Description
Wonderful carte view of Colonel William S. Mudgett of Stockton, Maine. In the span of just 4 years, Mudgett would rise through the ranks from his initial enlistment as a private to receiving a brevet to brigadier general by March of 1865. The promising future officer would muster with the 2nd Maine Volunteer Infantry in May of 1861. Mustering with Company B., he would quickly be promoted to sergeant and then to 1st lieutenant by September of that year. The following summer he would be promoted again. This time to the rank of captain. In June of 1863, he would be discharged for a promotion to lieutenant colonel of the newly formed 80th USCT. By March, 1865, he had achieved the rank of full colonel and just days later he would receive a brevet to brigadier general. Mudgett would remain in the service until March, 1867.This is an interesting view of the colonel. Seated in a double breasted frock, his rank is exhibited on his shoulder in the form of a single oak leaf pinned to the coat indicating his rank as lieutenant colonel rather than full shoulder boards. This is the first time I have ever seen this. Really neat! This example is blind stamped on the front out of Louisville.
