(1816-87) Born near Louisville, Ky., he saw action during the Mexican War as Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Kentucky Infantry. He served in the Kentucky State Legislature, and was appointed Minister to Spain by President Buchanan in 1858. Preston was prominently engaged in inducing Kentucky to join the Confederacy, and served on the staff of his brother-in-law, General Albert S. Johnston, with rank of colonel, until the latter's death at Shiloh. Commissioned Brigadier General, April 14, 1862, he fought in the battles of Corinth, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga. In 1864 he was appointed Confederate minister to the Imperial Mexican government but never reached Maximilian and instead spent the last months of the war in the Trans-Mississippi Department.

Albumen photograph, on 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 mount, with contemporary pencil ID at the bottom. No imprint. Taken after April 1862, this view shows Preston in Confederate uniform with rank of brigadier general.