Julia Dent became engaged to her brother's West Point classmate, Ulysses S. Grant, against the wishes of her father, and the couple waited over two more years before they could marry, while Grant served in Texas and Mexico. The separations that began with their engagement continued throughout Julia and Ulysses Grant's married life, prompting them to maintain a frank, affectionate correspondence. Today, Grant's letters to Julia reveal a keen and thoughtful reaction to modern warfare, and an unusually strong bond between husband and wife. In 1864, Brady added Julia Grant's portrait to his series devoted to Union generals and their wives.
1826 - 1902
Albumen silver print
(carte de visite), 1864
8.5 x 5.2 cm (3 5/16 x 2 1/16 inches)
National Portrait Gallery,
Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D.C.