-looking horses, which
he controlled on the march with rare elegance, holding in his only hand his
reins and his naked sword. A head, the picture of energy, framed by the
cape which almost invariably hung about his shoulders, a strongly marked
nose, and a piercing eye, gave him the look of an eagle. His abrupt speech
and his imperious manner denoted a proud disposition, and a character
incapable of flattery or of dissimulation. But though at first his manner was
not always fitted to attract, one soon learned to appreciate the noble
qualities of his heart, the firmness of his will, the accuracy of his judgment,
the truthfulness and grandeur of his soul. This man, apparently so nervous,
was calmness itself in the presence of the enemy. His unerring eye, his
prompt decision, his clear and concise orders, at once revealed in him the
true warrior. He inspired an unbounded confidence in all those who had
once been under fire with him.
1849 the young and brilliant cavalry officer had lost his left arm before one
of the gates of Mexico at the battle of Churubusco. His infirmity did not
prevent him from always mounting the most vigorous-looking horses, which
he controlled on the march with rare elegance, holding in his only hand his
reins and his naked sword. A head, the picture of energy, framed by the
cape which almost invariably hung about his shoulders, a strongly marked
nose, and a piercing eye, gave him the look of an eagle. His abrupt speech
and his imperious manner denoted a proud disposition, and a character
incapable of flattery or of dissimulation. But though at first his manner was
not always fitted to attract, one soon learned to appreciate the noble
qualities of his heart, the firmness of his will, the accuracy of his judgment,
the truthfulness and grandeur of his soul. This man, apparently so nervous,
was calmness itself in the presence of the enemy. His unerring eye, his
prompt decision, his clear and concise orders, at once revealed in him the
true warrior. He inspired an unbounded confidence in all those who had
once been under fire with him.
Kearny the Magnificent
"I'm a one-armed Jersey
son-of-a-gun, follow me!"
son-of-a-gun, follow me!"
"...War is horrible
because it strangles
youth."
because it strangles
youth."
General Winfield Scott said
of Kearny, "He was the
bravest man I ever knew and
the most perfect soldier."
of Kearny, "He was the
bravest man I ever knew and
the most perfect soldier."
"The Rebel bullet
that can kill me
has not yet been
molded."
that can kill me
has not yet been
molded."
Stephen Watts Kearny,
General of the War of
1812 and Mexican War
from 1846 to 1848.
General of the War of
1812 and Mexican War
from 1846 to 1848.
Stephen Watts Kearny,
was the uncle and hero
of Civil War General
Philip Kearny.
was the uncle and hero
of Civil War General
Philip Kearny.
Philip Kearny lost an arm at the Battle
of Churubusco, he earned a reputation
as a brilliant and gallant cavalry
officer. He served as major with the
1st U.S. Dragoons.
of Churubusco, he earned a reputation
as a brilliant and gallant cavalry
officer. He served as major with the
1st U.S. Dragoons.
Philip John Kearny Civil War Union Army Officer, Major of
the 11th New Jersey Infantry, nephew and namesake of
Union General Philip Kearny. At first considered a genteel
dandy by his superiors (and by his uncle), Major Kearny
proved to be a brave and capable officer. Second in
command of his unit at the Battle of Gettysburg, he was
present when the 11th came under severe fire just south of
the Klingel House on the second day of the Battle (July 2,
1863). Right after the unit switched directions to resist
Barksdale's attack on the Peach Orchard, Major Kearny
exclaimed to adjutant Lt. John Schoonover, "I tell you, we
are going to have a fight," just as he was shot in the knee
and knocked out of action. Transported to New York City
after the battle, he lingered in pain for over a month and
then succumbed to his wound.
the 11th New Jersey Infantry, nephew and namesake of
Union General Philip Kearny. At first considered a genteel
dandy by his superiors (and by his uncle), Major Kearny
proved to be a brave and capable officer. Second in
command of his unit at the Battle of Gettysburg, he was
present when the 11th came under severe fire just south of
the Klingel House on the second day of the Battle (July 2,
1863). Right after the unit switched directions to resist
Barksdale's attack on the Peach Orchard, Major Kearny
exclaimed to adjutant Lt. John Schoonover, "I tell you, we
are going to have a fight," just as he was shot in the knee
and knocked out of action. Transported to New York City
after the battle, he lingered in pain for over a month and
then succumbed to his wound.
