Commanded the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., in December 1862

United States Congressman and Senator from Rhode Island

Governor of Rhode Island

Wearing 9th Corps badge on his uniform coat

(1824-1881) Graduated in the West Point class of 1847, and he fought in the Mexican War. Serving on the western frontier, he was wounded in a skirmish with Apache Indians in 1849. He resigned his commission in 1853, invented a breech loading rifle, was appointed a Major General of the Rhode Island State Militia and was elected to Congress as a Democrat. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he organized the 1st Rhode Island Infantry, becoming their Colonel. He was in command of a brigade at 1st Bull Run. Having become a Lincoln favorite, he was given command of the expedition against the coast of North Carolina, he fought at Antietam, and in December of 1862, he commanded the Army of the Potomac during their bitter defeat at Fredericksburg, Va. Burnside also saw action at Knoxville, the Overland Campaign, and Petersburg, Va. In his post war career he was elected Governor of Rhode Island three times, and later served as a United States Senator.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 card. Bottom of the card mount is slightly trimmed. Half view in uniform with rank of major general, and wearing his 9th Corps badge which is pinned to the breast of his frock coat. Backmark: Brady's National Portrait Galleries, New York and Washington, D.C., with 2 cents orange internal revenue tax stamp on the reverse. Although it is not visible, there is an E. Anthony, New York imprint under the revenue stamp. Minor age toning. Desirable image of "Old Sideburns."