Communities Gone to War: Company Photographs

AUG

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3rd-Arkansas-State-Troops-30057.jpg

http://ozarkscivilwar.org/photographs/3rd-arkansas-state-troops/

Early war photograph of the Hempstead Rifles, Co. B, 3rd Arkansas State Troops, standing in front of the Jones Hotel in Washington, Arkansas. Raised in Hempstead County, the company completed its organization at Washington on May 4, 1861, with 102 men on its rolls and enlisted for three months' service (in state service). The men were presented their colors in the typical ceremony by the townspeople and marched off to war to the music of the local band. They apparently had this photograph taken shortly before they departed.

Typical for western troops early in the war, many of the men are wearing overshirts or battleshirts, probably homespun. They all wear civilian slouch hats and trousers, some with cravats and at least one man wearing glasses. Most of the volunteers shoulder a musket (perhaps a shotgun or squirrel rifle brought along from home) and large Bowie knives or Arkansas toothpicks.

At Camp Walker in Benton County, Arkansas, they were assigned to the 3rd Regiment, Arkansas State Troops on July 15, 1861. A brigade of Arkansas state troops - containing the 3rd Regiment - joined Gen. Ben McCulloch's forces in their march into Missouri, linking up with Gen. Sterling Price's Missouri State Guard and seeing action at Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861. Involved in the fierce fighting there at "Bloody Hill," the 3rd Regiment suffered 109 losses out of 500 men. Co. B, the Hempstead Rifles, lost 4 killed and 13 wounded.

Their three-month enlistments expiring, the Arkansas state troops were marched back to Arkansas and disbanded September 19, 1861. Many of the men, including those in the Hempstead Rifles, enlisted in the Confederate Army shortly thereafter. The "Hempstead Rifles Number 2" went on to form the nucleus of Company H, 17th Arkansas Infantry, which saw action at Pea Ridge, the battle of Corinth, and siege of Port Hudson. Other members of the Hempstead Rifles served in a range of other units, such as former Captain William P. Hart who went on to command the 2nd Arkansas Field Battery.

More on the Hempstead Rifles here: http://couchgenweb.com/civilwar/hemprifl.html

Here's a clearer version of the photo:
Hempstead Rifles.jpeg




Confederate Grays, Co. E, 20th North Carolina.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/3216892013...41835.321689201335430/374516366052713/?type=3

Photo of the Confederate Grays or Duplin Grays, Company E, 20th North Carolina Infantry. This company had its roots in the Franklin Military Institute of Dublin County, North Carolina, since its founding in 1858. On April 16, 1861, the cadets with a number of local volunteers enlisted for twelve months' service. Claudius Baker Denson, founder of the military institute and commandant of the cadets, was elected captain. As they spent two weeks drilling on the campus, the local ladies made uniforms and blankets for the company.

In May 1861 the Grays marched to Fort Johnston at Smithville. There they were organized as Company C of the 10th North Carolina Volunteers (later redesignated the 20th North Carolina State Troops in November). For thirteen months at Fort Johnston the regiment spent the time drilling as both infantry and heavy and light artillery. The company reorganized "for the war" in April 1862; Lt. Louis Hicks beat Denson in the election for captain.

In June 1862 they traveled to Richmond where they joined Gen. Samuel Garland's brigade. This was the Garland-Iverson-Johnston North Carolina Brigade that had such a long record in the Army of Northern Virginia, serving in nearly every major battle and campaign until Appomattox. Probably very few of the original Grays made it all the way through the war.

This photo of the Grays was taken while they were at Camp Johnston. The four officers standing at front are (left to right) Captain Denson, First Lieutenant R. Pryor James, Second Lieutenant Louis T. Hicks, and Third Lieutenant Lemuel Hodges. The image must have been taken prior to June 18, 1861, when Lieutenant James was appointed adjutant of the regiment and transferred out of the company.



Forsyth Rifles.jpg

The Forsyth Rifles, Company D, 21st North Carolina Infantry, in Camp near Danville, Virginia, 1861. (Source: The 21st North Carolina Infantry by Lee W. Sherrill, Jr.)

On April 20, 1861, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, the 66th Salem District Militia regiment (or Salem Light Guards) assembled at Salem's town square where they were urged to enroll in two volunteer companies that were being formed. Those were the Forsyth Rifles and Forsyth Grays.

