Image shows Cilley jauntily leaning on a waist-high column base. He wears a dark frock coat with Captains shoulder straps, light trousers and knee high boots. At his waist is his sash and sword belt with saber attached. He wears a gauntlet on his left hand but his right hand is bare. On a low cloth covered table next to him is his forage cap with crossed saber insignia.

The image is clear with good contrast. Paper and mount have some light surface dirt from age. Bottom of the mount has period pencil inscription that reads “J.P.CILLEY / 1st ME. CAV.” The very bottom of the mount is trimmed taking with it part of the regimental designation.

The reverse of the card is blank.

Jonathan Prince Cilley was born December 12, 1835 in Thomaston, Maine. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in Maine. He was commissioned Captain of Company B, 1st Maine Cavalry on October 19, 1861. He served with the regiment throughout its service and was wounded twice, once at Middletown on May 24, 1862 and again at St. Mary’s Church on September 2, 1864. During his service he received four promotions. First to Major on April 14, 1862, then Lieutenant Colonel in September of 1864, to Colonel by brevet in March of 1863 and finally by brevet to Brigadier General on March 13, 1865. He was mustered out at Petersburg, Va. on May 31, 1865.

After the war he resumed his practice of law and was a member of the Maine State legislature, Collector of Taxes, Adjutant General of Maine and Commissioner of the US Circuit Court.

He died while visiting his daughter in California on April 6, 1920 and is buried in Elm Grove Cemetery in Thomaston, Maine.

During its service the 1st Maine Cavalry was in 136 battles and skirmishes and lost 518 men killed, died of wounds and disease.

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