Lot 114
Kearny, General Philip (1815-1862) U.S. Army officer who lost an arm in the Mexican-American War and was killed in action at the Battle of Chantilly (1862); renowned for his bravery and recklessness. Autograph Letter Signed ("P. Kearny"), 1½ pp, 5¼ x 8 in., Paris, n.d. (c. early to mid 1850s). To "My dear Chase," regarding the scandal over Kearny's affair with Agnes Maxwell (whom he eventually married after a rancorous divorce from his wife Diana). In part: "I enclose another extract. It came with no remarks from Catherine Anderson, a former mistress whom I suspect of having some old (stolen) letters of Miss M--….first publication having been stopped….I now fear but it will be copied by Salignan's [French magazine]…How can that be guarded against….can you do anything (saying that indictments have been ordered out at home)--only be guarded. or had I better write to our Consul. The latter I would prefer avoiding. Do that which is most discreet & let me know…."
Kearny studied law as a young man but when into the military after inheriting a fortune from his grandfather. He spent time with the French army in Africa (1839-40) and was awarded the Legion of Honor; he then served as aid to General Scott (1841-44) and took part in the Mexican-American War, losing his left arm in battle at Churubusco. He went back to Europe a decade later and received a second decoration of the Legion of Honor. He returned home when the Civil War broke out and was made brigadier-general of volunteers after the battle of Bull Run. He commanded a brigade of New Jersey troops in Franklin's division, Army of the Potomac. On Sept. 1, 1862, at Chantilly, Kearny, who was known for doing his own scouting, ran into some Confederate troops and ignored a demand to surrender. As he fled, a bullet severed his spine and he died instantly. Estimated Value $500 - 750
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