^#1755 ^Lot 1815 Irvin McDowell and Staff

Union general (1818–1885). He was appointed brigadier general May 14, 1861. By July, political pressure demanded an advance by his half trained army on the Rebels under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard at Manassas Junction, where the railroad from Richmond to Alexandria met the line from the Shenandoah Valley. The resulting Union disaster at the First Battle of Bull Run stemmed as much from misfortune as ineptitude although on paper McDowell had a good plan, but wasn't able to inspire his officers or troops. Stunning wet plate, albumen 4 x 2.5 carte-de-visite photo. Excellent view of General Irvin McDowell (sixth from the left) standing on the front steps of Arlington House, the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, just prior to the first battle of Bull Run. McDowell is wearing a bummer's kepi and holding his sword. He is surrounded by eight members of his staff, all but one with sword visible. His orderly is holding a white horse at left of the view. No backmark, but this is a Mathew Brady view. In fine condition.