(1823-73) Graduated in the West Point class of 1843. He fought in the Mexican War earning two brevets (Monterey & Cerro Gordo) for gallantry. He was appointed lieutenant colonel in the Regular Confederate Army in early 1861. Commanded a cavalry brigade at the battle of Shiloh, and was promoted to brigadier general, April 11, 1862. During Bragg's invasion of Kentucky, he commanded a brigade in General Polk's corps. Gardner was placed in command of the Mississippi River stronghold, at Port Hudson, La., which he was forced to surrender in July 1863. After his exchange in August 1864, he served in Mississippi under General Dick Taylor. He spent his post war years as a planter in Louisiana.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in Confederate uniform. No backmark. Tiny piece of the top left corner of the mount is chipped off. Small ink mark at upper right corner well away from the subject. There are several very tiny pin pricks to the card's surface some of which do touch upon Gardner's face and beard. They are barely visible to the naked eye but seen under magnification. There is an ink ID on the reverse, "Gen. Hood" which is incorrect. Age toning, light soiling, and wear. Scarce.