General Philip Kearny
General Philip Kearny was a veteran of the Mexican War, with the rank of captain. It had been decided to equip Kearny's
troop (First United States Dragoons) with horses all of the same color, and he went to Illinois to purchase them. He was
assisted in the work by Abraham Lincoln and finally found himself in possession of one hundred gray horses. While
engaged in battle before the City of Mexico, mounted upon one of the newly purchased grays, "Monmouth," Kearny was
wounded in an arm, which was finally amputated. During the Civil War, Kearny had many excellent animals at his
command, but his most celebrated steed was "Moscow," a high-spirited white horse. On the battlefield, "Moscow" was
conspicuous because of his white coat, but Kearny was heedless of the protests of his staff against his needless exposure.
Another war-horse belonging to General Kearny was "Decatur,"a light bay, which was shot through the neck in the
battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines. "Bayard," a brown horse, was ridden by Kearny at this battle, and his fame will ever
stand in history through the poem by Stedman, "Kearny at Seven Pines." At the battle of Chantilly, Kearny and "Bayard"
were advancing alone near the close of the struggle, when they met with a regiment of Confederate infantry. "Bayard"
instantly wheeled and dashed from danger, with Kearny laying flat upon the horse's neck. A shower of bullets fell about
the general and his charger. They seemed about to escape when a fatal bullet struck the general.
troop (First United States Dragoons) with horses all of the same color, and he went to Illinois to purchase them. He was
assisted in the work by Abraham Lincoln and finally found himself in possession of one hundred gray horses. While
engaged in battle before the City of Mexico, mounted upon one of the newly purchased grays, "Monmouth," Kearny was
wounded in an arm, which was finally amputated. During the Civil War, Kearny had many excellent animals at his
command, but his most celebrated steed was "Moscow," a high-spirited white horse. On the battlefield, "Moscow" was
conspicuous because of his white coat, but Kearny was heedless of the protests of his staff against his needless exposure.
Another war-horse belonging to General Kearny was "Decatur,"a light bay, which was shot through the neck in the
battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines. "Bayard," a brown horse, was ridden by Kearny at this battle, and his fame will ever
stand in history through the poem by Stedman, "Kearny at Seven Pines." At the battle of Chantilly, Kearny and "Bayard"
were advancing alone near the close of the struggle, when they met with a regiment of Confederate infantry. "Bayard"
instantly wheeled and dashed from danger, with Kearny laying flat upon the horse's neck. A shower of bullets fell about
the general and his charger. They seemed about to escape when a fatal bullet struck the general.
Decatur &
Bayard & Kearny
Moscow & Kearny
Nathaniel Norris Halsted born August 13, 1816 in Elizabeth,
New Jersey. He served as General and Commander in the
Civil War of camps Olden and Perrine at Trenton, New
Jersey. He was also active in church and hospital work and
in the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. He succeeded in
getting the necessary laws passed in Trenton, and in March
1867, Kearny became a separate township. It was named
after his good friend General Philip Kearny. Halsted said,
"he died that she might live, " it is unnecessary to make any
extended remarks of Fighting Phil Kearny's career at this
place." Genaral Halsted was killed on May 6, 1884 at the
Market Street Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in
Newark, while getting off a train. He left behind at his home
"Hillside" in Harrison a wife, Nancy Ward Marsh Halsted
who had no children. In Princeton, he helped in building the
astronomical observatory which bears his name.
