Albumen photograph of Major General David B. Birney in uniform. FRAMED WITH Clipped signature of David B. Birney. Biographical photocopy affixed to frame verso. Photograph mounted to 8 1/4 x 10 1/4; frame measures approx. 16 1/8 x 20 1/8 inches.

David B. Birney, the son of the abolitionist James G. Birney, was a businessman and lawyer with a strong interest in military tactics, an inclination that prepared him well to volunteer at the outbreak of the Civil War. He first served as lieutenant colonel of the three-month 23rd Pennsylvania, and when the regiment was reorganized for three years’ service, he was commissioned its colonel. Promoted brigadier general on 17 February 1862, Birney received his first important field command as a brigade commander in General Philip Kearny’s division of the III Corps, which he led during the Peninsula Campaign.

At Gettysburg, Birney’s division was attacked on three sides and suffered devastating losses, in part because Sickles had advanced his troops out of position. During the battle, and for several days afterward, Birney assumed command of the III Corps. In recognition of his able leadership at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, he was promoted to major general, to rank from 20 May 1863.

At the opening of the Overland Campaign, Birney served as a division commander in the II Corps and saw action at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, where he was wounded, and Cold Harbor. In June 1864, he fell seriously ill with malaria and returned to Philadelphia, where he died on 18 October 1864.

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