CDV of Colonel Alexander Schaler-65th New York Infantry

Carte de visite photograph of a standing knees up view of Alexander Schaler wearing uniform with full colonel's insignia on shoulder, wearing kepi and striking a Napoleonic type pose. Carte presents autographed inscription on reverse "Compliments of Alexander Shaler". Image presents backmark of Brady's Portrait Galleries, Broadway, New York. Carte image presents good tones with some ink stains to right of Shaler's head and some bumping to edges of carte and some light surface abrasions. Alexander Schaler (1827-1911) in June 1861 was made Lt. Col. of 65th New York and became Colonel in July, 1862. At the Battle of Second Fredericksburg, Virginia, on May 3, 1863, in a most critical moment during the attack, the head of the Union charging column was about to be over taken by the severe fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry. At this moment Colonel Shaler pushed forward with a supporting column, into the Confederate lines and turned their flanks back. For gallantry in action, he was promoted Brigadier General on May 26, 1863 and awarded the Medal of Honor on November 25, 1893. His post war service included times as head of the New York City Fire Department, president of the National Rifle Association, and Mayor of Ridgefield, New Jersey.