[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 22 CDVs of members of the 7th New York State Militia, Cos. A, B, and C.
22 CDVs on cardstock mounts showing members of the 7th New York State Militia, Cos. A, B, and C, some subjects identified, ca 1861-1863. The majority of the CDVs are uncredited with the exception of 3 images taken by Rockwood (NY), Gurney & Son (NY), and Brady (Washington).
Identified subjects and ranks (when noted) include:
Co. A: Captain William Bensel.
Co. B: Gulian Verplanck Weir. Private with 7th NYSM; 1st Lieutenant and commander of Battery C, 5th US Regular Artillery. He commanded the battery at Gettysburg in July 1863, and on 2 July enemy troops captured 3 of his guns there. Although they were re-captured soon afterward, he was apparently devastated by their loss. He died with the rank of captain of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Fort Hamilton in New York City. Penciled notation on verso indicates that the CDV came from the Alexander Stewart Webb album. -- Private Eugene Mix. -- 5 unidentified soldiers.
Co. C: Lieutenant John J. Wickstead, Jr. -- Captain James Price. -- Sergeant Joseph Dore, signed and inscribed on verso from Fort Federal Hill, July 23, 1862. -- Zebulon E. Hyde, signed and inscribed on verso from Fort Federal Hill, Baltimore, July 23, 1862. -- Captain James Price, period identification or autograph on verso. -- Alfred Cutler Barnes. -- Lieutenant George T. Haws (2). -- Charles M. Marsh. -- Joseph Marsh Stanford. -- George P. Lawrence. -- Jacob Muller. -- 2 unidentified soldiers.
Together, 22 CDVs.
The 7th New York State Militia Regiment, often known as the "Silk Stocking Regiment" because of the elite social status of many of its members, dates from 1806 when it was formed in response to British ships firing at American vessels off Sandy Hook. The regiment, located in New York City, was mobilized in the 19th century for both state and federal service. It had helped quell many local disturbances in New York throughout the 19th century including the Anti-rent War in 1839, the Astor Place Riot in 1849, and the Dead Rabbits Riot in 1857.
After being called to defend Washington, DC, on the specific request of President Lincoln, the 7th NY arrived on 25 April 1861, taking up residence at the Capitol Building before being ordered to Camp Cameron near Georgetown on 2 May. During its short term of service, the 7th NY helped construct Ft. Runyon before returning to New York City and mustering out on 3 June 1861. The regiment was mustered in again for three months' service in May 1862, mustering out in September 1862; and once again mustered in for 30-days' service in June 1863. It was during this time that the 7th was on duty for the New York Draft Riots that occurred in July of 1863. The regiment mustered out for good on 21 July 1863. After the Civil War, the 7th NY went on to become a New York National Guard regiment, and served into the 20th century.
Estate of David O'Reilly, Old Bridge, New Jersey
This lot is located in Cincinnati.