Description
Carte view identified as George E. Austin of Rochester, Vermont. George would first enlist with the 16th Vermont Infantry in October, 1862. The regiments only engagement would come on the field of Gettysburg. There they would play a pivotal role in repulsing Pickett’s Charge on July, 3rd. Following the battle, they would move to Battleboro where they would be mustered out of service in August. The following year, George would take up arms again. This time with 17th Vermont Infantry beginning in April, 1864. He would receive promotion to corporal, sergeant and lastly to 2nd lieutenant although he did not muster the rank. Despite mustering towards the latter end of the war, the regiment would see no shortage of battles that were fought in rapid succession. The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor and Petersburg to name a few. George would survive the fighting and return home where he would sit for this view dressed in his lieutenants uniform. A period ink signature on the reverse reads, “George E. Austin Lieut. “D” Co. 17th Vt. Vols”. Back marked out of Burlington, Vermont. Slightly trimmed.
