The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010
The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010
The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010
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Rhode Island National Guard history –<br />
Did you know…?<br />
By Master Sgt. James Loffl er<br />
At the end of the Civil War, Kady Brownell was the only<br />
female to receive discharge papers from the Union Army.<br />
Kady was born to a British Army offi cer and his French<br />
wife in Caffraria, South Africa, in 1842. Her family moved<br />
to Providence, R.I., where Kady worked as a weaver. In<br />
Providence she met and fell in love with Robert Brownell.<br />
When the Civil War started, Robert joined the First<br />
Rhode Island Infantry, and Kady was determined to<br />
accompany her husband. Kady was appointed a Daughter<br />
of the Regiment and color bearer. She followed Robert into<br />
the First Battle of Bull Run and after reenlisting into the<br />
5th Rhode Island Regiment, the Battle of New Bern. Kady<br />
actively participated in both battles and was considered an<br />
excellent shot within her unit.<br />
Robert was injured in battle and after months of nursing,<br />
Kady managed to transport him to New York City. Kady kept<br />
the colors she carried into battle and kept her discharge<br />
papers, signed by A.E. Burnside, and a sergeant’s sword<br />
that had her name cut into the scabbard. Kady Brownell is<br />
buried in the North Burial Ground, Providence, R.I..<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2010</strong> / Rhode Island National Guard 23
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