Seated three-quarter length albumen CDV. New York: C.D. Fredricks & Co., 587 Broadway, [ca. 1863]. Photographer's ornate blue imprint to mount verso. The CDV is signed by the subject: "Brig Genl J. H. H. Ward." Corresponding pencil notation "J. H. H. Ward" to the mount verso. 

A veteran of the Mexican-American War and a tough, New York-born career soldier, General J. H. H. Ward commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, III Corps at Gettysburg. His actions on 2 July 1863 were critical to the Union survival on the left flank; his brigade held the line at the Devil’s Den and the Wheatfield against a massive Confederate assault by Hood’s Division. Despite the overwhelming pressure that eventually forced a withdrawal, Ward’s tenacious defense delayed the Southern advance long enough for Union reinforcements to secure Little Round Top.

The carte itself is a superior, autographed wartime study from the prestigious Fredricks & Co. gallery. Ward is depicted in a commanding seated pose, wearing his general’s frock coat with his star clearly visible on the shoulder straps. The presence of his period ink signature makes this a particularly desirable specimen. Ward was known for his rugged leadership and was wounded multiple times throughout the war — including at Gettysburg, where he was struck in the foot by a shell fragment — and this image captures the weathered intensity of a veteran field commander.

[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]

Excellent contrast and rich tonal depth; minor surface foxing to the upper mount. The signatures are dark, clear and highly legible. A premier autographed example of a vital III Corps leader.