Adolfo Fernández Cavada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adolfo Fernández Cavada
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Captain Adolfo Fernández Cavada
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| Born | May 17th, 1832 Cienfuegos, Cuba |
| Died | December 18, 1871 1871 (aged 38–39) Santiago de Cuba, Cuba |
| Allegiance |  United States Cuba |
| Service/ |
 Union Army (1861–1865) Cuban Liberation Army (1868-1871) |
| Rank |  Captain (U.S.) Commander-in-Chief of the Cinco Villas (Cuba) |
| Unit |  Philadelphia 23rd PA Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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Adolfo Fernández Cavada (May 17, 1832 – December 18, 1871) was a brave soldier and a diplomat. He was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served as a captain in the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, fighting alongside his brother, Colonel Federico Fernández Cavada. Adolfo fought well in important battles like Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. He was also a special helper to General Andrew A. Humphreys.
After the war, Adolfo became a consul (a diplomat) for the United States in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He later joined his brother in the fight for Cuba's freedom from Spain. This fight was called the Ten Years' War. Adolfo became a top leader in the Cuban army. He sadly died in battle while fighting for Cuba's independence.
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Adolfo's Early Life and Education
Adolfo Fernández Cavada was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. His parents were Isidoro Fernández Cavada and Emily Howard Gatier. His mother was an American citizen from Philadelphia.
When Adolfo's father passed away in 1838, his mother moved with her children to Philadelphia. There, she met and married Samuel Dutton. The family lived at 222 Spruce Street in Philadelphia. Adolfo went to Central High School in Philadelphia for his education.
Serving in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Adolfo and his brother Federico both joined the Union Army. They became part of the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment in Philadelphia. This regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac.
Adolfo stayed with the 23rd Pennsylvania Regiment. He became an aide, or helper, to General Andrew A. Humphreys. His brother Federico moved to a different regiment. Adolfo took part in several important battles during the war.
Key Battles: Fredericksburg and Gettysburg
Adolfo fought in major battles like the Battle of Fredericksburg. He also fought bravely in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Adolfo kept a diary during the war. His diary is a very detailed and powerful record of the Battle of Gettysburg. He wrote about what he saw and heard during the fighting. For example, he described how "The air was soon full of flying shot, shell and canister--and a groan here and there attested their affect. ...the roar of musketry and the crashing, pounding noise of guns and bursting shells was deafening..."
Fighting for Cuba's Freedom
After the American Civil War, Adolfo Fernández Cavada became a United States consul in Cienfuegos, Cuba. A consul is a diplomat who represents their country in another nation.
However, Adolfo soon resigned from his job. He joined the Cuban fight for independence from Spain. This fight became known as Cuba's Ten Years' War (1868–1878). His brother Federico also resigned from his consul job to join the Cuban rebels.
Leading the Cuban Insurgents
In February 1869, Adolfo led his men in an attack on the town of Palmira. He also commanded his troops in battles at Altos de Potrerillo and Saltadero de Siguanea. He led an attack against the Arimao armory, which stored weapons.
On November 5, 1869, Adolfo's men captured the town of Cienfuegos. A month later, they took Arroyo Blanco. On April 4, 1870, Adolfo Fernández Cavada was promoted. He became the Commander-in-Chief of the Cinco Villas region, with the rank of Major General. He took over this role from his brother Federico, who became the Commander-in-Chief of all Cuban forces.
Adolfo's Death
Adolfo's brother, Federico, was captured by Spanish forces. He was sadly sentenced to death and executed in July 1871.
Just a few months later, on December 18, 1871, Adolfo Fernández Cavada was killed. He died in battle at a coffee farm called La Adelaida, near Santiago de Cuba. He gave his life fighting for Cuba's independence.
Awards and decorations
Fernández Cavada's awards and decorations include the following:
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Army Civil War Campaign Medal
See also
In Spanish: Adolfo Fernández Cavada para niños
- Hispanics in the American Civil War
- Federico Fernández Cavada
