(1792-1881) Born in Ireland, his family came to the United States in 1799. He served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Militia during the War of 1812, rising from the rank of captain to colonel. He then joined the U.S. Army and served in the Quartermaster Department. At the outbreak of the Mexican War, he was commissioned major general of volunteers. He commanded the 2nd Division, Army of Occupation, during the Tampico Expedition, saw action during the Siege of Vera Cruz, and was wounded at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. He led the pursuit of the Mexican Army and was the first to enter Jalapa. After the war he acquired 30 cotton mills and became quite wealthy. He was also very influential in Philadelphia politics. When the Civil War began, he was commissioned major general of volunteers and appointed commander of the Department of Pennsylvania, and the Army of the Shenandoah. In 1861, Patterson, operating under vague orders from General in Chief, Winfield Scott to capture Harpers Ferry, failed to act immediately, and was outmaneuvered at the Battle of Hoke's Run. This allowed the Confederate army at Winchester, commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston, to march unmolested to 1st Manassas, arriving in time to reinforce General Beauregard and turn the tide of the battle into a Confederate victory. Patterson was widely criticized for his failure to contain the Rebel forces, and he saw no further service during the war. His son was Union General Francis E. Patterson, and his son in law was Union General J.J. Abercrombie.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 5/16 x 3 7/8 card. Bust view in uniform with epaulettes. Backmark: E. Anthony, New York. Card is very slightly trimmed. Light age toning. Very fine. Scarce. |