William S. Harney

William Selby Harney (22 August 1800 - 9 May 1889) was a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War and the Indian Wars.

Civil War

In Saint Louis, Missouri, where he commanded the Army's Department of the West, he warned that state against secession, but raised the suspicions of political enemies when he negotiated with Confederate General Sterling Price in order to keep the state from being torn in two by the war. Called to Washington, he was captured by Confederates en route and was offered a command by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. He refused and was released to continue on to Washington, where he was shocked to learn that he was being relieved of his command. He retired in 1863 and was breveted to Major General in 1865 in recognition of his long and distinguished career. President Lincoln said that the removal of General Harney was one of the greatest mistakes of his administration.

Related Topics:
Saint Louis - Missouri - Confederate - Sterling Price - Washington - Robert E. Lee - 1865 - Lincoln

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