Description
Carte view identified as Edward Bennet of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry. This view shows Edwards wearing the Zouave inspired uniform issued to the regiment comprising a blue jacket which would have been trimmed in red. He is however lacking the blue pantaloons which would have accompanied the jacket. Known as the “Ellsworth Avengers”, the 44th would be mustered in Albany, New York during the summer and fall of 1861. Edward would muster as a private with Company A in August of that year. Following winter quarters at Halls Hill, the regiment would be engaged at Hanover Court House, with the loss of 86 killed, wounded and missing. It would be followed by the Seven Days’ battles with a total loss of 56 at Gaines’ mill and 99 at Malvern Hill, out of 225 engaged. Returning to Alexandria, the regiment moved by way of Fortress Monroe to Manassas, and took part in the battle there of Aug. 30 taking another 71 casualties. Held in reserve at Antietam, it was active at Shepherdstown and Fredericksburg as well as taking part in hardships of Burnside’s “Mud March”. Leaving Falmouth in April, 1863, the 44th would lead during the Chancellorsville Campaign. During the fight at Gettysburg, the regiment was posted on the left of the line and joined in the defense of Little Round Top, where it met with its greatest loss taking 111 casualties. Following a brief rest, the 44th would take part in the Battle of Bristoe Station and was active at Rappahannock Station and in the Mine Run Campaign. In December, 1863, a large number of the men reenlisted including Edward. Following a veterans furlough, Edward would return the regiment and join in the Wilderness Campaign of 1864 where the regiment suffered greatly at the Wilderness and at Bethesda Church. Edward, now serving as a lieutenant, would be captured on on May 8th at Laurel Hill. He would manage to escape but was re-captured the following day at Beaver Dam Station. He would be exchanged at some point in time to take part in the Battle of Popular Springs Church in September where he would be wounded on the 30th. The following month, the men of the 44th would be mustered out of service and Edward would transfer into the 146th New York Infantry until his discharge in July, 1865. This view has a faint, period pencil id on the reverse reading “Ed Bennett Co. A.”. A later view of Bennett, most likely taken while serving with the 146th, can be found on the HDS as well as other sources. A small amount of research paperwork accompanies this view. No back mark.
