Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Joseph E. Johnston" Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 32c Joseph E. Johnston Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 29, 1995. A proud Virginian, Joseph Eggleston Johnston graduated from West Point in 1829 and served with distinction in the Black Hawk and Seminole wars. He also distinguished himself in the Mexican War, where he was decorated for bravery at Cerro Gordo. In June 1860 he became quartermaster general of the army, but resigned his commission when Virginia seceded from the Union. As a major general of the Virginia volunteers and a full general in the Confederate Army, Johnston fought at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, where he personally led a charge carrying the colors of the 4th Alabama Regiment. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks on May 31, 1862, and was disabled from service for several months. His army tried gallantly to lift the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, but lacked the manpower to succeed. In December 1863, he took charge of the Army of Tennessee and executed a brilliant tactical retreat before General William T. Sherman's advance toward Atlanta. In 1864, Johnston was relieved by President Jefferson Davis, who thought him too cautious. By 1865, however, he was in command again, fighting several battles against General Sherman and ultimately surrendering to him at Durham Station, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865. After the war, Johnston served as a member of Congress from 1876 to 1878, and was United States commissioner of railways from 1885 until 1889. Ironically, he served as a pallbearer at the funerals of Generals Grant and Sherman. Image Size: 14 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 23 x 18 in. Unframed. (B15207) See More