Forsyth County took active steps to properly fund and equip the volunteers as well as care for their families. Material from F & H Fries Cotton and Woolen mills in Salem was used to outfit the two companies. The local women constructed "over 500 coats and fatigue jackets, and the same number of pants, shirts and drawers, over 2,000 pieces in all." Members of the community had also made and donated socks, gloves, blankets, etc., to ensure the men and boys were comfortable as they marched off to war. According to one resident, by June 2 "The Rifles and Grays here will be fully equipped in a few days more, better than any companies in the service, so say all those who have seen them."

Both the Forsyth Rifles and Grays along with a third company, the Forsyth Southrons, were organized into the 11th North Carolina Volunteers in June 1861. This regiment was later redesignated the 21st North Carolina State Troops (just a designation; they were in Confederate service). The 21st would see action in almost every major campaign in the East, from First Manassas to Appomattox.

The photo was taken while they were in camp at Danville, Va., in summer of 1861. The two drummers are believed to be James A. Reich, age 29, and Calvin T. Wren, age 22. Both enlisted as Musicians on May 22, 1861. Reich, listed as a fifer, is believed to be the snare drummer in this photo. Calvin Wren served with the regiment until the end and was paroled in April 1865. Reich transferred to Company B, 1st Battalion NC Sharpshooters in April 1862 and was reported present and accounted for through December 1864.



company-k-4th-ohio-volunteer-infantry-regiment-marion-ohio-jpg.114266.jpg

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/company-k-4th-ohio-infantry-in-marion-ohio.128597/

I couldn't find much on this company, but the 4th Ohio Infantry saw service in the Department of the Shenandoah - seeing action in the 1862 Valley Campaign - and later with the famous Gibralter Brigade in the II Corps, Army of the Potomac.

Here's a roster of Company K: http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cemeteryproject/4th/CoK.html



Sumter Light Guards, Augusta, Georgia, April, 1861.jpg

https://historical.ha.com/itm/milit...gusta-georgia-circa-april-1864/a/6131-47477.s

Photograph of the Sumter Light Guards, taken in Augusta, Georgia, April 26, 1861. From Americus, Sumter County, Georgia, this company later became Co. K of the 4th Georgia Infantry.

In late April 1861 the Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel described the company: "This splendid corps arrived in town on Sunday morning. They number 83 men. They were accompanied by the American Brass Band, whose performance elicited general approval and eulogy from our citizens. They only escort the corps thus far on their journey. The uniform of the Sumter Light Guards is a dark blue jacket, for the privates, trimmed with buff."

In the 4th Georgia Infantry, they would serve throughout most of the battles and campaigns with the Army of Northern Virginia in Doles'/Cook's Georgia Brigade.

Roster of the Sumter Light Guards: http://www.ranger95.com/civil_war/georgia/infantry/4ga_inf/4th_inf_regt_rost_k.html



mage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.storiamilitare.altervista.org%2FPagine%2520uniformi%2Fevoluzione%2Fcampo36.jpg

The Clinch Rifles, Company A, 5th Georgia Infantry, at Augusta, Georgia, March 9, 1861. (Source: The Photographic History of the Civil War, Vol. 9)

The Clinch Rifles dated back to prewar militia origins, organized in Augusta on March 22, 1851, from the Clinch Engine Company No. 2. It was named for General Duncan L. Clinch, the commander at the battles of Withlacoochee and The Cove in the Seminole Wars. The company adopted the motto "Charge Again" after General Clinch’s order at the battle of Withlacoochee.

At the outset of the Civil War it entered Confederate service as Company A of the 5th Georgia Infantry. They were equipped with 1841 Mississippi Rifles with saber bayonets and uniformed in green with gold braid trim. The Clinch Rifles would see most of their service in the Army of Tennessee. They were engaged at Murfreesboro, Chickamauaga, Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, and the Carolinas Campaign.

According to Silent Witness: The Civil War through Photography and its Photographers by Ron Field:

"Before they arrived at Camp Oglethorpe to join the 5th Georgia, the Clinch Rifles of Augusta were photographed by Tucker & Perkins. Established in Augusta since 1851, Isaac Tucker, with J. W. Perkins, operated the Photographic Gallery of Art opposite Adams' Express Company in Broad Street, and also supplied materials and chemicals to other photographers. On March 9, 1861, this firm photographed a flag presentation to the Clinch Rifles and five days later had an albumen print of the occasion 'suspended near the entrance to their Art Gallery.' They presented a copy of this photograph to the Rifles as they departed for Macon on May 7, 1861. By the end of September 1862, Tucker & Perkins had sold all their 'Photographic and Ambrotype Stock' and closed their gallery. On September 11, 1863, J. W. Perkins was enrolled 'for the war' in the Wheeler Dragoons, which formed part of the 1st Georgia Regiment of Local Troops."​
Here is a newspaper article describing the flag presentation, Daily Constitutionalist (Augusta, GA), March 10, 1861, p. 3, c. 1:
The Clinch Rifles paraded yesterday afternoon, in full dress, with fatigue caps, under command of Captain Platt, and made their usual handsome military display.