New Jersey. He served as General and Commander in the
Civil War of camps Olden and Perrine at Trenton, New
Jersey. He was also active in church and hospital work and
in the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. He succeeded in
getting the necessary laws passed in Trenton, and in March
1867, Kearny became a separate township. It was named
after his good friend General Philip Kearny. Halsted said,
"he died that she might live, " it is unnecessary to make any
extended remarks of Fighting Phil Kearny's career at this
place." Genaral Halsted was killed on May 6, 1884 at the
Market Street Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in
Newark, while getting off a train. He left behind at his home
"Hillside" in Harrison a wife, Nancy Ward Marsh Halsted
who had no children. In Princeton, he helped in building the
astronomical observatory which bears his name.
"Belle Grove" Kearny's Castle
Agnes Maxwell
Kearny
Kearny
PHILIP KEARNY ( From Atkinson’s History of Newark.) was born in New York City, June 2, 1815. He was of Irish lineage,
one of his paternal ancestors being Edmund Kearny, who "married Elizabeth Fox, of Balligdien, in the County of
Limerick, Esquire, in the latter end of the reign of King Henry VII., and had issue, James Kearny, who married Eleanor O’
Brien, daughter of Murrough O’Brien, fourth son of Thurlough, Earl of Thomond, by Eleanor, daughter to Thomas
Fitzgerald, Knight of the Valley, &c." A number of the Kearnys lost their lives "in the service of Queen Elizabeth, against
the Earl of Desmond." The first of the family to come and settle in America was Michael Kearny. He came here in the
early part of the seventeenth century, and settled at Shrewsbury, New Jersey. That he was a man of distinction in the
colony, is shown by his incumbency of the office of colonial Secretary of State. He had two sons, one named Michael and
the other Philip, both born in this country. Michael became a Post-Captain in the British navy, which position he
resigned soon after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. He afterwards settled on a farm in Morris County. His
brother Philip lived at Amboy, and was the grandfather of General Philip Kearny, the subject of this sketch. On the
General’s maternal side there was a strain of Huguenot stock. Even as a boy Philip developed a decided penchant for
military life. After passing through Columbia College, and for a time studying law, he sought and obtained a lieutenant’s
commission in a regiment of dragoons, in which Jefferson Davis was a captain. In 1839 he was one of three United States
officers sent to France to pursue, by permission of the French Government, a course of instruction at the military school
of Saumar. Quitting his studies, he went to Africa with the French army, was attached to the Chasseurs d’Afrique, and in
two engagements distinguished himself. He returned to America in 1841, was attached to General Scott’s staff; and
during the Mexican war made his mark as an officer of great skill and equal courage. At Cherubusco he performed a
most daring feat, had his left arm shot away, and was promoted to be major. Subsequently he fought against the Indians
in Oregon and California, but soon wearied of that sort of service. Resigning his commission, he visited Europe and
traveled extensively, making Paris his trans-Atlantic residence. During the Italian-Austro war of 1859, he served, as aide-
de-camp on the staff of General Morris, and was present at the battle of Solferino. For signal gallantry he received from
Napoleon III. the cross of the Legion of Honor. Early in the Spring of 1861 he returned to America eager to enter the
service of his country. He tried in vain to obtain a commission from the Governor of New York. Several Jerseymen of
influence then interested themselves in behalf of the Major, and, on July 25, Kearny was commissioned by the Governor
of New Jersey, Brigadier General of Volunteers, and assigned to the command of the First New Jersey Brigade, just then
organized and attached to Franklin’s Division. With all the ardor of a young subaltern ambitious for opportunity to win
his spurs, General Kearny though now a man slightly beyond the meridian of life— he was forty-six- panted for the fray.
