Description
Carte view identified as Captain Harmon H. Merriman of the 177th New York Volunteer Infantry. At 43 years of age, Harmon would be commissioned captain of “H” Company in October, 1862. Organized at Albany, the regiment mustered into the U. S. service for a nine month term. Harmon would pose for this view in Albany, New York prior to the regiment leaving the state. On December, 16th it would head to New Orleans, where it was assigned to the 3d brigade of Sherman’s division, afterwards the 3d brigade, 2nd division, 19th corps. Harmon and the men of the 177th would take part in skirmishes at McGill’s Ferry, Pontchatoula, Civiques Ferry and Amite River and was active throughout the siege of Port Hudson, where it fought gallantly in the general assault of May 27. Its loss during the siege was 23 killed and wounded. Harmon would be gravely wounded during the assault. Loaded aboard a ship for transport back home, he wouldn’t survive the trip. He would succumb to the wounding on June, 14th after two days at sea. With a lengthy trip still ahead, Harmon’s remains were committed to the sea for burial. While this view is not signed, a second known view of Harmon taken during the same session which captured this image, is held in the New York Heritage Collection.
