Commander in Chief of the Union army in 1861-1862

(1826-85) Graduated in the West Point class of 1846 and fought in the Mexican War. Hailed at the beginning of the Civil War as the "Young Napoleon," he proved to be a brilliant military organizer, administrator, and trainer of men, but an officer totally lacking in the essential qualities of successful command of large forces in battle. He saw action at Rich Mountain, W.V., in the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign and at the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American history. He was defeated for the presidency in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln.

Ellen Mary Marcy (1836-1915) Was the daughter of General Randolph B. Marcy, McClellan's former commander, and future subordinate. Ellen, known to her family and friends as "Elly," had turned down George's first proposal of marriage. A very popular young lady, she was courted by several young men and received some nine marriage proposals, one of which came from McClellan's West Point classmate and future Confederate General A.P. Hill. Nelly had actually accepted Hill's proposal in 1856, but her family did not approve of the Virginian, so he withdrew. Ellen and George B. McClellan were eventually married at the Cavalry Church, in New York City, on May 22, 1860.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. General McClellan is seated wearing his double breasted frock coat with rank of major general. His wife Ellen is standing at his side. No back mark. Minor age toning and wear. Very fine.