Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXV, No. 1, July 1849

Born in 1793 into a prominent New Jersey family, Stephen Watts Kearny grew up with connections to notable figures of the Revolutionary era, yet he never let his lineage define his ambitions. Choosing duty over academic pursuits, the young Princeton student accepted a commission from President Madison and joined the 13th Infantry as a lieutenant. Over a career that would span more than four decades, Kearny earned a reputation for courage, leadership, and steadfast resolve.

His first taste of combat came during the War of 1812 at the daring assault on the British battery at Queenstown. Leading his men alongside Captain John Wool, Kearny helped drive the enemy from a fortified position, securing the United States' first artillery trophies of the war. Captured after the battle, he endured a harsh imprisonment in Canada, an experience that tested his spirit but also forged the determination that would guide his later exploits. Listeners will discover how these early trials set the foundation for a military career that would leave a lasting imprint on American history.