As a member of a wealthy New York family, Philip
Kearny had nearly everything he wanted, except a military career. Forced by
family pressure to become an attorney, he stuck to that vocation until his
grandfather’s will made him a millionaire.
As soon as he got his hands on his fortune,
Kearny went to France to study at the Samur cavalry school. From that
installation he went to Africa as a cavalry leader and fought with such
distinction that he won the French Legion of Honor. Back in the United States,
he fought in the Mexican War before returning to Europe to take part in the
Crimean War.
When the Civil War erupted, Kearney’s commission
as a brigadier general of volunteers was backdated to May 17, 1861. Having led
with distinction at Williamsburg, Seven Pines, and during the Seven Days, he
was made a major general.
Few men on either side had a combat record to
match that of Kearny. Still, he managed to ride into Confederate instead of
Union lines at Chantilly and realized his blunder too late to spur his mount to
safety. A volley from Virginians in gray brought an end to his distinguished
career, and his rider less horse was captured.
When Robert E. Lee learned what had taken place,
he told aides that “a gesture of courtesy” was essential. When they nodded in
agreement, the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia dispatched Kearny’s
horse and gear to the distraught widow of his opponent.
This sculpture is located in Arlington Cemetery near the
Custis House, also known as the Arlington House / Robert E. Lee Memorial.
