Colonel of the 4th New Mexico Infantry

Severely wounded in the head and eye at the Battle of Gettysburg resulting in him becoming blind

War date signature with rank

(1813-86) Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he graduated from West Point in the class of 1834. He saw service in the Southwest, and against the Seminole Indians in Florida as a lieutenant in the 7th U.S. Infantry. While fighting in the Mexican War, he was wounded at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, but he recovered in time to serve in the campaign to capture Mexico City. He then led an assault party that captured a Mexican flag during the storming of Chapultepec earning a brevet for gallantry, and he was presented with a sword by the citizens of his hometown of St. Louis. He next served on the Indian frontier in the Department of New Mexico. In December of 1861, he was appointed colonel of the 4th New Mexico Infantry, which was later merged into the 1st New Mexico Cavalry. The following spring while in command of Fort Union, and the District of Southern New Mexico, he helped to repel the invasion of Confederate General Henry H. Sibley. Promoted to brigadier general, Paul was transferred to the eastern theater of war where he commanded a brigade in General Abner Doubleday's division, of General John F. Reynold's 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, at the Battles of Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsvile. On July 1, 1863, during the first day of the crucial 3 day battle of Gettysburg, General Paul, who was commanding a brigade, of General John C. Robinson's division, was severely wounded by a rifle ball which entered his right temple, and passed out through his left eye leaving him totally blinded. He was later placed on the retired list with rank of Brigadier General, United States Army. General Gabriel R. Paul, died in Washington, D.C., on May 5, 1886, at the age of 73. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

War Date Signature With Rank: 4 1/2 x 2, in ink, mounted to small piece of an album page. "G.R. Paul, Brig. Gen. Vols., Jany. 1/64." Very desirable Gettysburg autograph. Very rare signature! Excellent.