American Historical Ephemera & Photography

1 1/2 x 2 in. oval daguerreotype portrait of James Allen Hardie housed in a 2 1/4 x 3 in. pendant adorned with with jewels and braided hair in gold filet. The reverse side of the pendant bears Hardie's initials, "J.H." Possibly made in California or Oregon. 

In this image, taken early in his career, Hardie is pictured wearing glasses, with a thick beard and sideburns framing his face. He wears his uniform coat with shoulder straps. 

James Allen Hardie (1823-1876) served with the New York Militia and saw service during the Mexican-American War, ca 1846-1848. He spent time posted in San Francisco. After the war, Hardie served in various posts. He spent time in Portland, OR (Vancouver Barracks, Department of the Columbia or Department of Oregon). When the Civil War broke out, Hardie served with distinction throughout the war, attaining the rank of brigadier and major generals. He served on McClellan's staff during the Peninsular and Maryland campaigns, and under Burnside in the battles around Fredericksburg. After the Civil War, Hardie was a colonel in the army. He went to the Lava Beds in California and was involved in the inquiry into the killing of General E.R.S. Canby by Modoc Chief Captain Jack and others during a peace parlay.