General-in-Chief of the U.S. Army during the Civil War, 1862-64

(1815-1872) Born on a farm in Westernville, Oneida County, New York, his father fought as an officer in the War of 1812. He graduated 3rd in the West Point class of 1839, and became a noted expert in military studies earning the nickname, "Old Brains," which was later turned around to mock him by fellow officers. An assistant professor while still an undergraduate at the United States Military Academy, he first worked upon the fortifications of New York Harbor, and in 1844 inspected those of France. Upon his return to the U.S., he wrote a "Report on the Means of National Defence," which was published by Congress and won him an invitation from the Lowell Institute of Boston to deliver a series of lectures. These were published as "Elements of Military Art and Science," a work which enjoyed wide circulation among soldiers for many years. He received a brevet as captain in the Mexican War. At the beginning of the Civil War, General Winfield Scott recommended to President Abraham Lincoln that Halleck be appointed major general in the regular army. In November 1861, Halleck relieved General John Fremont at St. Louis, and in a demonstration of his talents as an administrator quickly brought order out of the chaos in which his predecessor had plunged the Department of the Missouri. He had a series of successes at Forts Henry & Donelson, Pea Ridge, Island No. 10 and Shiloh. President Lincoln later called him to Washington to serve as general-in-chief of the U.S. Armies a position he held from 1862-64. After General Ulysses S. Grant Grant forced General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Halleck was assigned to the command of the Military Division of the James, headquartered at Richmond. Halleck was a cautious general who believed strongly in thorough preparations for battle, and in the value of defensive fortifications over quick, aggressive action. He was a master of administration, logistics, and the politics that were necessary at the top of the military hierarchy. He was an important participant in the admission of California as a state in the Union, and was a principal author of the California State Constitution. General Halleck was present at the death bed of President Abraham Lincoln, and was a pall bearer at his funeral. He died at his post in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 9, 1872, just 7 days short of his 57th birthday. He was buried in the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery, in Brooklyn, New York, on January 25th.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view wearing a double breasted frock coat with rank of major general as he holds his kepi at his waist while posing in front of a large studio column. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, with a 2 cents orange George Washington Internal Revenue tax stamp. Very fine.