Halleck was a tactical theorist and often effective administrator. After the Mexican War he had various important posts in early California. During the Civil War he advanced to General in Chief, but he proved not so brilliant in the field and his administrative rigor was only partly successful, so in 1864 he was replaced by Grant, and appointed Chief of Staff. Portraits of him are fairly common, but this one is rare and interesting. He is shown in full uniform with sword. His gloved hand rests on a scroll and there is an eagle statue above it. The flag backdrop is unusual. The face has been retouched.
