Albemarle Cady facts for kids

Albemarle Cady (February 15, 1807 – March 14, 1888) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in several major conflicts, including the Second Seminole War, the Mexican–American War, the First Sioux War, and the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he held important administrative roles. He was recognized for his bravery with special "brevet" promotions, which are honorary ranks given for excellent service. He retired from the army as a colonel in 1864. Later, he was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general.

Early Life and Military Training

Albemarle Cady was born in Keene, New Hampshire, on February 15, 1807. He attended Norwich Military Academy and then the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated from West Point in 1829.

After graduating, Cady became a second lieutenant in the 6th United States Infantry Regiment. He spent his early career on frontier duty at places like Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1836 and then to captain in 1838.

From 1838 to 1842, Captain Cady fought in the Second Seminole War. This war was fought in Florida against the Seminole people. After the war, he returned to frontier duty in the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

Fighting in the Mexican–American War

Cady played a role in the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848. He took part in several key battles. These included the Siege of Veracruz and the Battle of Cerro Gordo. He also fought in the Capture of San Antonio and the Battle of Churubusco.

In the Battle of Molino del Rey on September 8, 1847, Cady was wounded. He led a group of soldiers who tried to capture a flour mill, which was a tough fight. For his brave actions in this battle, he received an honorary promotion to major.

Cady was also a member of the Aztec Club of 1847. This was a special club for officers who served in the Mexican–American War.

Assignments Before the Civil War

After the Mexican–American War, Cady continued his military service. He was stationed at different forts, including Jefferson Barracks Military Post in Missouri and Fort Scott in Kansas. He also helped with recruiting new soldiers.

In 1853, he was promoted to major in the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He took part in the Sioux Expedition of 1855. During this expedition, he commanded five companies at the Battle of Ash Hollow. This battle involved a conflict with the Sioux people.

Major Cady also served as the Superintendent of the General Recruiting Service. Later, he was on frontier duty at Fort Yuma, California. A military camp, Camp Cady, was named after him in the Mojave Desert. This camp was named by his friend Major James Henry Carleton.

Service During the American Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Cady was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the 7th Infantry Regiment in 1861. He commanded the District of Oregon for several months.

Later, he worked in administrative roles in San Francisco, California. He served as the Acting Inspector-General for the Department of the Pacific. In 1863, he was promoted to colonel of the 8th Infantry Regiment.

Colonel Cady retired from active service in the U.S. Army in May 1864. This was due to a disability from his long and dedicated service. Even after retiring, he continued to serve. He commanded a camp for draftees (soldiers chosen for service) in New Haven, Connecticut, until October 1865.

Later Life and Death

After the Civil War, Albemarle Cady was nominated for another honorary promotion. In 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This was in recognition of his long and loyal service to the army. The United States Senate approved this promotion.

Albemarle Cady passed away in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 14, 1888, at the age of 81. He was buried in the Old North Cemetery (Concord, New Hampshire).