Like a fiery charger held by the bridle he was restive under delay. In his lexicon there was no such word as "wait." He
saw the foe in front. It mattered not to him how large his number was, how superior his position, or how inferior the
attacking party, Kearny was impatient to close and grapple with him. To be inactive, was with him, to be almost if not
quite cowardly; to fail to push forward was feebleness. During the Autumn of 1861 and along into the Spring of 1862,
Kearny chafed continuously under what he considered the halting, doubting, undecided and vacillating course pursued
by our armies. In March he was offered the command of a Division vacated by General Sumner’s promotion. Because he
could not take his Jersey boys with him he declined, an act of self-denial that planted him for ever in the hearts of not
only his own soldiers but in those of other commands. Subsequently however, under a sense of imperative public duty,
he assumed command of a Division in Heintzelman’s Corps. The opportunities he thirsted for came at last, the battles of
the Peninsula. In all of these he "displayed conspicuous bravery and skill." He was at Williamsburg, arriving there with
other commanders, just in time to save Hooker and his old Jersey troops. At Fair Oaks (or Seven Pines) and White Oak
Swamp, he behaved as was his wont. "Wherever the danger was greatest, there he pressed, carrying with him a personal
power which was equal to a reinforcement." It was the same at Malvern Hill. Alas! it was the same at Chantilly— fatal,
disastrous Chantilly— where brave, noble, "Fighting Phil" Kearny paid the penalty of being too brave, too daring, too
chivalric.
one of his paternal ancestors being Edmund Kearny, who "married Elizabeth Fox, of Balligdien, in the County of
Limerick, Esquire, in the latter end of the reign of King Henry VII., and had issue, James Kearny, who married Eleanor O’
Brien, daughter of Murrough O’Brien, fourth son of Thurlough, Earl of Thomond, by Eleanor, daughter to Thomas
Fitzgerald, Knight of the Valley, &c." A number of the Kearnys lost their lives "in the service of Queen Elizabeth, against
the Earl of Desmond." The first of the family to come and settle in America was Michael Kearny. He came here in the
early part of the seventeenth century, and settled at Shrewsbury, New Jersey. That he was a man of distinction in the
colony, is shown by his incumbency of the office of colonial Secretary of State. He had two sons, one named Michael and
the other Philip, both born in this country. Michael became a Post-Captain in the British navy, which position he
resigned soon after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. He afterwards settled on a farm in Morris County. His
brother Philip lived at Amboy, and was the grandfather of General Philip Kearny, the subject of this sketch. On the
General’s maternal side there was a strain of Huguenot stock. Even as a boy Philip developed a decided penchant for
military life. After passing through Columbia College, and for a time studying law, he sought and obtained a lieutenant’s
commission in a regiment of dragoons, in which Jefferson Davis was a captain. In 1839 he was one of three United States
officers sent to France to pursue, by permission of the French Government, a course of instruction at the military school
of Saumar. Quitting his studies, he went to Africa with the French army, was attached to the Chasseurs d’Afrique, and in
two engagements distinguished himself. He returned to America in 1841, was attached to General Scott’s staff; and
during the Mexican war made his mark as an officer of great skill and equal courage. At Cherubusco he performed a
most daring feat, had his left arm shot away, and was promoted to be major. Subsequently he fought against the Indians
in Oregon and California, but soon wearied of that sort of service. Resigning his commission, he visited Europe and
traveled extensively, making Paris his trans-Atlantic residence. During the Italian-Austro war of 1859, he served, as aide-
de-camp on the staff of General Morris, and was present at the battle of Solferino. For signal gallantry he received from
Napoleon III. the cross of the Legion of Honor. Early in the Spring of 1861 he returned to America eager to enter the
service of his country. He tried in vain to obtain a commission from the Governor of New York. Several Jerseymen of
influence then interested themselves in behalf of the Major, and, on July 25, Kearny was commissioned by the Governor
of New Jersey, Brigadier General of Volunteers, and assigned to the command of the First New Jersey Brigade, just then
organized and attached to Franklin’s Division. With all the ardor of a young subaltern ambitious for opportunity to win
his spurs, General Kearny though now a man slightly beyond the meridian of life— he was forty-six- panted for the fray.
