Description
Superb carte view identified as 1st lieutenant Charles Soule of the 64th New York Infantry. Known as the “First Cattaraugus Regiment”, Charles would muster as a private with “K” Company in December, 1861. The following May, he would receive a promotion to 1st lieutenant and then again in April of 1863 to 1st lieutenant and quartermaster. Charles and the men of the 64th would see no shortage of action. They would be heavily engaged throughout both the Peninsular Campaign and again during the Maryland Campaign. Following Chancellorsville in 1863, the regiment would head for the field of Gettysburg where they would once again play a significant role in the heat of battle. Following the the first days fight, and as a result of the casualties incurred during that day, Charles was assigned to take command of “D” Company. On July 2nd, the regiment would be heavily engaged in the vicinity of the Wheatfield. Charles would be wounded in the left hand during the fight. The wound would prove slight and by August, Charles would once again be present for duty. In May of 1864, the Rapidan to the James Campaign would begin. The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Petersburg and several others would be etched into the regiments battle honors. Charles would however resign in July of that year and was discharged on the 8th. Whether he was plagued by his previous hand wound or some other circumstances dictated his resignation I do not know. This example bears a period ink signature on the front bottom reading, “Lt. Chal. Soule”. The reverse on the card is identifies Charles’s regiment in his hand as well, “64th N.Y. Vols”. This one is stamped on the front out of Attica, New York and i presume was most likely taken during his hospital stay from his wounding at Gettysburg. This identical view can also be located on the HDS. Clipped corners, but otherwise fine.
