16th NY Volunteer Infantry in the Field by Brady

Pvt.Shattuck

Sergeant Major
Joined
Oct 8, 2011
Location
St Augustine, FL
16th ny wetplate albumen CDV  Brady 1862.jpg
This Carte de Visite is a print from an albumen wetplate taken by Matthew Brady of the 16th NY Volunteer Infantry in the field in 1862.
I don't know if the original glass plate still exists.
Since the men are still wearing their distinctive straw hats, which were quickly abandoned, it was likely taken during the Seven Days Battles in Virginia. The regiment was heavily engaged at West Point and Gaines Mills, taking heavy losses.
The soldiers are wearing NY State jackets.
These men from the far northern reaches of upstate NY, on the border with Canada, suffered from the unaccustomed heat and humidity. The Colonel's wife, Mrs Eliza Woolsey Howland, made the entire regiment a gift of straw hats. The officer's were bound in black and had gilt lettering on the ribbon. Unfortunately, the hats were a little too distinctive and made an inviting target for the Confederates.
The hats may also be seen in the famous photograph of the field hospital at Savage's Station.
 
Pvt. Shattuck,

Excellent!

Thank you so very much for sharing this gem with us also!

M. E. Wolf
 
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