Description
Very nice view of Captain Joseph Thompson of the 8th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Another view of Thompson can be found on the HDS dressed in this same frock and chasseur cap. Joseph would be commissioned a 1st lieutenant with Company B in late April, 1861. A 3 month regiment, they would participate in the Battle of Rich Mountain before returning to Indianapolis to be mustered out of service. The regiment was immediately reorganized and Joseph would be commissioned captain of Company I. Attached to the Department of the Missouri, they would take part in the battles of Pea Ridge and Hill’s Plantation in 1862. The following year would see the regiment taking part in the fighting at Port Gibson, Champion’s Hill, Vicksburg and the Siege of Jackson. Attached to the Army of the Shenandoah in 1864, they would take part in the battles of Opequan, Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek. Thompson would receive promotions to major and lieut. colonel in April and May of 1865 but would not muster. He would be discharged in August, 1865. He is shown here dressed in this unique frock which appears to have been favored by officers from the 8th Indiana. Similar to the method used by the Confederacy to indicate an officers rank, the coat bears this intricate cuff braid. Many of the officers from the regiment are known to have to displayed their rank in the same manner. His veterans stripes following his re-enlistment are worn as well. Back marked out of New Orleans where the regiment would move to in November of 1863. This example does have a small stain next to the face.
