Description
Superb ruby ambrotype of two members of the 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. Photographed in the common pose associated with many New Hampshire images, the two men display the brass insignia pinned to the tops of the caps. Visible pinned to the tops of the two caps are the letters “N.H.V.”. Additionally, the numeral “12” can be seen inside the center of the brass infantry horn insignia. The man to the left would serve with “E” Company with the man to his right serving in “D” Company. While the man seated to the left is unknown, Private Henry Kidder is seated at his side. Henry would muster with “D” Company in September, 1862. The following May, he would be killed in action at Chancellorsville on May 3rd. Henry’s brother, Uriah Hill Kidder, who was serving in the same regiment and company was at his side when Henry received a wound in the head, which killed him instantly. As Henry was lying on the ground, just before advancing into battle, he raised his head to get a better view of the field when he was fatally struck. Uriah would later be seriously wounded at Cold Harbor. A secondary photo of Henry can be found in the regimental history. This one comes housed in a full leatherette case with a repaired spine.
