(1827-90) He was one of those rare militia officers who rose to eminence in the volunteer ranks during the Civil War and remained in the Regular Army to earn the rank of major general. He was at 1st Bull Run in command of the 2nd Conn. Inf., a 90 day unit. He then recruited the 7th Conn. Inf. taking part with them in the capture of Port Royal and the siege and capture of Fort Pulaski. Appointed brigadier general, he served in the various operations against Charleston until the fall of 1863 when he was transferred to Butler's Army of the James, taking over command of the 10th Corps. During 1864, he served in the campaigns against Richmond and Petersburg, and in early 1865 he commanded the forces that captured Fort Fisher, thus sealing off the Confederacy's last port, Wilmington, N.C. For this exploit he received the Thanks of Congress. His forces were then attached to John M. Schofield's Army of the Ohio, with which it operated in conjuction with Sherman until the surrender. During his post war army career, Terry served mainly in the Indian Territory, and was in charge of the Department of Dakota at the time of the battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. During this battle he was in personal command of the various columns engaged in the field, including that of George A. Custer. Much controversy arose at the time as to whether Custer had exceeded Terry's orders; but Terry refused to comment on the matter.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of major general. Backmark: C.D. Fredricks & Co., N.Y. Very fine.
|
