Early Years and Career
Magruder was born in Port Royal, Virginia. He first attended the University of Virginia, where, as a student, he had the opportunity to dine with former President Thomas Jefferson. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1830, where he was the roommate of William N. Pendleton. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 7th U.S. Infantry regiment. He was later assigned to the 1st U.S. Artillery.
Magruder served in the Second Seminole War in Florida, and then under Winfield Scott in the Army of Occupation in Mexico. He was appointed a brevet major for "gallant and meritorious conduct" at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, and lieutenant colonel for his bravery in the storming of Chapultepec. He served on frontier duty in California and at Fort Leavenworth in the Kansas Territory.
"Prince John" was tall and flamboyantly handsome. He spoke with a lisp, except when singing tenor, which he did frequently. His avocation was composing songs and staging concerts and amateur theater productions, something to relieve the tedium of peacetime garrison duty. This theatrical bent would come in handy in the Civil War.
Read more about this topic: John B. Magruder
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