This popular company presents a very soldierly appearance; and, as a general rule, execute the several manoeuvres of the manual of arms with a skill and proficiency that entitles them to much credit and admiration.

Between three and four o’clock, P. M., the company proceeded to the green in Broad Street, in front of Messrs. Platt’s furniture establishment, and there received a beautiful flag of the Southern Confederacy, which had been prepared for, and was presented to the Clinch Rifles by two of the original members of the company.

W. D. Tutt, Esq., presented the flag, in behalf of the donors in the following neat and appropriate speech:

Fellow Soldiers: By solicitation, it becomes my pleasing duty, in the name and behalf of two worthy and honored original members of the Clinch rifles—Lieut. Adam and ex-Sergeant Platt—to present to you a new flag—the flag of the Southern Confederacy. I shall not attempt to examine or explain its design, for the world now, or soon will, know it by heart. We all, gentlemen, regret the necessity which compels us to furl the “old Stars and Stripes.” Every star and every stripe has had a place in every American patriot’s heart; as each successive star was added to the bright gallaxy [sic] of Freedom’s constellation, the patriot’s heart swelled with emotion, when contemplating the destined future of his country; but, alas! alas! while the efforts of time proved utterly unavailing to tarnish the brilliance which was shed forth to all the world, tyranny succeeded in entirely obliterating it; and now, seven of them—stars of the very first magnitude—have left their accustomed orbit, and are now revolving around Freedom as a common centre.

We are pained to see that standard sheet, which commanded the respect of all nations—which floated triumphantly over every sea—and which waved a proud defiance even from the halls of the Montezumas; we are pained, I sway, to see it removed from its proud position. Yet, we feel that an inevitable necessity has forced it upon us, and we readily accept the alternative, of tearing it from its proud pedestal, rather than allow it to float freely and fearlessly over an enslaved and subjugated people.

This is no spasmodic feeling. It is a feeling which has been engendered by the meekness with which we have borne the wrongs and insults heaped upon us, for the last ten years; and now, when the worst has come—when “Birnam wood has come to Dursinane,” the South, after mature deliberation, and calm reflection, has decided to cling to her institutions, as the mariner clings to the floating wreck when the storm fiend howls in the blast, and the spirit of despair settles upon the face of the waters.

These gentlemen, then, “our brethren in arms,” whom I represent, have, in this necessity, provided another ark of the covenant of Freedom to go before the Clinch Rifles, in this their journey through the wilderness of revolution to the promised land of liberty beyond. They have presented it, because they believe you will be among the first, when your country calls, to rally to the rescue—they have presented it because they believe that it will be carried through the thickest of the fight, and you, soldiers, will never permit it to trail in the dust. Then, take it as a trust, delegated to each one individually, and to the Clinch Rifles collectively; and if grim visaged war shall stalk among us, and the bugle’s shrill tones shall call us to arms, let us follow where this glorious flag shall lead, and let the wave of its silken folds beckon us on “to victory or to death.”

Capt. Platt the took the flag, and handed it to Ensign Ells, with a few brief remarks. Ensign James N. Ells received the beautiful flag, which is of fine silk, regulation size, and replied as follows:

Sir: In receiving this beautiful flag from you, the representative of patriotic donors, the heart of every Clinch Rifle is overflowing with peculiar emotions. Its resemblance to one we have loved for years, one cherished with an affection known only to Americans, calls up most pleasant memories, indulged until the hand of oppression blotted out its stars and rent its folds asunder. As we gaze on the standard before us, we renew our vows of fealty to our new Confederacy, and from our heart of hearts thank the God of all nations that there is still one Republic of freemen in the world; one favored land where citizens may walk erect, in all the dignity of their calling; and where men of the South, resisting oppression, and bidding defiance to tyranny, have exchanged the miseries of despotism for the glorious fruition of the rights of sons of our own sunny clime.

