General Louis Blenker A beautiful standing view CDV with sword. Blenker was a German-born Union Brigadier General whose career was marked by both gallantry and controversy. After a failed military and business career in Germany and exile following the 1848 revolution, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1849. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Blenker used his past military experience to recruit and lead a division of German immigrant volunteers. His unit notably distinguished itself at the First Battle of Bull Run by capably covering the Union army's retreat. However, Blenker's reputation declined during the 1862 Valley Campaign, where his command was plagued by accusations of poor discipline, looting, and financial irregularities. While his staff was found guilty of some offenses, Blenker himself was exonerated. He was honorably discharged in March 1863 and died later that year from injuries sustained in a riding accident. Back marked E. Anthony, New York, From Brady’s National Portrait Gallery.