Here is as good a spot of any to interject, and insert a sentiment that I hope is felt, in looking at ANY pictures of battlefield dead- RESPECT. Ladies and gentlemen, these are fellow human beings, who lost their lives defending what they believed in, regardless of side. Now, I truly enjoy the study of Before-After photos, and find it intriguing, but I draw the line at most graphic war dead. Suffice to say these genre of photo brought- and still bring- the tragedy of the Civil War to us on a raw, visceral level. I submit the following anecdote:
Ever heard of Andrew Hogue? A few may, but I bet most havent. He was the subject in the Devils Den photo, his body lying with head propped up, and his purported rifle leaned against the rock at his head. I am sure everyone can picture it, one of the most produced Civil War dead photos. Well, his identity is correct, and thats about all.
Private Hogue has been identified in a few other photos, in different locations. Either Alexander or an assistant dragged Andrew to 'pose' for other pictures. This occurred the first week of July 1863, very hot and dry in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His musket in all liklihood is not really his either, but merely a prop.
Now, I find this treatment distasteful and repugnant, and consider Alexander not much better than a ghoul. The casuality lists alone convinced America of the carnage, they needed nothing else. Im also reminded that during WWII and afterward, combat death photos were expressly forbidden...IMHO rightly so.