Confederate Photograph?

[Johnny_Reb_1865]

Found this image here:

Men in Confederate uniforms

Portrait of an unidentified group of men standing in front of a sewing machine store. Some men wear Confederate uniforms. The tintype is set in a decorative gold frame.

teva.contentdm.oclc.org

Could it possibly be Confedetate?

If so they're not POW's.

 

[UCVRelics]

A few of them appear to be wearing uniforms and with the bed rolls, canteens and cups I would say yes.

 

[chubachus]

IIRC people have said it is Confederate soldiers shortly after getting out of an unknown POW camp in the midwest.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

I agree they're most likely former prisoners of war. They seemed to be carrying their meager belongings, possibly waiting for the next train headed south.

 

[TerryB]

There is more specific info somewhere, but I've always seen it labeled as Confederate POWs from Tennessee. Could be from Fort Donelson or Island No Ten, since most of the microfilm I've seen shows men from both actions being paroled around Sept 1862. I'm relying on memory for the date.

 

[TerryB]

The store is selling sewing machines, so I'd say up North for sure. However, many of the exchanges took place at Vicksburg, so maybe that's where they're headed.

 

[UCVRelics]

The store is selling sewing machines, so I'd say up North for sure. However, many of the exchanges took place at Vicksburg, so maybe that's where they're headed.

We had sewing machines during the CW

 

[TerryB]

We had sewing machines during the CW

Yeah, I've heard that. When I notice their coats, I think maybe this is winter, not summer. So they could be new arrivals from Donelson, Shiloh, or Island No 10.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

See page 111 of "Privations of A Private" for photograph for it's description.
The pictured fellows are recently released Confederate prisoners from Elmira New York, at War's end. The person in the light hat and linen duster is the author of the book, Marcus B. Toney, 1st TN Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.

 

[TerryB]

See page 111 of "Privations of A Private" for photograph for it's description.
The pictured fellows are recently released Confederate prisoners from Elmira New York, at War's end. The person in the light hat and linen duster is the author of the book, Marcus B. Toney, 1st TN Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.

Thanks a million for the info!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Thanks a million for the info!

Glad to help!
It's a great book!
Thanks!

 

[chubachus]

See page 111 of "Privations of A Private" for photograph for it's description.
The pictured fellows are recently released Confederate prisoners from Elmira New York, at War's end. The person in the light hat and linen duster is the author of the book, Marcus B. Toney, 1st TN Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.

Very fascinating book! Here is the passage in question about the photo:

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

That explains the how odd the image seems, men nicely shaven, a few with good clothing but still looking awfully weary.What I love is the little boy. There's always the Where's Waldo little boy in group images, this one looks like he tried hard to get his hat to fit in.

On their way home. Nice to think about.

 

[lupaglupa]

They were lucky to be alive after a stint in "Hellmira"

 

[donna]

They sure are lucky to be alive. Elmira was a Hell Hole.

Albert nice research. Sounds like book for me to read.

 

[JD Mayo]

I rather be at Fort Delaware than at Hellmaria. If you where a officer prisoner at Fort Delaware you had your own quarters and nicer place than the barracks than with all the other nco's and privates. When I was there at the Fort fife and drum school we did it authentically. Loved that event.

 

[TerryB]

I rather be at Fort Delaware than at Hellmaria. If you where a officer prisoner at Fort Delaware you had your own quarters and nicer place than the barracks than with all the other nco's and privates. When I was there at the Fort fife and drum school we did it authentically. Loved that event.

An indirect ancestor of mine, Lt. Tom Pointer of the 16th Ala Inf, spent the last 6 months of the war there. After he was released he stayed around long enough to cash a check (about one day) and headed home. He seems to have had access to funds on a regular basis.