The Union Commander Signs His Last Pay Voucher before Dying at the Battle of Chantilly

Philip Kearny

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Kearny returned to the United States and was commissioned a brigadier general leading the First New Jersey Brigade. His daring and bravado prompted Civil War historian Bruce Catton to describe him as “all flame and color and ardor with a slim, twisted streak of genius in him.” His colorful life and military career ended with his death during the Battle of Chantilly on September 1, 1862. Just prior to riding off to review the Union line, Kearny had declared, “The Rebel bullet that can kill me has not yet been molded.” However, while trying to escape rebel fire, he was hit with a Minié ball that penetrated his hip and killed him instantly. Confederate General Robert E. Lee sent his body back to the Union line with a message of condolence.

Harrison’s Landing was the wharf of the Harrison family plantation, the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison, located on Virginia’s James River, which was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War.

Accompanied by a Civil War dated New York Daily Tribune newspaper containing accounts of the “War in Virginia,” news from Washington, reports of atrocities committed by the Rebel army, notices of the death of Union officers, political and financial news, and classified advertisements and public notices. 8pp. Printed on a single uncut folio. New York, September 6, 1862. Folded with wear, especially at edges and along folds, and some scattered staining. In very good condition.

Also included is an ALS from Lewis A. Ward (1832-?), a stone-cutter and Union recruit from Danbury, Connecticut, written from Fort Marshall. 3pp. 4to. Baltimore, September 16, 1862. To his future wife Mellie on illustrated Fort Marshall stationery, showing a birds-eye view of the camp and the harbor beyond. Ward enlisted on August 13, 1862, at the age of 30 as a corporal in Company C of the 17^th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted on August 24, 1863, and ended his military service when he was mustered out with his regiment on July 19, 1865. Our letter, which gives an account of camp life, states “There is more fun in camp than you can imageing, [sic] most all kinds of music, and singing all sorts of jokes & tricks are played on one another, in fact a soldiers life is a merry one and not withstanding the hardships…” Ward has also identified various places on the illustrated stationery that he discusses in our letter. Folded and damp stained but in very good condition.