Alexander Hays Carte de Visite Signed "Alex Hays Brig Genl Vols U.S.A." 2.5" x 4.25", with a Henry Ulke, Washington, D.C. imprint on verso. A vignette bust portrait of Union General Hays, seen in his military uniform. Signed at the lower part of the albumen and on the mount below. Alexander Hays (1819-1864) was a close personal friend of Ulysses Grant. He was the colonel of the 63rd Pennsylvania Regiment and distinguished himself at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run (wounded) and, most notably, at Gettysburg when his troops manned the low stone wall at which Pickett's Charge was directed. Hays was killed in action near the junction of the Brock and Plank Roads in the Battle of the Wilderness, being struck in the head by a Minié ball. One of his aides reported that he was shot as he strained his head to drink from his canteen, which was why he was hit directly in the temple. His body was recovered and sent to the rear lines for transport home. He was buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During a campaign stop in Pittsburgh during Ulysses S. Grant's campaign for the presidency, he visited Hays's grave and openly wept. From the Bret J. Formichi American Civil War Rarities Collection. Condition: Light toning around the edges, with some small areas of browning. A few spots of soiling on verso, along with pencil notations. Overall good. HID03101242017