Description
Very rare ambrotype of Colonel Allen Lathan Anderson of the 8th California Infantry. A Dayton, Ohio resident, Allen entered the United States Military School in 1854, later graduating in 1859. His first role after graduating from the institute was serving as a 2nd lieutenant with the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to the 5th Infantry Regiment and sent to California. Promoted to first lieutenant on May 14, 1861, he was initially stationed at New Mexico due to the advances of Henry Sibly who was heading for Fort Union and proceeded to participate at the Battle of Valverde. His actions at the battle earned him a promotion to brevet major for “gallant and meritorious services”. Allen was promoted to captain on December 3, 1862, and stationed at Prescott, Arizona. His next expedition was into Western Arizona, where he began a campaign against Apache generals Cochise and Victorio. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier general for “meritorious and gallant services during the War. Around the same time, Anderson held command of the 8th California Infantry Regiment when he had been commissioned colonel of the regiment during the formation of the unit. Anderson was honorably discharged on November 10, 1865, but continued military service due to a military commission until January 7, 1867, when he resigned to pursue civil engineering and then became the Chief Engineer of the New Mexico Mining Company until 1869. This rare view dates to his time serving with either the 2nd or 5th Infantry regiment as he wears the rank of 2nd lieutenant here. An old period note which accompanies the image reads, “Col. Latham Anderson my mothers brother. Your grt uncle M. L.’s father”. Also accompanying the image, is one of Anderson’s colonel’s shoulder boards which features this brilliant blue velvet field. Very rare unit and great history!
