Description
Wonderful sixth plate Neff’s Patent melainotype identified as private John Emmet Wilson of Alabama. Wonderful view of this rebel soldier. John would serve with Co. D. of the 42nd Alabama Infantry after a handful of regiments were consolidated forming the regiment during the spring of 1862. The regiment would see their first action at Corinth where they would suffer a casualty rate of nearly 50%. During late 1862 and into early 1863 John and the men of the 42nd would be sent to Vicksburg to form part of the garrison positioned there. He would be counted among the unfortunate number of men who fell into Union hands when Vicksburg fell in July, 1863. Paroled 6 days later he would rejoin the regiment only to be captured again a little over a year later on July 6, 1864 near Atlanta. After his capture he would be sent to a Union prison in Louisville. From there he would be transferred to Camp Chase, Ohio and then to Point Lookout. John would be paroled in mid March, 1865. He would go on to live a long, healthy life passing in 1922. John is shown here dressed in this peppered grey or butternut jacket with the front and collar trimmed in a very thin black cord. Two very large pockets are located on either side of the mid section while sporting this fantastic large black felt hat. A lock of braided red hair resides in the case along with the image. This one was obtained directly from the family by the previous owner and is accompanied by a signed letter attesting to it’s authenticity and lineage. Housed in a full leatherette case with a split spine.
