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.

Early Military Career

Harney started his military career in 1818 as a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Infantry. He forced the pirate Jean Lafitte to move his operations to the coast of Spain. He served with distinction during the Seminole Wars and the Blackhawk War.

Related Topics:
1818 - Jean Lafitte - Spain - Seminole Wars - Blackhawk War

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During the Mexican-American War he was appointed colonel and commanded the 2nd Dragoons. The 2nd Dragoons were attached to John E. Wool's command during the Chihuahua Expedition and the battle of Buena Vista. Harney joined Winfield Scott's Army as senior cavalry officer Fighting with distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo he received a promotion to brevet brigadier general. He was placed in commanded of Military Department Number 5 after the war. While on leave in Paris he was recalled to lead an expedition against the Sioux after the Grattan Massacre culminating in the Battle of Ash Hollow in 1855. For his merciless handling of the battle he was known among the Sioux as "the Butcher". He was then placed in command of the Deptartment of Oregon. During this time he sent troops under Captain George E. Pickett to San Juan Island precipitating the Pig War. Due to these altercations with the British he was recalled. Briefly in command of troops during the Utah War he was again recalled and placed in command of troops sent to deal with the Bleeding Kansas affair. Promoted to full brigadier general on June 14, 1858 he was one of four general officers in the regular army at the opening of the Civil War.

Related Topics:
Mexican-American War - Colonel - Dragoons - John E. Wool - Chihuahua - Battle of Buena Vista - Winfield Scott - Battle of Cerro Gordo - Brevet - Brigadier general - Paris - Sioux - Grattan Massacre - Battle of Ash Hollow - 1855 - George E. Pickett - San Juan Island - Pig War - British - Utah War - Bleeding Kansas - June 14 - 1858 - Civil War

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