"Kearny the Magnificent"

At the Mexican War battle of Churubusco, his left arm was severely wounded necessitating amputation!

He was killed at Chantilly, Virginia on September 1, 1862!

(1815-62) Born in New York City to a wealthy Irish American family, he attended Columbia College, in NYC, and studied law earning his law degree in 1833. Instead of practicing law however, Kearny yearned for a military career and decided to make the army his profession. He obtained a commission as a second lieutenant of cavalry, assigned to the 1st U.S. Dragoons, who were commanded by his uncle, Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, and whose adjutant general was future Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The regiment was assigned to the western frontier. Kearny was sent to France in 1839 to study cavalry tactics, first attending school at the famous cavalry school in Saumur. He participated in several combat engagements with the Chasseurs d'Afrique in Algeria, and rode into battle with a sword in his right hand, pistol in his left, and the reins in his teeth, as was the style of the Chasseurs. His fearless character in battle earned him the nickname from his French comrades of "Kearny le Magnifique," or in English, "Kearny the Magnificent." He returned to the United States in the fall of 1840, and prepared a cavalry manual for the Army based on his experiences overseas. Kearny was assigned to the staff of General Winfield Scott, soon becoming his aide-de-camp. During the Mexican War, in 1846, his company served as an escort for commanding General Winfield Scott during the advance on Mexico City, and at Churubusco his left arm was shattered necessitating amputation. For his gallant conduct here he was brevetted major. In 1859, he went abroad again and served in Napoleon III's Imperial Guard during the Italian War. He took part in every cavalry charge at Magenta and Solferino with the reins of his horse clenched in his teeth. When the Civil War broke out he hurried home and was one of the first brigadier generals of volunteers appointed. He was assigned to command the "New Jersey Brigade," part of Gen. William B. Franklin's division. He fought in the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, rising to division command. At the close of the 2nd Bull Run campaign, on September 1, 1862, at Chantilly, Va., he was killed. Respected by officers of both the Union & the Confederacy, his body was sent through the lines under a flag of truce by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The originator of the "Kearny Patch," the forerunner of the corps badge, he was termed by General Scott as "the bravest man I ever knew, and a perfect soldier." High praise indeed! General Kearny's own motto was, "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view in uniform with his overcoat draped over his shoulders. He holds his officer's Chasseur style kepi and sword at his front. Imprint on the front mount, Brig. Genl. Philip Kearny. Entered according to Act of Congress AD 1862 by M.B. Brady in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the U.S. for the So. District of New York. Back mark: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, from Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Old period ink inscription on the reverse, "killed before Richmond." Thre is a second inscription in ink at the bottom of the verso, Gift Est. Jane N. Grew, 13 Aug. 1920. Excellent and very desirable cdv of General Phil Kearny!