The One Armed Devil or Kearny le Magnifique (Part 2 on the Kearny boys)

(Correction to first post: My resident historian tells me that General Kearny was killed at the Battle of Chantilly rather than the Battle of Manassas).

There is so much information about Philip Kearny, it seemed worthwhile to give him his own post. This one is long - but please stick it out - General Philip Kearny's colorful story is worth the read. I've tried to pick and choose from an article from the New Jersey Historical Magazine article titled The One-Armed Devil  but it was not an easy task. It appears General Kearny was legendary!

• His parents were Philip Kearny, a well-to-do financier, and Susan Watts Kearny, the daughter of the immensely wealthy John Watts.

• Small in stature as a child, he was blessed with a strong intellect and maturity, although he could often be stubborn and showed flashes of the violent temper that would vex him throughout his life. 

• At the young age of seven, his mother died after a lingering illness. 

• One of Kearny's early talents was horsemanship and by the age of eight he could ride better than most adults. His recklessness in the saddle caused his father much consternation and before long his neighbors in the area began referring to the young rider as, "A perfect horse killer."

• When his father and grandfather heard of his intention to take the exam for entry to West Point Academy and a military career, they flatly refused to consider it. They intended for him to study for a career in law and he reluctantly accepted their decision, along with a yearly payment of $1,500.00. Graduating in 1834, and after a whirlwind tour of Europe with his cousin John Watts De Peyser, he entered  a law firm in New York City.

• Grandfather John Watts died on September 3, 1836 at the age of 87. In his will he made the 22 year old Kearny a millionaire in his own right. Philip Kearny joined the army.
• Calling on the assistance of his uncle, Lt. Col. Stephen Watts Kearny, as well as the even more prestigious Gen. Winfield Scott, newly commissioned second lieutenant Kearny reported to his uncle at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas and served with the First Dragoons for the next two years protecting settlers and pioneers traveling west. Kearny was a popular, if eccentric officer. A fine horseman, he was quick to praise and reward those under his command. His fellow soldiers enjoyed the benefits of serving with him, as he often used his tremendous wealth to ensure his unit was the best outfitted and supplied one in the United States Army. 
• While serving as an aide-de-camp to Brigadier-Gen.Henry Atkinson, Kearny met the commandant's beautiful sister-in-law, Diana Bullitt.
• Rather than marry Diana as expected, Kearny accepted an assignment overseas. France was considered to have the finest cavalry in the world, and The United States government decided to send three young officers there to study cavalry tactics. Kearny was one of those chosen, perhaps due to the fact that his uncle Stephen made the selections. He arrived 1839, and with permission, Kearny joined the Duke of Orleans Expeditionary Force to Algiers, travelling to North Africa where he performed brilliantly and earned the nickname 'Kearny le Magnifique.' He was offered the French Legion of Honor, but he was forced to decline the award because he was an officer of the United States Army. 

• Upon his arrival back in the United States, Philip Kearny delayed his return to the army until after his father died. He inherited a second fortune and was now one of the richest men in America. When he returned to active service, he requested a field assignment out west, but was instead sent to Washington D.C. 

• On June 24, 1841 he married Diana Bullitt in a lavish ceremony.

• Settling into Washington society, Diana relished her role as the national capital's leading hostess, and Kearny became more and more despondent at his role. He described it as, "A highly placed flunky." The violent temper of his youth reappeared and was directed not only at the army, but at his wife as well. His superiors tired of his temperament and behavior and in 1844 transferred him to his old outpost at Fort Leavenworth. He was thrilled with the new assignment, but his wife was appalled. She had no intention of leaving Washington for the rigors of frontier life, especially with two young children to care for. When he departed for the West, he left his family behind.

• In 1846, he decided he was through with army life and decided to settle down in New York City. Diana was ecstatic but her victory was short lived. When war broke out between the United States and Mexico Kearny withdrew his resignation. He was "gloriously overjoyed" to fight again in a real war. Diana was crushed by his decision. Phil was unmoved by her distress. 

• On August 20, 1847, Gen. Scott confronted the enemy at Churubusco, a village near Mexico City. Leading about 100 cavalrymen he slammed into the retreating enemy at the gates of the city. Vastly outnumbered, Kearny and his men fought valiantly. He charged into the thick of the Mexican forces swinging his saber like a madman. A bugle sounded retreat and many of his men gave way, but Kearny and a few dozen continued the fight. Finally they were overwhelmed and Kearny raced back over the causeway on foot and quickly mounted a rider-less horse. The enemy fired at the now retreating cavalry, and one bullet found its mark on Kearny. His left arm was badly wounded and later that day, as Brig. Gen. Franklin Pierce (later President) held him down, his arm was amputated. Kearny received his brevet at a terrible cost, and was granted a battlefield promotion to Major.

