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Ambrose E. Burnside (1824–1881)
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At the start of the Civil War, Ambrose Burnside,
a West Point graduate, was given command of the
1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, which he led
in the First Battle of Bull Run. He became a favorite
of President Lincoln, was given charge of an expedition
against Confederates along the North Carolina coast,
and with its success, rose to major general of volunteers.
In November 1862, over his own protests, Burnside
was made commander of the Army of the Potomac. Shortly
after his crushing defeat at Fredericksburg the
following month he was replaced by General Joseph
Hooker. Later, in command of the Department of the
Ohio, he ably defended Knoxville, and in 1863, under
Ulysses S. Grant, he helped defeat Braxton Bragg
at Chattanooga. But his inefficiency at Petersburg
in 1864 brought about Burnside’s resignation from
the service. General Grant called Burnside “an
officer who was generally liked and respected. He
was not, however, fitted to command an army. No
one knew this better than himself.” |
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Manchester & Brother Studio (active circa
1848–1880)
Ambrotype, 1861
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
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