Murdered Philip Barton Key II across the street from the White House!

Severely wounded at Gettysburg resulting in the amputation of his leg

Medal of Honor Recipient for heroism at the Battle of Gettysburg

United States Congressman & New York State Senator

(1819-1914) Born in New York City, he was a controversial New York State senator and congressman. He first achieved national notoriety in 1859 when he shot down, in the shadows of the White House, his young wife's lover, Philip Barton Key, II, who was the son of the author of our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," Francis Scott Key. Sickles lawyer during the lurid trial was none other than Edwin M. Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's future Secretary of War, who got him off. Sickles was acquitted after using "temporary insanity" as a legal defense for the first time in United States history. During the Civil War, Sickles served as a brigade, division, and corps commander, and fought in the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, at Antietam, and Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he commanded the 3rd Corps, of the Army of the Potomac, and was severely wounded on July 2, 1863, from cannon fire, the result being the amputation of his right leg. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in the battle of Gettysburg. He saw no further field service as a result of his amputation. After the war, Sickles was appointed as a commander for military districts in the South during the Reconstruction period. He also served as U.S. Minister to Spain, 1869-74, under President Ulysses S. Grant. He was very instrumental in forming the Gettysburg National Military Park, and preserving the battlefield for posterity. Sickles political career was that of a New York State Senator, 1856-57; U.S. Congressman, 1857-61; and U.S. Congressman, 1893-95. He died on May 3, 1914, in New York City, at the age of 94. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Half view wearing a slouch hat, and fatigue coat with rank of brigadier general with one star visible on his shoulder. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, from Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Very nice image. Uncommon pose.