Like a fiery charger held by the bridle he was restive under delay. In his lexicon there was no such word as "wait." He
saw the foe in front. It mattered not to him how large his number was, how superior his position, or how inferior the
attacking party, Kearny was impatient to close and grapple with him. To be inactive, was with him, to be almost if not
quite cowardly; to fail to push forward was feebleness. During the Autumn of 1861 and along into the Spring of 1862,
Kearny chafed continuously under what he considered the halting, doubting, undecided and vacillating course pursued
by our armies. In March he was offered the command of a Division vacated by General Sumner’s promotion. Because he
could not take his Jersey boys with him he declined, an act of self-denial that planted him for ever in the hearts of not
only his own soldiers but in those of other commands. Subsequently however, under a sense of imperative public duty,
he assumed command of a Division in Heintzelman’s Corps. The opportunities he thirsted for came at last, the battles of
the Peninsula. In all of these he "displayed conspicuous bravery and skill." He was at Williamsburg, arriving there with
other commanders, just in time to save Hooker and his old Jersey troops. At Fair Oaks (or Seven Pines) and White Oak
Swamp, he behaved as was his wont. "Wherever the danger was greatest, there he pressed, carrying with him a personal
power which was equal to a reinforcement." It was the same at Malvern Hill. Alas! it was the same at Chantilly— fatal,
disastrous Chantilly— where brave, noble, "Fighting Phil" Kearny paid the penalty of being too brave, too daring, too
chivalric.
Upon that fateful September 1st, after he had saved Pope’s army from a rout, driven Lee’s forces back and frustrated
effectually Lee’s designs upon Washington, Kearny rode forward about sunset to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
Unexpectedly he came upon the Confederate lines. A summons to surrender was met with defiance, and as the General
turned to fly, spurring his charger and lying forward on its neck, he was shot dead, his body falling into the hands of the
enemy. The fatal ball entered at the hip and came out at the breast.
A thrilling sensation swept the heart-strings of the nation when it was announced that Kearny was shot dead, and there
was deep lamentation everywhere. In the army, where he was idolized, strong men who had often faced death wept
bitter tears of anguish. Even in the Confederate lines brave men grieved— as brave men only can grieve— over the fall of
him, whom in the bitterness of frequent defeats, they had called "the One-armed Devil." Once the body of Kearny was
recognized, it was treated with the greatest respect, and the highest honors were paid to it. It was promptly returned to
the Federal lines with all of Kearny’s effects. In Newark the event created the profoundest sorrow. Every fireside went
into mourning. Upon the arrival of the remains and during their passage through the city to the place of interment—
Trinity Church graveyard, New York— the city of Newark, by resolution of the Common Council and universal
concurrence, made every customary manifestation of deep sorrow, including a military and civic funeral procession,
flags everywhere at half-s mast, and a general suspension of ordinary pursuits. Since then, on every recurring
Decoration Day, there have never been found wanting some Jerseymen whose affectionate remembrances of General
Kearny have found beautiful expression in a profuse decoration of his grave with garlands sweetly emblematic of
perennial love and admiration for the noble and the heroic.
Of General Kearny’s character as a soldier it has been written: "His talents as an organizer, his fervid enthusiasm for his
profession, his close study of the art of war, his intuitive perception of character, his strategic genius, his generosity and
lavish expenditure of his large wealth in order to promote the efficiency of his command— all these qualities from the
outset distinguished his career." There was such an abundance of the true chevalier d’honneur about Kearny, there was
such a large share of the noblest manhood in his composition, there was so much that was knightly and chivalric in the
man, that his character will moult no feather in the estimation of the discriminating, if it be said as truth requires it
should be said, that he had one great fault in a military commander. He was too impetuous, too impulsive. He was quick
to think, quick to spring at conclusions, and oftentimes proved a marvel of prescience; but, for all that, it must be
candidly confessed that he was too much controlled by impetuosity and impulsiveness. Without stopping to learn the
real causes, the controlling influences in Washington, as well as the overestimation of Federal and under-estimation of
Confederate strength, General Kearny attacked his General-in-chief; with an intensity of fierceness and fury
characteristic of his physical onslaughts against the armed enemy. For the moment he was remorseless in his use of
words. It was this wild impetuosity, this rash impulsiveness, which cost the nation his precious life. There were scores of
subalterns, and hundreds of unepauletted soldiers, any one of whom could have gone on that fatal reconnoitre at
Chantilly just as well as he. True, he scorned to send an inferior where he would not go himself. It is wisdom however,
not cowardice, in a commander, to avoid needless exposure of his person. There is such a thing as being too brave. At
Chantilly Kearny illustrated this, even as did the gallant hero Custer more than a dozen years later in the Indian country.
