John Preston Johnstone entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839 and was graduated July 1, 1843, ninth (of 39) in the Class of 1843, and was appointed a Brevet 2d Lieutenant in the 4th Artillery Regiment. He received further artillery training at Ft. Monroe, then was ordered to serve in the military occupation of Texas. Early in 1846 he was promoted to 2d Lieutenant, transferred to the 1st Artillery, and sent to the Mexican War. He was further promoted to 1st Lieutenant in March 1847, but died in the Battle of Contreras.
Johnstone was one of the youngest men ever to enter the Military Academy (at 15) and be graduated from it.
[Source: Cullum's Biographical Register of the Graduates of the United States Military Academy; in which Johnstone is Cullum #1175.] Note: his surname was Johnston but military records add the final "e."
John Preston Johnstone entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839 and was graduated July 1, 1843, ninth (of 39) in the Class of 1843, and was appointed a Brevet 2d Lieutenant in the 4th Artillery Regiment. He received further artillery training at Ft. Monroe, then was ordered to serve in the military occupation of Texas. Early in 1846 he was promoted to 2d Lieutenant, transferred to the 1st Artillery, and sent to the Mexican War. He was further promoted to 1st Lieutenant in March 1847, but died in the Battle of Contreras.
Johnstone was one of the youngest men ever to enter the Military Academy (at 15) and be graduated from it.
[Source: Cullum's Biographical Register of the Graduates of the United States Military Academy; in which Johnstone is Cullum #1175.] Note: his surname was Johnston but military records add the final "e."
Inscription
JOHN PRESTON JOHNSTONE [sic]
1st Lieut 1st Artillery
Born at Abingdon Va.
Feb'y 1st 1824.
Fell at Contreras, Mexico
Aug. 19th 1847.
—
While skilfully directing
with daring gallantry, the fire of his
section of Artillery, against the ene[-]
mies' intrenched camp and batteries.
—
Family Members
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