Imprint of Morse's Gallery of the Cumberland, Nashville, Tennessee
(1826-86) Nicknamed "Black Jack," he served in the Mexican War as a lieutenant of Illinois Volunteers; and was perhaps the Union's premier civilian general during the Civil War. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1858 and 1860, he attended the Democratic National Convention in Charleston as a supporter of Stephen A. Douglas. After fighting at the battle of 1st Bull Run, he returned to Illinois to recruit the 31st Illinois Infantry of which he was commissioned colonel. An instant success as a field commander, he saw action at Belmont, and Fort Donelson where he was wounded. Promoted to rank of brigadier general, March 21, 1862, and major general March 13, 1863, he fought at Corinth, Shiloh, Vicksburg, in the Atlanta campaign where he was wounded again, and the 1865 Carolina's campaign. After the war he returned to politics and served as U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois almost uninterruptedly until his death. He was greatly involved in veteran's affairs and was instrumental in founding Memorial Day.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of major general, Backmark: Morse's Gallery of the Cumberland, 25 Cedar St., opposite the Commercial Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. Excellent. Very desirable image with this Tennessee back mark. Scarce. |