Sir, in our keeping, we promise it shall never know dishonor. Our hands shall wave it in triumph—our lives defend it. The gallant States designated by its starry gems shall never blush for its fate, or may it prove our winding sheet. We unfurl it now to the breeze, invoking the blessing of Heaven to attend us in peace or conflict, as citizens or soldiers, come weal or woe, in life or death! Aye,

Forever float our standard sheet,
Whate’er old Time may bring before us;
‘Tis Southern soil beneath our feet—
A Southern flag is waving o’er us!”

The speaker was applauded several times during the delivery of these remarks.

The Rifles, after the close of these remarks, marched down Broad street to the front of the Augusta Hotel, where a photograph of the company was taken by Messrs. Tucker & Perkins, Daguerreans and Ambrotypists, on Broad street.

This accomplished, the company then proceeded to the Place D’Armes, where they went through several evolutions in a very skillful and creditable manner, in the presence of a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who had assembled there. Among other tactics, the company again went through their old skirmish drill, which they had laid aside some years ago, much to the regret of their many admirers. As the times betoken war, the company has thought proper to resume HARDIES [sic] skirmish drill, in order to be ready for any emergency.

After the company returned to their armory, there was a pleasant little incident enacted, in which a number of appropriate toasts and sentiments formed a part of the proceedings. It was a late hour when the company was dismissed.

Roster of the Clinch Rifles: https://ranger95.com/civil_war/georgia/infantry/5ga_inf/5th_inf_regt_rost_a.html



Oglethorpe Infantry.jpg

The Oglethorpe Infantry in Augusta, Georgia, April 1861. (Source: The Photographic History of the Civil War, Vol. 8)

The Oglethorpe Infantry was another prewar militia company, organized in Augusta, Georgia, in 1850. They were named after James Oglethorpe, founder of the Georgia colony in 1733. At the outset of the war they mustered in as Company D of Ramsey's 1st Georgia Infantry, and throughout 1861 served at Pensacola and under Jackson in the Romney Expedition. After their first term of service expired in March 1862, those who reenlisted were reorganized as Company A, 12th Battalion Georgia Light Artillery, serving as garrison troops on the Georgia coast. Late that year the Oglethorpes transferred to the 13th Georgia Infantry Battalion, which was increased in size and redesignated the 63rd Georgia Infantry Regiment. The Oglethorpes were Company A. The regiment served as garrison troops on the East Coast until joining the Army of Tennessee in March 1864. They then participated in the Atlanta, Tennessee, and Carolinas Campaigns in 1864-65, surrendering with the army in North Carolina.

This image was incorrectly ID'd as the Clinch Rifles in The Photographic History of the Civil War, but in a second edition it was corrected to the Oglethorpe Infantry.

Roster of the Oglethorpe Infantry: https://ranger95.com/civil_war/georgia/infantry/1ga_inf_ramsey/1st_inf_regt_ramseys_rost_d.html

Edit to add: Since posted some more info on these three Georgia photos here:
https://civilwartalk.com/threads/th...thorpe-infantry-and-the-clinch-rifles.156108/



Independent Blues.jpg

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/the-independent-blues-in-selma.124903/

The Independent Blues assembled in full regalia at the wharf on Water Street in Selma, Alabama, January 11, 1861. The Blues were organized as a local militia company in 1859; according to one resident of Selma, the members consisted of the "sober, more settled men of the city." They are seen here wearing their early war blue Alabama Volunteer Corps uniforms. The company was soon mustered into Confederate service "for the war" and designated Company D of the 8th Alabama Infantry. They went on to see a long service in Wilcox's Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia.



lamar-rifles-1861-jpg.126515.jpg

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/la...ississippi-in-oxford-mississippi-1861.132189/

Lamar Rifles, Company G of the 11th Mississippi Infantry, in Oxford, Mississippi, 1861. The company began as a local militia organization in Oxford, Lafayette County, Miss., in 1860. They were named after L.Q.C. Lamar, a popular local congressman. After Mississippi seceded they were mustered into state service in February 1861. Ordered to Corinth soon after, the Lamar Rifles were organized as Company G of the 11th Mississippi Infantry on May 4. They then marched off for Virginia where they officially mustered into Confederate service for a one year term of service, later reenlisting in April 1862 for three years or the duration of the war. The Lamar Rifles would fight with the 11th Mississippi throughout nearly every major campaign in the East, from First Manassas to Appomattox. Out of 139 men who served in Company G, 31 were killed in action or died of wounds, 8 died of disease, and 68 were wounded in action.

