Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: J.E. McClees. N.d. Photographer’s imprint printed to mount verso. Period pencil identification to mount verso reads: “Genl Reynolds/ Killed at Gettysburg.” 

A bust portrait of Major General John F. Reynolds (1820-1863). Bearded with his neatly combed hair, Reynolds looks pensively off towards the side of the photographer’s lens. The collar and buttons of his uniform are visible.

 After graduating from West Point academy on 1 July 1841, Reynolds received his commission as second lieutenant in the 3rd artillery. On 13 June 1848, Reynolds was promoted to first lieutenant, of which he served throughout the Mexican war, eventually earning the brevets of captain and major for his “gallant and meritorious conduct” at Monterey and Buena Vista. Already an impressive military career to boast, Reynolds was appointed the lieutenant colonel of the 14th U.S. infantry, and was commissioned brigadier general of volunteers at the inception of the Civil War. He was quickly appointed in command of the 1st brigade of the Pennsylvania reserve corps on 20 August 1861. On 26 June 1862, the Pennsylvania reserve corps joined the Army of the Potomac, engaging them in the battle of Mechanicsville and the battle of Gaines Mill. 

During a conflict at Savage Station, Reynolds took command of the division after General George A. McCall (1802-1868) was taken prisoner, an appointment which would not last long as Raynolds was captured the very same day and sent to the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia as a prisoner. After his release from Richmond on 26 September 1862, Reynolds was returned to command and received brevets of colonel and brigadier-general in the regular army. 

By virtue of seniority of rank, Reynolds soon after assumed command of the 1st army corps, commanding them in the first battle of Fredericksburg in January 1863, and  was nominated the major-general of volunteers.

Major General John F. Reynolds would tragically meet his demise at the Battle of Gettysburg, hastening into battle on 1 July 1863. Whilst bringing up the 2nd WI infantry, Reynolds was shot from his horse and killed instantly. 

An excellent CDV of a fine commander. 

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