James Allen Hardie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Allen Hardie
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James A. Hardie
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| Born | May 5, 1823 New York City, New York |
| Died | December 14, 1876 (aged 53) Washington, D.C. |
| Mount Olivet Cemetery |
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1843–1876 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Allen Hardie (born May 5, 1823 – died December 14, 1876) was an American soldier. He held many important jobs in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Military Start
James Allen Hardie was born in New York City. He went to the United States Military Academy (often called West Point) and graduated in 1843. He was 11th in his class. After graduating, he joined the 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment.
During the Mexican–American War, Hardie served as a second lieutenant. He was sent to California and worked with the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. He even became the military leader of San Francisco for a time.
After the war, he returned to his regiment. He took part in battles against Native American tribes in Oregon and Washington Territory. He also worked as an aide for Brigadier General John E. Wool. In 1858, Hardie was with General George Wright near Spokane. During this time, a Native American leader named Qualchan was captured and executed. Qualchan's father, Chief Owhi, who was also held by the army, was later killed while trying to escape.
Hardie was promoted to captain. When the American Civil War began, he was working as the Adjutant General for the Department of Oregon.
Serving in the Civil War
On September 28, 1861, Hardie was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then joined the staff of Major General George B. McClellan. Hardie served as the acting adjutant general for the Army of the Potomac during several important campaigns. These included the Peninsula, Maryland, and Fredericksburg campaigns.
On November 29, 1862, he was named a brigadier general of volunteers. However, the United States Senate did not approve this promotion, so it was canceled in January 1863. Later in 1863, he became an assistant adjutant general with the rank of major in the regular army. On May 24, 1864, he was made an inspector general with the rank of colonel.
On March 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Hardie to be a brevet brigadier general in the regular army. This means he was given the rank for his good service, but might not have received the full pay or command that came with it. The Senate confirmed this on March 9, 1865.
Hardie played a key role in two important events during the war:
- During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, he delivered attack orders to Major General William B. Franklin. There was some confusion about these orders, which led to problems in the battle.
- On June 28, 1863, just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg, Hardie delivered a surprise order to Major General George G. Meade. This order appointed Meade as the new commander of the Army of the Potomac.
After the war, on March 8, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Hardie to be a brevet major general in the regular army. The Senate confirmed this promotion on May 4, 1866.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, James Hardie continued to serve as one of the Army's inspector generals. He worked in the military for 37 years until he passed away while still on active duty. In 1876, he became a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
He died in Washington, D.C., and is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
