Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Henry Ulke, [ca. 1862-4]. Photographer’s imprint to mount verso. Period ink inscription to mount verso reads: “John C. Robinson / Brigadier General Vols. / & Major 2nd Infantry / U.S.A.”

This exceptional CDV features a strikingly sharp vignetted portrait of John Cleveland Robinson, one of the Union’s most dependable and hard-fighting generals. The image was captured by the prominent Washington, D.C., photographer Henry Ulke, whose studio on Pennsylvania Avenue was a frequent stop for the high command of the Army of the Potomac. Robinson is shown in his brigadier general’s frock coat, characterized by the distinct double-row button arrangement and his signature flowing beard. A beautiful period ink inscription on the back, possibly in the general's own hand, features his name, rank and "U.S.A."

Robinson was a "soldier’s soldier" who earned his Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at the Battle of Laurel Hill during the Overland Campaign in 1864. However, he is perhaps best remembered by history for his pivotal role at Gettysburg. On 1 July 1863, Robinson commanded the Second Division of the First Corps. When the Union line began to crumble north of town, Robinson’s division conducted a stubborn, desperate fighting withdrawal that allowed the rest of the army to reform on the high ground of Cemetery Hill. His tactical poise under fire likely saved the Union army from a total rout on the first day of the battle.

Robinson’s wartime career came to a bloody end shortly after his Medal of Honor actions. At Laurel Hill, while leading a charge, he was struck in the left knee by a minie ball. The wound necessitated a field amputation of his leg, ending his active field service. Following the war, Robinson served as the lieutenant governor of New York and remained a tireless advocate for veterans' affairs, eventually serving as the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. This portrait, with its crisp Henry Ulke backmark and bold identification, represents a premier piece of Union high-command photography.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]

The image is in generally excellent condition, featuring strong tonal contrast and sharp detail across Robinson’s features and uniform with minimal fading. The mount remains structurally sound, exhibiting a clear, legible backmark and a bold period ink identification on the verso, showing only typical minor age-related toning.