(1824-1902) Was born in Baden, Germany. He graduated from a military academy at Karlsruhe in 1843, and became a subaltern in the service of Grand Duke Leopold. During the 1848 insurrections he acted as minister of war for the revolutionary forces which were overthrown by the Prussians. He fled to New York in 1852. During the years before the war he taught school and held a major's commission in the 5th New York Militia. Sigel became a brigadier general on August 7, 1861, and a major general on March 22, 1862. Despite his military shortcomings, he did much to unify the large German population of the Northern states and contributed thousands of recruits to the Union ranks. "I fights mit Sigel," became almost a password among the Dutch and his influence with them never waned. He performed well at the capture of Camp Jackson, and the engagement at Carthage, Mo. At Elkhorn Tavern he contributed greatly to the Union victory. He saw action in the 2nd Bull Run campaign, and later commanded the Department of West Virginia. In 1864, he had the misfortune to fight the battle of New Market, Va., against the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute, by whom he was soundly trounced.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Full standing view in uniform with rank of major general. Backmark: E. & H.T. Anthony, New York, made from a photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Light age toning and wear. Very fine.