Washington Carroll Tevis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Washington Carroll Tevis
Bvt. Brig. Gen. Washington C. Tevis
Other names	Charles Carroll Tevis Nassim Bey
Born	(1828-02-22)February 22, 1828 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	September 29, 1900(1900-09-29) (aged 72) Paris, France
Allegiance	United States of America Union  Ottoman Empire Khedivate of Egypt Fenian Brotherhood  United Kingdom Papal States  France
Branch	United States Army Union Army Ottoman Army Fenian Brotherhood Papal Army French Army Egyptian Army
Rank	Kaymakam (Lt. Colonel) (Ottomans) Colonel (USA) Bvt. Brigadier General (USA) Brigadier General (Fenians) Lt. Colonel (Papal Army) General de Brigade (France) Brigadier General (Egypt)
Unit	4th Delaware Volunteer Infantry
Commands	3rd Maryland Volunteer Cavalry
Conflicts	Crimean War American Civil War Fenian raids Franco-Prussian War Romanian War of Independence (as war correspondent)

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Washington Carroll Tevis (born February 22, 1829 – died September 29, 1900) was an American adventurer. He was also known by other names like Charles Carroll Tevis and Nassim Bey. Tevis served as a soldier in many different armies and conflicts during the 1800s.

Early Life and Education

Washington C. Tevis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 22, 1829. His father, Benjamin Tevis, was an auctioneer and merchant. His mother was Mary Hunter. Benjamin Tevis had served in the War of 1812.

Washington went to the University of Pennsylvania in 1842. He finished his studies in 1845, earning a Master of Arts degree.

Joining the United States Army

In 1845, Tevis joined the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1849. He became a temporary Second Lieutenant in the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. Tevis trained at a special cavalry school. However, he left the army in May 1850. After that, he joined a special cavalry group called the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry.

Adventures in Europe and the Crimean War

Using money he inherited from his father, Tevis traveled to Paris. There, he started using the name "Charles Carroll Tevis." In 1853, he became a Roman Catholic.

On February 4, 1854, he joined the Ottoman Empire's army. He quickly rose through the ranks. He became a Major and then a Lieutenant Colonel. He also adopted a new name, "Nessim Bey." Tevis led soldiers in battles like the Battle of Kurekdere and the Siege of Kars during the Crimean War. For his bravery, he received several awards from the Ottoman Empire and Britain.

Tevis left the Ottoman army in 1855 and returned to Paris. He wrote a book about military tactics and even patented a new type of revolver.

Back in America and the Civil War

Around 1859, Tevis came back to Philadelphia. He wanted to change his name to Charles Carroll de Taillevis. He believed this was his family's original name.

In 1860, Tevis married Blanche Florance. Her parents were Jewish and did not approve of the marriage because Tevis was Christian.

When the American Civil War began, Tevis joined the Union Army. Even though he was an experienced cavalry soldier, he became a Lieutenant Colonel in the infantry. He helped organize the 4th Delaware Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In June 1863, Tevis led a group of 400 soldiers. They successfully destroyed a large amount of Confederate supplies.

In September 1863, Tevis was chosen to lead a special cavalry regiment. This group, the 3rd Maryland Volunteer Cavalry, was made up of Confederate prisoners of war. These prisoners had agreed to fight for the Union. Tevis's regiment patrolled areas in Maryland. They also made arrests during elections. Tevis was discharged from the army in July 1864. Later, he was given the honorary rank of Brigadier General.

Fenian Army and Secret Missions

After the Civil War, Tevis joined the Fenian Brotherhood. This group wanted to help Ireland gain independence. They planned military attacks on Canada. In November 1865, Tevis became a Brigadier General in the Fenian army.

Tevis helped buy muskets for the Fenians. He was supposed to lead an attack on Canada from the west. However, he could not arrange transportation for his troops. Because of this, he was removed from his position.

It was later revealed that Tevis was secretly working for the British government. He was paid to provide information about the Fenians' plans. He continued to be a secret agent for many years.

Serving the Pope

Tevis had said he would join the Pope's army back in 1853. After his time with the Fenians, he joined the Papal Zouaves. This was an international group of soldiers. The Papal States were facing challenges from Italians who wanted to unite Italy. Tevis suggested he could recruit American soldiers to fight for the Pope. He wrote letters to an American Catholic newspaper, asking for support. However, some American bishops did not agree with his plan. Tevis then resigned from the Papal army.

For his efforts, the Pope honored Tevis. He was made a Papal Chamberlain and given the title of Count.

Franco-Prussian War

In December 1870, Tevis became a temporary Brigade General in the French army. He commanded a brigade during the Franco-Prussian War. His brigade fought in several battles. Tevis was wounded in the Battle of the Lisaine. In January 1871, he became a French citizen. He also received the Legion of Honour, a high French award.

Service in the Egyptian Army

In 1870, the leader of Egypt, Isma'il Pasha, wanted to modernize his army. He hired American military advisors. Tevis joined the Egyptian army in 1872 as a Brigadier-General. He commanded the Military Engineering School in Cairo. Tevis left the Egyptian service in 1873.

Journalist and Double Agent

After his military career, Tevis became a journalist. He wrote for Philadelphia Times and New York Times. He reported from Bucharest during the Romanian War of Independence in 1877. He covered the Siege of Plevna until he was expelled by the Russians.

While living in Paris, Tevis continued to work as a double agent for Great Britain. He provided information about plots by Fenians and an Indian prince named Duleep Singh.

Personal Life and Death

Tevis had a daughter with Blanche Florance, named Marie-Adele Florance Tevis. She was born in 1865. She later married a French cavalry general.

Tevis and Blanche divorced in 1885. Washington Carroll Tevis died in Paris on September 29, 1900. He was buried at Montparnasse Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Bvt. Brig. Gen. Washington C. Tevis

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  Colonel rank insignia

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  Brigadier General rank insignia

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  Flag of Khedivate of Egypt

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  Flag of Fenian Brotherhood

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  Flag of the Papal States