Their early war company uniform is recorded as consisting of Hardee hats, gray frock coats with red trim on the collar and cuffs and eight red chest bars with buttons at each end, and gray trousers with red strips down the sides. However, in this photo they appear to be wearing shell jackets and caps with rubber rain covers. Perhaps they had two company uniforms at the very outset of the war.

More on the Lamar Rifles here: http://www.11th-miss.com/history.htm

Below is a photo from Lamar Rifles: A History of Company G, Eleventh Mississippi Regiment, C.S.A.
lamar-rifle-photo-5-jpe-jpg.jpg
 
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Here is the regimental flag of the 11th Mississippi on May 4th 2016, the day it was er-dedicated and hung on the wall of the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. This flag was presented to the Lamar Rifles and the University Grey's on May 4th, 1861. Its about twenty yards from where I'm sitting.
Tom
8CKD_5_6_11th_flag.jpg
 
richland-volunteer-rifle-company-1-jpg.jpg

Richland Volunteer Rifle Company 2.jpg

"Review of the volunteer troops in Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, Charleston Harbor, SC, in the presence of Mrs. [Lucy Holcombe] Pickens and Miss [Jane "Jeannie"] Pickens, the wife and daughter of the governor [Francis W. Pickens] of South Carolina."
(Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, Feb. 23, 1861)

The two companies shown, the Richland Volunteer Rifles and Rhett Guard, were from Richland District and Newberry District, South Carolina, respectively.

The Richland Volunteer Rifles was one of the oldest militia organizations in the state, dating all the way back to 1813. As an organization, the Rifles had seen service in the Seminole War and the Mexican War; in the latter they served as Company H of the famed Palmetto Regiment.

In January 1861, both companies were mustered into state service for six months in Maxcy Gregg's 1st South Carolina Volunteers as companies A and L, respectively. The regiment was transferred to the Confederate Army and later reorganized in August 1861, after its first term of service expired. The companies would then become C and B of Gregg's 1st South Carolina Infantry (Provisional). They would go on to see a lot of action in the Eastern Theater as part of Gregg's/McGowan's South Carolina Brigade in A. P. Hill's Light Division, Army of Northern Virginia.

The Richland Volunteer Rifles' early war uniform consisted of dark gray pleated hunting shirts, dark gray trousers, and chasseaur-style forage caps. The Rhett Guard wore green hunting frocks, with scarlet sashes and oil-silk caps.
 
Early war images of companies standing in the streets of their home town are quite rare and unique. Those in the OP are all that I am aware of thus far. Though there are a number of images out there like the one below - group portraits of Union companies taken in the field.

company-i-7th-wisconsin-infantry-smaller-file.jpg

Company I of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry in the Iron Brigade. Taken outside Fredericksburg, Virginia, July 1862 (Source).

Company I was from Waushara County, Wisconsin.
 
Here's another one from The Photographic History of the Civil War, Vol 1.

Orleans Cadets.jpg


The Orleans Cadets were Company F of Dreux's 1st Battalion, Louisiana Volunteers. There were several companies of the Orleans Cadets raised in New Orleans and the one that served in Dreux's Battalion was Company A, the first. I think they may have removed their coats or jackets in this image due to the heat.

According to Lee's Tigers by Terry L. Jones, the Orleans Cadets were recruited by Charles D. Dreux, a 29-year-old aristocratic socialite from the city. Of 103 members, the company was said to have consisted of "New Orleans' most prominent young bachelors and claimed to have thirty-four men under eighteen years of age, with Dreux being the only married member." The battalion was sent to Pensacola in April 1861, leaving for Virginia on May 30. Lt. Col. Dreux was killed in a skirmish on July 5, 1861, the first Confederate officer killed in the war. The battalion was disbanded in May 1862 and many of the men enlisted in what became Fenner's Battery.
 
proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2569%2F4166100865_ee989b3726_o.jpg

Company H "Bingham's Guards," 44th Indiana Infantry, taken in Chattanooga about May 1864 (Source).

Company H was mainly from LaGrange County. The company was named after William B. Bingham, one of the leading citizens from LaGrange who recruited the company. Their early war uniform consisted of red shirts and blue Zouave jackets with velvet trim, sewn by the ladies of the county. Before the company departed on November 17, 1861, Captain Bingham was presented with a sword by the local citizens. They then marched to Fort Wayne where they were organized into the 44th Indiana Infantry.