• Major Philip Kearny spent the next six months at home in New York, taking the honorable discharge the army offered. Given a hero's welcome, for the next three years he served as recruiting chief in the city. Diana did not so easily forgive what she considered desertion on his part and their troubles escalated. She left New York. Although it was thought at the time to be temporary, they never again lived together. After only eight years of marriage, she had had enough.

• Kearny continued his recruiting duties and rehabilitation, and eventually was able to overcome his disability, even riding a horse with his old abandon holding the reins in his mouth while he used his right hand to hold his sword. His dissatisfaction with the army continued unabated. He complained that he was never rewarded properly for his heroism in Mexico, and now he felt shunted aside unable to get back in the field. In July 1851, Kearny received orders to rejoin his old command in California, confronting the Rouge River tribe that had gone on a rampage attacking farms and settlers. Kearny marched his men to Oregon and routed the warriors ending hostilities.

• By now the army was fed up with him and his temperament. Never an easy man to deal with, he had become increasingly hostile and ambivalent to his superiors, openly questioning their judgment and qualifications. Kearny admitted defeat and resigned his commission in October 1851. It was promptly accepted. "I had hoped for at least a token murmur of demurral," he later wrote.

• Kearny's military career may have been over, but he was still young (36) and rich. He immediately began a world tour which eventually culminated in Paris. It was there he came upon a young engaged woman by the name of Agnes Maxwell. She was visiting Paris from her home in New York City. Kearny forgot about his wife and four children, and Agnes forgot about her husband-to-be, and they began openly living together in Paris. His legal and embarrassed wife, Diana, angrily refused a divorce when he visited her in 1854 to request one.

• By 1855, Agnes and Kearny had left New York to settle in his new mansion, Bellegrove, overlooking the Passaic River in what is now Kearny, New Jersey. In 1858, Diana finally acceded to his demands for a divorce, but she stipulated in the divorce decree that he could never marry again as long as she lived.

• As soon as the divorce was granted, Kearny began to look for a way around Diana's unusual stipulation. He found it when his lawyers argued that it was only valid in New York State, and Kearny was free to marry Agnes in New Jersey. However, New York did not agree with this interpretation, and for a time Kearny would avoid his native city for fear of arrest on the charge of bigamy.

• The quiet life of a country squire did not suit Kearny for long. In 1859 he traveled to France again and volunteered for the campaign against Austria. He fought with tremendous courage and distinction and when again offered the Legion of Honor, he accepted becoming the first American so honored. He stayed in Paris until 1861, when the outbreak of the Civil War back home spurred him to action. 
• The Union was desperate for skilled leadership. Yet amazingly, Kearny was ignored. His reputation for difficulty seemed to overshadow his reputation for courage and leadership. Also, the Agnes Maxwell scandal outraged many in the War Department. When he realized he was not going to be granted a commission in the army he tried to join as a lowly private, but was again rejected because of his infirmity.
• In July, 1861, New Jersey recognized the War Department's folly and commissioned him as a Brig. General, and placed him in command of the New Jersey Brigade stationed near Alexandria, Virginia. He was tough, but he was fair, and he always looked out for his men, making sure they were properly fed and outfitted even at his own personal expense. 
• In March, 1862, McClellan began the Peninsula Campaign. Kearny and his men gained honor in the campaign and in May he was appointed commander of the 3rd Division as the Union Army continued to advance slowly up the Virginia Peninsula. Boasting that he could, "Make my men follow me to hell," he made good his claim, rushing his troops to the aid of Gen. Joe Hooker at Williamsburg. At one point his troops were bogged down by enemy gunfire in a heavily wooded area. When he told them to return fire, they replied that they could not see the enemy. He charged forward on his horse, his reins in his mouth, drawing the southern troops out of hiding to shoot at him. Racing back to his own line he shouted, "Now you know where they are boys! Go get them!" Twice he escaped ambushes and he had at least one horse shot from under him during the campaign. Southern soldiers in a mix of amazement and admiration began referring to him as,"The One-Armed Devil."
• In late August the army began to push towards Manassas, Virginia, for the disastrous second battle of Bull Run. On August 29, Kearny led his division on a desperate charge at the Confederate left at Groveton. He almost won, but was forced back by superior forces. The following day, Stonewall Jackson battered the Union lines on all fronts and as night fell only a few troops fought on. Kearny's men were one of those few. As even they finally retreated he was heard shouting, "Are there only imbeciles to lead us?"
• The South continued the pressure the following day as a terrific rain storm raged. As night approached the Confederate troops tried to flank the Union army at Chantilly. Kearny, who often acted as his own scout, rode out to survey the area ahead. He galloped straight into a Southern outpost. The order was given to halt and surrender, but Kearny had escaped from more difficult situations. Rearing his horse he galloped away as the soldiers fired after him. Witnesses remembered him shouting, "They can't hit a barn!" A single bullet proved him wrong. It entered the base of his spine and ended his life.
• The day following his death, the body of Gen. Philip Kearny was transported by under a flag of truce and with an honor guard back to the Union front. The body was then sent to Washington and then to his home, Bellegrove where it lay in state. On September 8, Kearny was paraded and honored for a final time, first in Newark and then in Jersey City. He was then brought by ferry to New York City and after services buried in the family crypt at Trinity Church. In 1912 his body was moved to Arlington National Cemetery, his memorial one of only two equestrian statues.
  
