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:''For his son, see John Watts de Peyster Jr.'' John Watts de Peyster, Sr. (March 9, 1821 – May 4, 1907)〔Allaben, Vol. 1, p. 28.〕 was an author on the art of war, philanthropist, and early Adjutant General of the New York National Guard.〔Allaben, p. 205〕 He served in the New York State Militia during the Mexican–American War and American Civil War. He was one of the first military critics and noted for his histories of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and also published works of drama, poetry, military history, military biography and military criticism.〔Leopold, Robert. ''A Guide to Early African Collections in the Smithsonian Institution''. Smithsonian Institution, August 1994.〕 ==Early life and background== De Peyster was born in Manhattan into a wealthy old New York City family. His father was Frederic de Peyster, a wealthy New York City lawyer, investor and philanthropist. He was a first cousin of Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny.〔Allaben, p. 18〕 His great great grandfather was Abraham de Peyster, an early Mayor of New York City, whose brother was Johannes de Peyster, also Mayor. His grandfather was a nephew of Arent DePeyster. He studied law at Columbia University, although he did not graduate on account of his poor health.〔Allaben, p. 180〕 He had become an invalid at a young age due to a heart affliction he developed during service as a volunteer fireman.〔Randolph, p. 85〕 De Peyster was heavily involved as a volunteer firefighter with the No. 5 Hose Carriage during his collegiate years, including a major fire in 1836, leading to his health problems.〔Allaben, p. 178〕 Despite these physical difficulties, he was described by some as feisty, and even dictatorial.〔Philip, Cynthia Owen. ''(The Saga of Tivoli, Part II: Clambakes, Cock Fights, & Boxing Matches )''. About Town Magazine, Winter 2005 ed.〕 He later received the degree of M.A. from Columbia College, LL.D. from Nebraska College, and Ph.D. by Franklin & Marshall College.〔 He was one of the organizers of the New York City Police Department and Fire Department.〔Allaben, p. 185〕 Reforms he advocated through publications which were eventually implemented nationwide included a paid Fire Department, and Steam Fire Engines, and New York City was the first in the nation to adopt such measures.〔Allaben, p. 290〕 He spent his entire career in the New York State Militia, being promoted to brigadier general in 1851.〔 He served as state Judge Advocate General and eventually Adjutant General, before resigning over a conflict with Governor Myron Clark in 1855.〔 He traveled through Europe extensively as a military observer, and implemented many reforms that modernized the militia for the upcoming conflict.〔Allaben, p. 267〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「John Watts de Peyster」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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