Wartime carte-de-visite (CDV) photograph of General Henry H. Sibley. Sibley was a career officer in the United States Army who went on to command a brigade of Confederate cavalry units during the Civil War. In 1862, he attempted to forge a supply route from California and appropriate Colorado gold mines to replenish the Confederate treasury. After capturing Albuquerque and Santa Fe, he was forced to retreat after losing the Battle of Glorieta Pass (in today's New Mexico). He was subsequently given minor commands in southern Louisiana operations, and never escaped the reputation that he was an alcoholic. In addition to his fighting record, Sibley designed an easy-to-pack tent and stove that were ubiquitous during the Civil War.

Of note is that this particular CDV was produced by Richmond, Virginia photographer Julian Vannerson, who produced some of the finest southern portraits during the war. Examples by Vannerson are desirable and highly-prized. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [19th Century Photography, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, CDV, carte-de-visite, albumen, cabinet card]