  
  
  Years earlier in New York, when he was presented a sword in honor of his charge in the Mexican War, Kearny said, "I must ever so strongly bear in mind that in a Republic particularly applies the motto, "It is a sweet and pleasing thing to die for ones country." He died as he would have wanted, a hero recklessly fighting for his nation. The man had become a legend.

Military History - Major Philip Kearny and General Philip Kearny

MAJOR PHILIP KEARNY (1841-1863) was a Civil War Union Army Officer. Major of the 11th New Jersey Infantry, he was the 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 (1815-1862) was born at New York City, June 2, 1815, the nephew of General Stephen W. Kearny of Mexican War fame.

A goal since boyhood, in 1836 he embraced a military career. In 1839 he attended the French Cavalry School at Saumur, and saw action with Chasseurs d' Afrique in Algiers in 1840. A superb horseman, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1846 his left arm was shattered, necessitating amputation. For gallant conduct he was breveted Major. He went abroad again in 1859 and served in Napoleon III's Imperial Guard during the Italian War. He is said to have taken part in every Cavalry charge at Magenta and Solferino with the reins clenched in his teeth.

When the Civil War broke out, he hurried home and offered his services. He was among the first Brigadier Generals of Volunteers appointed. In the spring of 1862, he rose to command a Division of Cavalry and was made a Major General as of July 4, 1862. At the Battle of Manassas on September 1, 1862, he inadvertently rode into the Confederate lines and was killed instantly by a rifle ball.

He was the originator of the "Kearny Patch," and was termed by General Scott "the bravest man I ever knew, and a perfect soldier." His remains, forwarded under a flag of truce by Robert E. Lee, were first buried in Trinity Churchyard in New York City, but on April 12, 1912 were moved to Arlington National Cemetery. His grave is marked by one of only two equestrian statues in the cemetery.

The Havana Daily Post, August 31, 1910

The interesting tales from the water continue, from the tragic sinking of the Evening Star to Florence Walker's excursion down the eastern coast of the US aboard the Fair Tide. Now we find Arch Walker at age 19 while on a summer adventure being detained in Havana after falling ill while on the steamer Merida. 

From the Havana Daily Post, Wednesday Morning, August 31, 1910: Archibald Walker, a transient passenger from Mexico to New York, arriving Monday on the Merida, was removed from the steamer yesterday and taken to Las Animas hospital  for treatment and observation Sunday. While enroute to Havana he was observed to be quite feverish by the steamer's physician and was confined to his state room. Yesterday his temperature was found to be 103 and it was decided by the public health and United States Marine hospital authorities of this port to remove him to the hospital. Mr. Walker is a student of Trinity College, 19 years of age and residing in Claremont, NH. He has been spending a month of his vacation on the west coast of Mexico and was returning home to re-enter school at the commencement of the Fall term. He is a big husky lad and should he recover to his normal health, he will be allowed to continue his homeward journey, leaving Saturday on the Saratoga.

Representative of Those Who Serve Fellowmen

In 1935, The Times Picayune Loving Cup, first awarded in 1901, was presented to Warren Kearny. In his remarks, Times-Picayune president L.K. Nicholson stated, "To list in detail Mr. Kearny's contributions to civic betterment would, I am sure, prove burdensome to him we honor today. The motivating force in Mr. Kearny's life has been his sense of civic duty. He has, in the deepest and most significant meaning of the word, been a servant of his fellowmen. At times, his service was discharged in public office - office which he filled with dignity an distinction. More typical of this service, I believe, has been his quiet and unassuming dedication to the ways of right and his unfailing sympathy with the lot of simple men."

The sterling silver cup, measuring 12 3/4 inches wide x 9 3/4 inches tall, is hand engraved on both sides.  One side reads, "The Times-Picayune Loving Cup. Every year the Times Picayune presents a loving cup to that citizen who during the previous year renders the greatest service to the City of New Orleans."

