Vignetted albumen CDV photograph of Gettysburg casualty Brig. Gen. Joseph Dickinson.

SIGNED BY DICKINSON TO MOUNT VERSO.

A merchant prior to the Civil War, the Philadelphia-born Dickinson enrolled as a First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry in June of 1861. He was promoted to Captain and Assistant Adjutant General by August and was assigned to General Joseph Hooker's staff. 1862 proved to be an eventful year for Dickinson, as he was both wounded and promoted twice. The wounds came in action at both Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and the promotions elevated his rank to Lt. Colonel. Dickinson had a penchant for rescuing civilians during battles, most famously the Chancellor family when their home burned during the battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863.

Dickinson transferred to Gen. George Meade's staff before the Battle of Gettysburg, and there was wounded for the third time on 3 July 1863. Meade sent Dickinson to Gettysburg to liaise with Gen. Buford on June 30th; it was their collective judgment that resulted in orders for Gen. John Reynolds to bring his men there at once, which began the great battle in earnest. Dickinson also selected a small farmhouse on the Taneytown Road as Meade's battlefield headquarters. It was there he received the severe wound that knocked him out of the Civil War. In 1865, the popular Dickinson was honored by brevets to Lieutenant Colonel for Williamsburg, Colonel for his showing at Antietam, and finally Brigadier General for "gallant and meritorious service" at Gettysburg.

Dickinson's sacrifice was entirely in keeping with his bloodline. His grandfather and four grand uncles fought in the Revolutionary War under Gen. George Washington. His father served in the War of 1812, and an astounding 10 members of Dickinson's immediate family enlisted to fight for the Union during the Civil War.

The carte itself remains in wonderful condition and features a bust portrait of Dickinson in uniform, with a period ink identification below his image. On the reverse, Dickinson signed, "Very Truly Yours, G.W. Dickinson/Lt. Col. & A.A.G., Army of the Potomac." 

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a high-grade example of a hand-signed Gettysburg casualty who built an extraordinary fighting record during his time in the Union Army.  

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