Suppose Kearny had restrained his rashness,— who can tell whether he might not have become the chief of the army?
Chantilly’s ill-starred incident avoided, "KEARNY," instead of "GRANT," might have been inscribed forever in American
history as the great captain of the Civil War. A bronze statue of Kearny placed in the interior of the Capitol building at
Trenton, and another in Military Park, Newark, are New Jersey’s tributes to Newark’s illustrious hero.
effectually Lee’s designs upon Washington, Kearny rode forward about sunset to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
Unexpectedly he came upon the Confederate lines. A summons to surrender was met with defiance, and as the General
turned to fly, spurring his charger and lying forward on its neck, he was shot dead, his body falling into the hands of the
enemy. The fatal ball entered at the hip and came out at the breast.
A thrilling sensation swept the heart-strings of the nation when it was announced that Kearny was shot dead, and there
was deep lamentation everywhere. In the army, where he was idolized, strong men who had often faced death wept
bitter tears of anguish. Even in the Confederate lines brave men grieved— as brave men only can grieve— over the fall of
him, whom in the bitterness of frequent defeats, they had called "the One-armed Devil." Once the body of Kearny was
recognized, it was treated with the greatest respect, and the highest honors were paid to it. It was promptly returned to
the Federal lines with all of Kearny’s effects. In Newark the event created the profoundest sorrow. Every fireside went
into mourning. Upon the arrival of the remains and during their passage through the city to the place of interment—
Trinity Church graveyard, New York— the city of Newark, by resolution of the Common Council and universal
concurrence, made every customary manifestation of deep sorrow, including a military and civic funeral procession,
flags everywhere at half-s mast, and a general suspension of ordinary pursuits. Since then, on every recurring
Decoration Day, there have never been found wanting some Jerseymen whose affectionate remembrances of General
Kearny have found beautiful expression in a profuse decoration of his grave with garlands sweetly emblematic of
perennial love and admiration for the noble and the heroic.
Of General Kearny’s character as a soldier it has been written: "His talents as an organizer, his fervid enthusiasm for his
profession, his close study of the art of war, his intuitive perception of character, his strategic genius, his generosity and
lavish expenditure of his large wealth in order to promote the efficiency of his command— all these qualities from the
outset distinguished his career." There was such an abundance of the true chevalier d’honneur about Kearny, there was
such a large share of the noblest manhood in his composition, there was so much that was knightly and chivalric in the
man, that his character will moult no feather in the estimation of the discriminating, if it be said as truth requires it
should be said, that he had one great fault in a military commander. He was too impetuous, too impulsive. He was quick
to think, quick to spring at conclusions, and oftentimes proved a marvel of prescience; but, for all that, it must be
candidly confessed that he was too much controlled by impetuosity and impulsiveness. Without stopping to learn the
real causes, the controlling influences in Washington, as well as the overestimation of Federal and under-estimation of
Confederate strength, General Kearny attacked his General-in-chief; with an intensity of fierceness and fury
characteristic of his physical onslaughts against the armed enemy. For the moment he was remorseless in his use of
words. It was this wild impetuosity, this rash impulsiveness, which cost the nation his precious life. There were scores of
subalterns, and hundreds of unepauletted soldiers, any one of whom could have gone on that fatal reconnoitre at
Chantilly just as well as he. True, he scorned to send an inferior where he would not go himself. It is wisdom however,
not cowardice, in a commander, to avoid needless exposure of his person. There is such a thing as being too brave. At
Chantilly Kearny illustrated this, even as did the gallant hero Custer more than a dozen years later in the Indian country.
Suppose Kearny had restrained his rashness,— who can tell whether he might not have become the chief of the army?
Chantilly’s ill-starred incident avoided, "KEARNY," instead of "GRANT," might have been inscribed forever in American
history as the great captain of the Civil War. A bronze statue of Kearny placed in the interior of the Capitol building at
Trenton, and another in Military Park, Newark, are New Jersey’s tributes to Newark’s illustrious hero.
