Two CDVs of US Cavalry BBGs: George W. Cole and William N. Grier 

Lot of 2: Cole, George Washington (1827-1875). Cole enlisted on Lincoln's first call for troops as a Captain in the 12th NY Infy. In September he transferred into the 3rd NY Cav. He was promoted to Major in Dec. 1862 and discharged for promotion a year later. Early 1864 found him as Colonel of the 2nd USCT Cav. He received brevets as Brig. Gen. and Maj. Gen. in March 1865. Once trained, the 2nd USCT saw action all around Virginia. They rode against Petersburg and Richmond, helped in the capture of Bermuda Hundred and City Point. They fought at Swift Creek, Fort Darling, Drury's Bluff, Deep Bottom, Darbytown Road, and more. Once things quieted down in the east, the unit was ordered to Texas, where it stayed until mustering out in Feb. 1866.

Grier, William Nicholson (1812-1885). Grier graduated from USMA in 1835 (Cullum #839) and was posted to Ft. Gibson, I.T. with the 1st Dragoons. He spent most of his career in Indian Territory, with a brief stint at the Academy as instructor in Infantry and Cavalry Tactics 1840-1841. He returned to frontier duty until war broke out with Mexico. He received a Major by brevet for "gallant and meritorious conduct in the Battle of Santa de Rosales, Mex." He returned to frontier duty until the Civil War. 1860-61 found him at Ft. Walla Walla, WA until his commission as Major into the 2nd Cav. (US Army). He received a promotion to Lt. Col. and transferred to the 1st Cav. in Feb. 1862. He received Col. and Brig. Gen. brevets in March 1865. He spent the first couple years after the war on recruiting duty in western PA until receiving a promotion to Col. of the 3rd US Cav. and command of Ft. Union, NM. He retired at his own request after more than 35 years of service in Dec. 1870. Cdv with backmark of Lochman, Carlisle, PA. Pencil ID on verso. A rare pose in uniform. 

Provenance: The Robert Trownsell Collection

Both in very good condition with light handling soil. Slight toning to Col.