Felix Salm-Salm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prince Felix of Salm-Salm
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Prince Felix of Salm-Salm during his service in the American Civil War
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| Born | 25 December 1828 Anholt, Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | 18 August 1870 (aged 41) Gravelotte, France |
| Buried |
Anholt
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| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Prussia Austrian Empire United States of America Second Mexican Empire |
| Service/ |
 Prussian Army United States Army Mexican Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1854, 1868–1870 (Prussian Army) 1861–1865 (US Army) 1866–1867 (Mexican Army) |
| Rank | Major (Prussian Army) Brevet Brigadier General (Union Army)Colonel (Mexican Army) |
| Commands held |  8th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment 68th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First Schleswig War Austro-Sardinian War American Civil War French intervention in Mexico Franco-Prussian War |
Prince Felix Constantin Alexander Johann Nepomuk of Salm-Salm (born December 25, 1828 – died August 18, 1870) was a brave Prussian military officer. He was also known as a "soldier of fortune" because he fought for different armies around the world.
Felix Salm-Salm served in many important wars. He fought for the Prussian Army, the Austrian Army, and the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also joined the army of Emperor Maximilian in Mexico before returning to the Prussian Army. He sadly died in battle during the Franco-Prussian War.
Contents
The Exciting Life of Prince Felix Salm-Salm
Early Life and European Adventures
Prince Felix was born on December 25, 1828, at Anholt Castle in Germany. His family was very important, even though their old kingdom was no longer independent. They still had special royal privileges.
Felix started training to be a soldier at a young age. In 1846, he became an officer in the Prussian army. He quickly saw action in the First Schleswig War against Denmark. He showed great bravery in a fight near Aarhus in 1849, even though he was badly wounded.
After this war, he joined the Austrian army and fought in the Austro-Sardinian War in 1859. However, Felix had some personal difficulties and debts, which led him to leave Europe.
Fighting in the American Civil War
In 1861, Felix traveled to the United States. He offered his skills to the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was made a colonel and worked for Brigadier General Louis Blenker.
During this time, he met an American woman named Agnes Leclerc Joy at a party hosted by President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C.. Felix and Agnes got married in 1862. Agnes was very devoted to him and even joined him on the battlefield as a nurse.
Felix took command of the 8th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment for a while. Later, in 1864, he became the colonel of the 68th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in battles in Tennessee and Georgia, including the Battle of Nashville. Towards the end of the war, he was in charge of the post at Atlanta.
By January 1866, he was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier general for his service.
Adventures in Mexico
After the American Civil War ended, Prince Felix went to Mexico in 1866. He offered his services to Emperor Maximilian, who was trying to build up his army. It was unusual because most Americans who went to Mexico after the Civil War had fought for the Confederacy, but Felix had fought for the Union.
By the summer, he was made a colonel and became a close advisor to the Emperor. He was also in charge of the Emperor's household. Felix was captured along with the Emperor at Querétaro. He bravely tried to save Maximilian with his cavalry, but they were surrounded.
Felix, the Emperor, and other generals were sentenced to death. But thanks to the tireless efforts of his wife, Agnes, Felix was pardoned by Benito Juárez, the Mexican leader. He was released in December 1867 and was even promoted to brigadier general during his time in captivity.
Final Battle and Legacy
Soon after his release, Felix returned to Europe. He rejoined the Prussian Army as a major in the 4th Guards Grenadiers regiment.
Tragically, he was killed in action on August 18, 1870, at Saint-Privat-la-Montagne during the Battle of Gravelotte. This battle was part of the Franco-Prussian War. His loyal wife, Agnes, who was again with him on the battlefield as a nurse, made sure his body was brought back to the family crypt at Anholt Castle in Germany.
Prince Felix's adventures were later written about in books, including some by the famous German author Karl May.
Images for kids
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Prince Felix of Salm-Salm in his Mexican uniform.
See also
In Spanish: Félix de Salm-Salm para niños