"Oh, evil the black shroud of night at Chantilly,
That hid him from sight of his brave men and tried!
Foul, foul sped the bullet that clipped the white lily,
The flower of our knighthood, the whole army’s
pride."
That hid him from sight of his brave men and tried!
Foul, foul sped the bullet that clipped the white lily,
The flower of our knighthood, the whole army’s
pride."
Philip Kearny's boyhood heros were Count Wilhelm of
Schaumburg-Lippe and Count Johann Tserclaes of Tilly.
He also admired Louis Gabriel Suchet, one of the most
brilliant of Napoleon's generals.
Schaumburg-Lippe and Count Johann Tserclaes of Tilly.
He also admired Louis Gabriel Suchet, one of the most
brilliant of Napoleon's generals.
Charles F. Hopkins Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, He was mustered
in as a Private in Company I, 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on June 10, 1861, and
was promoted to Corporal on January 1, 1862. While serving with his regiment at the
Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia, (June 27, 1862), he carried a severely wounded comrade
to saftey while under severe, heavy fire. He was twice wounded while performing this
brave act, and returned to the battle line after his comrade was safe. He was awarded
the CMOH for his heroism in 1892. Later in the war he was captured, and spent part of
his imprisonment at the infamous Andersonville Confederate prison stockade. He was
eventually discharged from the serviced as a paroled prisoner on April 21, 1865 at
Trenton, New Jersey. Long after the war was over, Corporal Hopkins led the drive to
have his former brigade commander General Philip Kearny disinterred from his
unmarked grave in Manhattan and re-buried with full military honors in Arlington
National Cemetery. He was successfull in his efforts, and General Kearny was
re-interred in 1912 in a solumn military ceremony attended by Hopkins, prominent
Civil War veterans, and President Woodrow Wilson.
in as a Private in Company I, 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on June 10, 1861, and
was promoted to Corporal on January 1, 1862. While serving with his regiment at the
Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia, (June 27, 1862), he carried a severely wounded comrade
to saftey while under severe, heavy fire. He was twice wounded while performing this
brave act, and returned to the battle line after his comrade was safe. He was awarded
the CMOH for his heroism in 1892. Later in the war he was captured, and spent part of
his imprisonment at the infamous Andersonville Confederate prison stockade. He was
eventually discharged from the serviced as a paroled prisoner on April 21, 1865 at
Trenton, New Jersey. Long after the war was over, Corporal Hopkins led the drive to
have his former brigade commander General Philip Kearny disinterred from his
unmarked grave in Manhattan and re-buried with full military honors in Arlington
National Cemetery. He was successfull in his efforts, and General Kearny was
re-interred in 1912 in a solumn military ceremony attended by Hopkins, prominent
Civil War veterans, and President Woodrow Wilson.
John Watts Kearny while there was no truth to the rumor
that Philip Kearny's son by Diana, had tried to join the
Confederate Army so he could shoot at his father, there was
no love lost between them. The son sided with the mother
during the divorce and rarely, if ever, spoke to his father
after it. Despite this, upon Philip's death, it is said he
received the largest inheritance in the history of the United
States to that date. Eventually he settled in Bellegrove, and
the estate stayed in the family's hands until it was torn
down in 1926 to make room for a real estate development.
that Philip Kearny's son by Diana, had tried to join the
Confederate Army so he could shoot at his father, there was
no love lost between them. The son sided with the mother
during the divorce and rarely, if ever, spoke to his father
after it. Despite this, upon Philip's death, it is said he
received the largest inheritance in the history of the United
States to that date. Eventually he settled in Bellegrove, and
the estate stayed in the family's hands until it was torn
down in 1926 to make room for a real estate development.
Count Wilhelm of
Schaumburg-Lippe
Schaumburg-Lippe
Count Johann
Tserclaes of Tilly
Tserclaes of Tilly
Louis Gabriel Suchet
Napoleon Bonaparte
