Union General David B. Birney Carte de Visite Signed "Yrs. Resp. D. B. Birney Maj. Genl." 2.5" x 4", with a W. L. Germon's, Philadelphia imprint on verso. Birney has written under his signature, "North James. Aug 20/64." A vignette bust portrait of Birney in uniform, with a large medal pinned to his chest. Birney (1825-1864), a native of Alabama and the son of abolitionists, joined the Union Army after the shelling of Fort Sumter and was quickly promoted to brigadier general, despite a total lack of military experience. One of the more successful political generals, Birney commanded troops at Seven Pines, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg (receiving two minor wounds), the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House (where he was again wounded). During the Siege of Petersburg, he fell ill and returned home to Pennsylvania. He sadly passed away three months later. From the Bret J. Formichi American Civil War Rarities Collection. Condition: Minor edge toning and wear, with corners slightly bumped. Signature is very bold. HID03101242017