The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-10-08
w. MEDILL, COMMISSIONS
W an LII Aht MEM.
Office Indian Affairs, Oct. 2, 1886.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE UNION.
Notice Of Bigader General Stephen W. KeGrnsy, Of
The United States arrny.
New York, October {

The United States army.
New York, October G. 1916.
DEAR SIR: have felt so much interest in the
progress Of our military operations against Mexico,
and such unalloyed pleasure in the brilliant
es Of the gallant Gen. Taylor and his comrades
that should consider myself wanting in act Of con-
scientous, as well as most agreeable Duty not TO
respond 10 your general invitation in last Satur.
days Union, to such as might communicate infor-
nation touching the early life Of another of our
BILE commanders, who has just won for himself such
enviabe distinction. / mean the conqueror Of Santa
Fe and New Mexico-Brigader General Stephen
w Kearney.
had the happiness to be much acquainted with
him during the four years together class
mates in Columbia College of this city. A few
months before we graduated, G., in the summer of
1912, General Kearney-whose feelings like many
other collegans at the time, became ardently en-
gagged IN behalf of our country in the war which had
thenbeen just declared against Great Britain--camc
TO fixed resolution to enter the army Immediately.
he was one of those young men Of such mhexibe
purpose, though ever of most gentle and courteous
suavy of manner, that no persuasion Of friends
could induce him to defer taking up commission,
which was that of lieutenant in the United States
infantry, although he knew the diploma of bache-
lor of arts would be conferred upon him in few
weeks-that is, in the month of August, 1912. This
diploma, doubtless, was afterwards transmitted to
him by the faculty, as it was in reality nothing
more than mere matter of ceremony, to wait a
few weeks TO receive it in person at the commence
ment.
Before proceeding any farther will remark to
you that General kearney is, believe, native Of
our Empire city, and of one of our old stand
ard families that have 1ourished here the
soil, for veal or for we, and throughout
all the varied fortunes Of our province from long be-
fore the era of the revolution if not from the earliest
settlement of the territory. / cannot speak partic-
uary of his boyhood's life and home though be-
Immediate Iau i'm Ne
lie was, however, but youth like most of us,
even at the moment of our graduation at college,
the practice at our colleges is, you know, to en-
ter very young. Gen. kearney cannot therefore,
at the present time be much, If any, the age of
SO or So He was always a special favorite of the
class, and beloved by all Of them without exception
There never was young man, perhaps, who, in all
his intercourse with Others was more scrupulously
exact--more punctillousIy respectful and courteous
in his department and conduct. Not that would
wish TO have 1t inferred that he set himself up as n
beau ideal of correct manners or was at all eXactng
in matters of idle ceremony and etiquette But that
he possessed in himself and in mis- nature so much
of the inherent soul and fire of chivalry and of
noble sentiments, that he was ever sudiously care
full not TO wound the feelings or amour propre of
others. In fact, he was by constitution so perfect
and accomplished gentleman and had so much
serenity ana equableness oftemper and such upright-
ness Of heart, that he naturally inspired towards
himself the highest degree of respect and affection in
all VINO had the pleasure OF MS acquaintance. What
gave natural grace and force TO the young cole
gian's character, was his unpretending modesty his
stern integrity, and his cool and resoue determine
tan on all occasions where such traits were called
into requisition. Add to this a finely developed
head and eye, features of elegant proportions and
remarkable symmetry, placidreposs and dignity of
carriage, and winning smile ever playing over his
counienanoe, which would strike and captivate the
most Indifferent person. know what Gen. Kear-
ney was in these respects when young man, and
that It would have been difficult for one like him
TO have passed in crowd without becoming 'the
observed Of all observers" Nor do conceive that
the rough life Of the pralres and military Indian
outposts, which he voluntarily exchanged in after
years for all the refnements and luxuries, in tie
midst Of which he had been brought up on the sea-
board, can have in any manner given other than
stil more muscular and impressive outline to the
attractive personal endowments he had derived
from nature.
General Kearnsy, in few weeks after he took up