Daniel Sickles

Daniel Edgar Sickles

Daniel Sickles (October 20, 1819 – May 3, 1914) was an American politician, soldier, and diplomat. He is perhaps best known for his service as a Union general during the American Civil War, where his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg were controversial. Sickles was also a prominent political figure, serving in the United States House of Representatives from New York, and later as the U.S. Minister to Spain. His personal life was marked by scandal, most notably the murder of his wife's lover, Philip Barton Key II, the son of Francis Scott Key, which led to his acquittal on grounds of temporary insanity, a first in United States legal history.

Early Life and Career

Daniel Sickles was born in New York City to Susan Marsh Sickles and George Garrett Sickles, a patent lawyer and politician. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1846. Sickles quickly became involved in Democratic Party politics and was elected to the New York State Senate in 1856.

Political Career

Sickles' political career was marked by his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1857, where he served until 1861. His tenure in Congress was overshadowed by his personal scandals, including his notorious affair and the subsequent murder of Philip Barton Key II in 1859. Despite the scandal, Sickles was acquitted of the murder, largely due to his defense attorney's argument of temporary insanity.

Military Service

With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Sickles was appointed as a brigadier general in the Union Army, despite having no prior military experience. He played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, Sickles controversially moved his III Corps forward without orders, a decision that resulted in heavy casualties but also disrupted Confederate plans. He lost his right leg to cannon fire during the battle and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service.

Post-War Career

After the war, Sickles served as the U.S. Minister to Spain from 1869 to 1873, where he was involved in another scandalous relationship, this time with the deposed Queen Isabella II. Returning to the United States, he held various government positions, including as a sheriff of New York County and as a member of the New York State Assembly.

Legacy

Daniel Sickles' legacy is a complex one, marked by his military service, political career, and personal scandals. He played a significant role in the American Civil War, particularly at the Battle of Gettysburg, but his actions and decisions remain subjects of debate among historians.

Death

Daniel Sickles died on May 3, 1914, at the age of 94. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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