September 2, 1862 (Wednesday): Lee Extends A Courtesy

General Phillip Kearny

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
September 2, 1862.
Major General JOHN POPE, U. S. Army:
    SIR: The body of General Philip Kearny was brought from the field last night and he was reported dead. I send if forward under a flag of truce, thinking the possession of his remains may be a consolation to his family.
    I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,


    R. E. LEE,
    General.

Official Records, Vol. 1, Series 12, Part 3, Page 807.

Lee had a strong dislike for Pope, having referred to him as a "miscreant".  But he still observed military courtesy, returning the body of Kearny under a flag of true.  At this point Pope did not know what had happened to Kearny, who died leading an attack on Jackson's lines at Chantilly.  He was listed as "missing". Kearny was a valiant, but rash, commander.  Along with General Isaac Stevens, his loss constituted a severe blow in an arm divided in it's loyalty and not having capable officers to spare.