1860s CIVIL WAR GEN WILLIAM FRANKLIN CDV PHOTO By BRADY

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VERY rare, original, 1860's, CDV Photograph of Union Civil War Major General William Buel Franklin by Mathew Brady. This fantastic, period, albumen Photograph measures approx. 2 1/8” x 3 3/8” and is mounted on its original, square corner, gold ruled CDV Card Mount (card measures approx 2 3/8" x 4"). The portrait is printed on the reverse with the photographers mark that reads in part "Published by E. & H. T. Anthony... From Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery". This wonderful, 1/2 length, seated portrait was taken sometime after July 4, 1862 when Franklin was promoted to the rank of major general. William Buel Franklin (February 27, 1823 – March 8, 1903) graduated from West Point in 1843, ranked 1 out of 39. After graduating, he joined the Topographical Engineers. He was appointed an engineer, and served with distinction in the South Pass Expedition and the Mexican War, under Col. Philip Kearny. During the Mexican War, he received a brevet promotion to 1st lieutenant in the Battle of Buena Vista. After the beginning of the Civil War, Franklin was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers. He rose from brigade to corps command in the Army of the Potomac. He saw action in the Peninsula Campaign, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg, Franklin commanded the "Left Grand Division" which failed in its assaults against the Confederate right, commanded by Lieutenant Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Army of the Potomac commander Major Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside blamed him personally for this failure. Franklin was wounded in the battle. As political intrigue swept the Union Army after Fredericksburg and the infamous "Mud March" Franklin was alleged to be a principal instigator of the "cabal" against Burnside's leadership. Franklin was reassigned to corps command in the Department of the Gulf and participated in the ill-fated Red River Campaign. He was wounded in the leg at Mansfield. Returning from the field with his injury, he was captured by Confederate troops in a train near Washington, D.C., in July, 1864, but escaped the following day. The remainder of his army career was limited by disability from his wound and marred by his series of political and command misfortunes. He was unable serve in any more senior commands, even with the assistance of Lieutenant Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. This outstanding CDV Portrait Photograph of General Franklin came to us in a simply fantastic 1860's CDV Photo Album recently purchased from an estate in northeastern Massachusetts containing 100+ Images of Civil War Generals, Officers and Political Figures. The Photographs from this Album are fresh to the market and we are proud to be offering these rare and in some cases important Albumen CDV's (90% of which are by Mathew Brady), without reserve, at our weekly auctions over the next few week. This rare and wonderful CDV Photograph is in excellent condition. The Image exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich tonality although the portrait is somewhat mottled (see the scans below). Both the Albumen Photograph and the Card Mount are clean and crisp and very well preserved. A very rare and beautiful, 1860's CDV Photograph of Union General William B. Franklin by Mathew Brady and a fantastic addition to any collection!! Be sure to check out this seller’s other auctions for a number of rare Civil War CDV Photographs being offered for sale this week on eBay!! Franklin. Overseasshippping is extra and cost will be quoted at bidders request. Massachusetts residents must add 5% sales tax. Insurance is required on all items selling for $400 or more and optional on items selling for under $400 (but highly recommended. If you do not want insurance please let us know. Please check out other early and interesting items offered by this seller on ebay. Important Notes about Shipping Charges and the eBay "Detailed Selle... read more

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