Medal of Honor Recipient for gallantry at the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia
He was wounded at Gaines's Mill, Va., and Gettysburg, Pa.
(1831-1901) Born in Utica, New York, he was mustered into the Federal service as colonel of the 12th New York Infantry, on May 2, 1861, the first Union regiment to set foot on Virginia soil. He was appointed brigadier general to rank from September 7, 1861; commanded a brigade and division of the 5th Corps; he fought at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861; in the Seven Days Battles; was wounded at Gaines's Mill, Va. in 1862, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant actions there; he fought at 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg; later became the chief of staff of the Army of the Potomac under Generals' Hooker and Meade; he was severely wounded at Gettysburg; and commanded a division in the Atlanta campaign. One of his most noteworthy claims to fame was the bugle call "Taps," which he composed at Harrison's Landing in 1862. He also wrote the 1862 Army field manual, "Camp and Outpost Duty for Infantry." After the war, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Butterfield as the Assistant Treasurer of the United States. General Daniel Butterfield died on July 17, 1901, and was buried with an ornate monument in the West Point Cemetery at the United States Military Academy, although he had not attended that institution. Taps was sounded at his funeral.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Half view in uniform with rank of major general. "Gen. Butterfield" is written in period ink on the front mount. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, New York, From a Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Very fine and desirable Civil War MOH recipient's image. |