Description
Brady carte view of Lieutenant Albert Wilbur Sturdy of the 18th Massachusetts Infantry. Working as a jeweler before the war, the 30 year old Wrenthan, Massachusetts resident would muster as a private with “I” Company in August, 1861. He would receive promotions to corporal, sergeant and finally to 2nd lieutenant in August, 1862. Serving in the Washington Defenses for the remainder of 1861, the regiment would first be engaged at Yorktown during the spring of 1862. It would be a busy year for the men of the 18th. Hanover Court House, The Seven Days, Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Shepardstown and lastly, Fredericksburg. Albert would be wounded during the latter battle when a bullet slammed into his left foot. Sent to the Seminary Hospital, he would spend several months recovering from the wound. The effects of the wound would result in Albert receiving a medical discharge in April, 1863. Albert would pose for this view in mid 1861 while the regiment was serving at Fort Corcoran in the Defenses of Washington. He strikes this very confident pose with his coat and cap resting on the table at his side. The numeral “18” is clearly visible on the front of the cap. The reverse of the card is signed in pencil reading “A. W. Sturdy 37th Reg. Mass. Volunteers”. Now why this says he was serving in the 37th, I do not know. This is with absolute certainty Albert Sturdy of the 18th Massachusetts. A second view of Albert taken during the same sitting is housed in the collection of The Medford Historical Society & Museum confirming the id. There is no record of anybody by that name serving in the 37th so. Really sharp image.
