I am nearly certain this image was taken in late 1862 or early 1863. As for Hood's left arm, contrary to popular belief, he had nearly full use of it. It was not the withered limb hanging in a sling that folks have been saying for decades. The reason we now know this is as a result of the Hood papers that were recently found. A medical journal provides great detail about the arm and the flexibility and rotation of Hood's elbow, wrist, and fingers. Moreover, Hood used two crutches, which means that the left arm was strong enough for that purpose.