United States Congressman from Rhode Island

Governor of Rhode Island

(1824-1881) Born in Liberty, Union County, Indiana, he graduated in the West Point class of 1847, and was a Mexican War veteran. Serving on the western frontier, he was wounded in a skirmish with Apaches in 1849. He resigned his commission in 1853, invented a breech loading rifle, was appointed a Major General of the Rhode Island State Militia and was elected to Congress as a Democrat. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he organized the 1st Rhode Island Infantry, becoming their Colonel. He was in command of a brigade at the 1st battle of Bull Run. Having become a favorite of President Lincoln, he was given command of the expedition against the coast of North Carolina, he fought at Antietam, and in December of 1862, commanded the Army of the Potomac during their bitter defeat at Fredericksburg. General Burnside also saw action at Knoxville, the Overland Campaign, and at Petersburg. In his post war career he was elected Governor of Rhode Island three times, and later served as a United States Senator.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view wearing a double breasted frock coat with dress epaulettes and the rank of brigadier general. He also wears a sash, gauntlets, and is holding his sword. Backmark: E. Anthony, New York, made from a photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Also has a paper sticker of the agent, McAllister & Brother, Philadelphia. Light age toning. Very fine image of "Old Sideburns" as he was known.