American Historical Ephemera and Photography

CDV on cardstock mount of Major General Wesley Merritt. New York: Brady, Anthony, n.d. (toning, minimal spotting; light edge wear to mount).

Wesley Merritt (1834-1910) graduated from the US Military Academy in 1860 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd US Dragoons, assigned to service in Utah. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he was recalled to Washington, DC. Early accomplishments include commanding the reserve cavalry during General George Stoneman’s raid on Chancellorsville, leading the Reserve Brigade at Gettysburg under John Buford, and famously dueling with Rooney Lee, Robert E. Lee's middle son. Merritt was promoted to brigadier general and assumed command of the 1st Division of the Cavalry Corps, participating in the Overland Campaign of 1864. That fall, he was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley to assist General Philip Sheridan in his efforts to repress Confederate forces led by Jubal Early. After the Civil War, Merritt remained in the military, serving in the Late Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War. He was appointed military governor of the Philippines for nearly two years before retiring from the army in 1900.

[With:] CDV on cardstock mount of General Thomas Devin. New York: Brady, Anthony, n.d. (light toning; bottom edge of mount trimmed).

Thomas Devin (1822-1878) was born in New York City to Irish Immigrant parents. Following the start of the Civil War, Devin formed his militia cavalry company into "Captain Devin's Independent Company," serving as its captain. Later that year, he became colonel of the 6th New York Volunteer Cavalry, a position he held until after Fredericksburg, when he was temporarily given a brigade under Alfred Pleasanton. At Gettysburg, Devin's 6th New York Cavalry was in John Buford's brigade, which held off the advance of Heth's division on the first day of fighting until the 1st Corps arrived and was deployed for action. In March of 1865, Devin was brevetted brigadier general and major general. General U.S. Grant is said to have ranked Devin as second only to 
Philip Sheridan as a cavalry officer. 

Together, 2 CDVs.