Died in 1863 from injuries received at Warrenton, Virginia
(1812-63) Born in Germany, he belonged to the Bavarian Legion. In 1848, he participated in the revolution against the monarchy and had to seek asylum in Switzerland, but was expelled the following year and came to the United States, settling in Rockland County, New York. His reputation as a revolutionary patriot enabled him to recruit a regiment which was mustered into the Federal service in 1861, as the 8th New York Infantry, with Blenker serving as their colonel. He was appointed brigadier general on August 9, 1861, and at the battle of 1st Bull Run, he had command of a brigade, which was part of Colonel Dixon Miles's division, and performed capably in covering the Union rear on their confused retreat toward Washington. General Blenker later commanded a division in the Shenandoah Valley campaign against Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson. He was mustered out of the U.S. Army on March 31, 1863, and died on October 31, 1863, of injuries sustained while with his command at Warrenton, Virginia, leaving behind his wife, son and three daughters in dire circumstances.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 7/16 x 3 7/8 card. The edges of the mount are very slightly trimmed not affecting the albumen print. Superb full standing view in uniform with rank of brigadier general, wearing kepi with hat wreath insignia, a monocle can be seen affixed to his uniform just above his rectangular eagle belt plate, holding gloves, with his sash attached to his belt, and holding his sword in the scabbard at his side. Backmark: Charles D. Fredricks & Co., New York. Very sharp image. Excellent. This particular view of General Blenker is very scarce. |