The book, The Iron 44th is a history of this company: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452080801/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

I posted a bit more on the 44th in this thread: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/44th-indiana-infantry.88535/
 
m%2F-50nH2s8zs7I%2FUB5itGFEOYI%2FAAAAAAAAA0w%2F0oiKfPK0bCc%2Fs1600%2F4th-Texas-Cavalry-Arizona-B.jpg


There's also this image of what is believed to be members of the 4th Texas Cavalry, Arizona Brigade. According to Portraits of Conflict: A Photographic History of Texas in the Civil War, this is William J. Stokes's company, recruited in Ellis County, Texas, in spring of 1864; the photo is believed to have been taken around that time.

This 4th Texas Cavalry is not to be confused with the 4th Texas Mounted Rifles/Cavalry in Sibley's Brigade. In April 1862 Lt. Col. John R. Baylor was authorized by the Confederate War Department to recruit a brigade of volunteers in order to recapture southwestern territory. At the same time, Col. Spruce M. Baird also began recruiting volunteers in Texas for the same purpose. A year later these volunteers recruited by Baylor and Baird were organized into four regiments - the "Arizona Brigade" - yet none of the four ever set foot into Arizona Territory, and only two (the 2nd and 3rd) served in the same brigade, but they still retained their original name. The 4th mostly ended up serving in Texas in John "Rip" Ford's cavalry command, while the other three regiments went on to see action in Louisiana and Arkansas.
 
I stumbled on these photos online a while back, they were labeled Co. A 1st P.R.I. (30th Pa.) I would love to confirm that that's who they are. My G G Uncle and several cousins were in this company. I haven't seen them anywhere else. If someone else has seen them and knows who they are that would be great.
30th penn.jpg
co a 30th.jpg
 
I stumbled on these photos online a while back, they were labeled Co. A 1st P.R.I. (30th Pa.) I would love to confirm that that's who they are. My G G Uncle and several cousins were in this company. I haven't seen them anywhere else. If someone else has seen them and knows who they are that would be great.View attachment 154153 View attachment 154154
Did find larger versions of the photos but no further information.

34556v.jpg

https://www.loc.gov/item/2013648614/

CivilWar-CompanyA-1stRegt.jpg

http://www.bergergirls.com/showmedia.php?mediaID=18062


Also ran across this image of Company B, 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, said to have been taken by Mathew Brady in June 1863. I would guess those of Co. A were also taken around that time.

B-375+Camp+of+Infantry+Decorated+and+Company+on+parade.jpg

http://www.lancasteratwar.com/2012/12/the-tragedy-of-pa-reserves-at.html
 
That should be right- re-enlistments for 3 month's regiments, for PA men were at Falmouth in '62. This photo of the 36th PVI gives me hope somewhere is one like it, in some musty closet of the 50th. You just know the photographer did not set up that huge camera, take one shot the lug it out of there.

Awesome thread! Thank you! Always so striking the difference, everyone so spiffy as they first formed, then seeing later photos, an entire war between them.
 
Thank you @AUG351 , those are much clearer images than I have. Co. A 30th Pa. was formed in Chester County in 61 where one line of my family are from. They were called the Brandywine Guards going back to their roots in the Chester Co. Militia going back to the Rev War. They were in the 5th Corps. and were in the think of every engagement of the AoP. I wish I knew the date of the first image, there are a couple guys in there that resemble my uncle. He enlisted in 61 and was promoted to sergeant by 63. By the time of the second photo, June 63 he was still on the 30th roll as sergeant but I believe he was working with the topographical engineers, I know he was working with them at Gettysburg. Later in 63 he was discharged from the 30th and commissioned Lt. and was on General Warren's staff the rest of the war. I also had several cousins in Co.A at various times during the war but don't have any images of them to try and pick them out in either of those photos.
 
Hey @AUG351 , here's a picture of my uncle later in the war after his commission. Looking at the first photo of Co.A, do you think he may be either the guy holding the colors or the guy in the second sergeant's position?View attachment 154221
I think he looks close, especially to the second sergeant.

You can download a higher resolution version of the image on LoC: https://www.loc.gov/item/2013648614/

Click on the drop down menu where it says Download right under the photo and click on TIFF.
 
Thanks again @AUG351 , I stared at it a long time and really can't tell for sure. If it were dated it would narrow it down a little. He's definitely not the color bearer. My other half thinks he's the second sergeant also. I think the guy to the right of the captain looks a bit like him if he had a shave and if it were early war when he was still a private. I wish I had some photos of my cousins, I'm sure there's at least a couple of them in each picture. I have a couple photos of other cousins that were in other regiments.
 
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