American Historical Ephemera and Photography

CDV on cardstock mount (toning, soiling to print; soiling, spotting, and edge/corner wear to mount). Verso bears Whitehurst Gallery imprint.

Elon Farnsworth served in the US Army during the Utah War of 1857-1858 on the staff of Albert Sidney Johnston. After the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as a first lieutenant and mustered into the 8th Illinois Infantry on 18 September 1861. His uncle, former Congressman John F. Farnsworth, was in command of the regiment. The younger Farnsworth served well, earning a promotion to captain and the position of assistant chief quartermaster of the of the IV Corps. He also earned the trust of Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton, who gave him command of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps just three days prior to the Battle of Gettysburg on 28 June 1863. A day later, Abraham Lincoln nominated Farnsworth for promotion to brigadier general.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Farnsworth was ordered to charge Confederate positions south of Devil's Den, below Little Round Top, on the third day of battle despite what appeared to be almost no possibility for success. Farnsworth's brigade was repulsed, and he was shot five times in the chest.