Louis Blenker (1812--63) was a Union general in the American Civil War. Born as Ludwig Blenker in Worms, Germany, he joined the Bavarian Legion in 1832, which fought for Prince Otto (subsequently King Otto I of Greece). He later fought with distinction in the German revolutions of 1848. He immigrated to the United States in 1849 and settled in Rockland County, New York, before moving to New York City. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he formed the Eighth New York Infantry, a regiment of German-American volunteers, and was commissioned colonel. Blenker successfully led troops in the First Battle of Bull Run and was promoted to brigadier general for his gallantry. In December 1861, he was appointed commander of a division in the Mountain Department but was relieved of his command in June 1862 after suffering a serous defeat at the Battle of Cross Keys. He later died as the result of injuries suffered in the fall of his horse during the Virginia campaign.

This image features a seated view of the General with nice contrast.  A small printing imperfection obscures part of his left eye but the Carte-de-Visite image remains in otherwise good condition.  The front face of the mounting card shows a common solid lined border along the edges with no writing in the empty space under the image. The reverse is clean and features a penciled “Gen Blenker / ICB-1142 / 80-“, and a used 2-cent stamp.  A photographer’s back mark reads “Published by E & H.T. ANTHONY / 501 Broadway New York / FROM PHOTOGRAPHIC NEGATIVE IN BRADY’S National Portrait Gallery”.

A very nice photo of one of the prominent German commanders of the early war period.  [cm] [ph:L]

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