Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. Watertown, New York: Chas. S. Hart, ca. 1863. Photographer's imprint to mount verso. Recto features a bold, period ink presentation inscription across the bottom of the image: "compliments— / H. S. Hall / major."

Maj. Henry Seymour Hall (1835–1917) was part of the 121st New York Infantry and 43rd USCT. A rare double recipient of the Medal of Honor, the fighting Hall was first cited for gallantry occurred at Gaines' Mill (1862), where he remained on duty despite being seriously wounded. He received a second Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Rappahannock Station (7 November 1863), where he led a brilliant charge that captured over twice his unit's number in prisoners. He later lost his right arm while leading the 43rd USCT over the enemy's works at the Battle of the Crater (30 July 1864). By the time Hall and his men were ordered into the fray, the initial Union momentum had vanished, and the "Crater" had become a slaughter pen. Despite the chaos, Hall led his regiment forward with incredible bravery. Ironically, he did not achieve a Medal of Honor "hat trick" for this action, despite it becoming perhaps his most remembered moment. Regardless, Hall's legacy is as one of the fightingest men ever to serve in the Army of the Potomac. 

The carte itself is a clean, autographed wartime portrait from the Watertown, New York, studio of Charles S. Hart. Hall is depicted in his major's frock coat, his rank shoulder straps clearly visible in the vignetted frame. Given the inscription and the photographer's location near his home of Pavilion, New York, this image represents an authentic "hometown" artifact of one of the Union's most decorated officers. 

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Even tonal range with typical age-related foxing; the ink signature remains deep and highly legible. A superior signed example of a celebrated officer and two-time Medal of Honor recipient.