Cannon At Bull Run.

[Robert Gray]

Two stereo photographs of unknown artillerymen supposedly at Bull Run. While the scenarios are similar, there is no evidence that the location is correct. In both images an encampment can be seen in the background. After their defeat in July 1861, Federal troops did not return to the area until the spring of 1862 following the Confederate withdrawal from Manassas Junction. The foliage on the trees here does not match other known images taken at this time. So my guess is that we're looking at another location. In any case, the photographer has given the viewer dramatic views of the business end of two light artillery field pieces. The first photo was also included in the Brady Illustrations of Camp Life series.

Library of Congress photos.

 

[repman66]

If you look carefully at the camp in the background you will see several trees cut (presumably to make fireplaces or ovens). This was not on the battlefield, and I would venture to guess nowhere closer to Bull Run than the Virginia side of the Potomac

 

[R. Porter]

Was it normal to deploy a cannon on a slant or would the crew have found a level spot or dug away some of the soil under a wheel to even it out?

 

[1st Section]

Was it normal to deploy a cannon on a slant or would the crew have found a level spot or dug away some of the soil under a wheel to even it out?

Ideally you'd want the gun as level as possible, but sometimes where you end up is where you end up. I think in this case they were just looking for an uphill sloped area so the entire platoon would be visible in the picture.

 

[on again]

Two stereo photographs of unknown artillerymen supposedly at Bull Run. While the scenarios are similar, there is no evidence that the location is correct. In both images an encampment can be seen in the background. After their defeat in July 1861, Federal troops did not return to the area until the spring of 1862 following the Confederate withdrawal from Manassas Junction. The foliage on the trees here does not match other known images taken at this time. So my guess is that we're looking at another location. In any case, the photographer has given the viewer dramatic views of the business end of two light artillery field pieces. The first photo was also included in the Brady Illustrations of Camp Life series.

Library of Congress photos.

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This was part of a 1861-1862 series called Illustrations of Camp Life[!]

Illustrations of Camp Life: Mathew Brady’s Civil War series

Mathew Brady and his team of photographers produced an informal collection of outdoor portraits taken in and about the Defenses of Washington.

www.militaryimagesmagazine-digital.com

 

[chubachus]

Anthony stereoview number 2061 is "Picket Guard on Alert" featuring a group of men of the 4th Michigan. It looks like there is a possible cannon behind the second guy from right, maybe the same one? Source: LOC.

 

[scooter748driver]

There is definitely a wheel in the background. I wonder if it's to a caisson?