The opposite side reads, "For the year 1935. Awarded to Warren Kearny for his untiring efforts toward the betterment of New Orleans and in recognition of his unselfish service to his fellowman."

Warren Kearny (1870-1947) was the father of Ellen Lee Sloo Kearny Watters, mother of Alfred Adair Watters, Jr. and Warren Kearny Watters. 

Southward on Fair Tide

I'm sharing another sailing story, but this time it's a Walker tale, it took place only sixty five years ago, and it has a happy ending.

Florence Letitia Dale Walker (mother of Natalie) joined her friend Mary Edwards, Captain Theodore Marceau and woodcut artist Fiske Boyd in Charleston, SC for the last few weeks of a trip that began in New York on October 31, 1931. Joining the crew for this adventure was Chuck, the seagoing parrot and ship's mascot.

Captain Marceau wrote a book about the journey but could not find a publisher so he self-printed, binding copies for his travel mates. It consists of 100 pages of carbon copies typed on onion skin paper.

How Florence came to be friends with Mary Edwards is unclear, but Florence and Arch met Fair Tide in Charleston on November 14 and from all accounts, Arch and Theodore had a grand time enjoying the official drink, "Fair Tide Special", which they followed with Old Crow and ginger ale, and then Arch Walker's corn liquor brought from Spartanburg. After two nights, Arch headed home and Fair Tide sailed out of Charleston Harbor with Florence as part of the crew.

The Fair Tide had an overall length of forty feet and a five person capacity. The description of the journey down the east coast of the United States is fascinating. Historically, I found one small tidbit that stuck with me and put the timing of the trip into perspective. As Fair Tide left its mooring in New York to begin the journey, Marceau writes "Passed under the gigantic George Washington Bridge twenty minutes later. It is the world's largest suspension bridge, spanning the Hudson River at 170th St., and was opened for traffic last week."

On Sunday, November 29, Fair Tide sailed into Biscayne Bay. Captain Marceau's last order to his crew - "A double ration of grog for all hands!!!".

The Tragedy of The Evening Star

Going back to the Watters branch of the family through the Kearny line, these five souls were lost on the morning of October 3, 1866 when the Evening Star sank after sailing into a hurricane 180 miles east of Tybee Island, GA. Of the approximately 300 aboard, 283 perished. The ship contained lifeboats for only 60 people and not enough life vests for all on board. One group of survivors were picked up by a passing vessel and taken to the port of Savannah, GA while a second group drifted for days and came ashore on the north end of Amelia Island, FL.

William Henry Palfrey

On a more humorous note, an article from a New Orleans source states, "The passenger list was right out of a novel. Besides Civil War veterans, businessmen and families, there was a wide assortment of 'entertainers' (circus performers, magicians, comedians, French opera singers, a ballet troupe and 'ladies of the evening'). The New York Times reported that as many as ninety-five prostitutes perished including a Mrs. King of 'New Orleans notoriety' who 'owned a mansion on Basin Street valued at $75,000'. Her mission was described as an 'unholy errand'. One of the Star madams had a beautiful pair of ponies on board and a fine new carriage."

Horseback Honeymoon

Continuing with the wedding theme but moving to the Walker side of the family, meet Harriet Harris Upham and John Sydney Walker.


Harriet and John were married on January 31, 1848, before embarking upon their honeymoon journey on horseback. The travel list shown below, in either Harriet or John's hand, describes "Splendid conditions. A wedding journey on horseback." Beginning in Charlestown, New Hampshire and ending in Claremont, they traveled 1,000 miles.

 

The Beginning of "The Saga, continued"

You probably remember the Saga written by Nat Watters a few years ago. It's a wonderful compilation of history and family lore and is the inspiration for this blog. I've been working for over a year on Walker and Watters genealogy; organizing and scanning the multitude of photographs and rich written history our families have diligently preserved for generations. As I've uncovered stories and connections, many times I've wished for an easy way to share with you, the family. Perhaps a blog is the answer. I'll post periodically, and the intent is to post pictures with a short explanation or story. Somewhere along the way I'll record some interesting facts and fiction, and you may learn something about the family you didn't know.

A combination of things happened over the past week to give me the idea for the first post of The Saga, continued. In the midst of preparing for a trip to Vermont for a Wilkins wedding, I realized that the bride will wear a ring with a Watters family history and I will be wearing a bracelet from the same person, along with a pin that Arch Walker brought from a tour in Europe in WWII. Additionally, I uncovered Carrie Stevens and John Watters newspaper wedding announcement.

In honor of Katie Connor and David Wilkins, let's start with the marriage of Carrie Octavie Stevens and John Sproston Watters in April of 1890. Thanks for reading, and Cheers to David and Katie!