Description
Outstanding sixth plate ambrotype of a young lad dressed in a very elaborate uniform. He sports this grey jacket and trousers, which are both trimmed in red. Cloth epaulet’s trim the shoulders with a tombeaux pattern flanking either side of the waist as well. A small clipped note behind the image simply identifies the subject as “C. W. Campbell”. This has been tentatively identified as Christopher W. Campbell of the 63rd New York Infantry. Christopher appears to have been an orphaned, and newly arrived immigrant from Ireland. Shortly after his arrival he would muster with “F” Company of the 63rd New York Infantry, part of the now famed Irish Brigade. His service would begin in October of 1861 with his age noted as a mere 15 years old. Described as 5 feet tall with grey eyes and red hair, he marched off to war serving as the company musician. He is shown here with a visibly swollen cheek. Possibly from an abscessed tooth. His service would be short lived. While marching to Manassas, Christopher was accidently shot on March 12, 1862. Christopher would linger Alexandria hospital until the 21st before eventually succumbing to the wound. Just an all around great image! Housed in a full leatherette case.
