Description
Wonderful grouping attributed to Lieutenant John Forrester of the 37th North Carolina Infantry. This grouping surfaced in El Dorado, Arkansas some time ago attributed to the Stegall family. Two brothers from the Stegall family, Alexander and Jason, would serve with the 37th North Carolina Infantry for the duration of the war. How this image came into the possession of the Stegall family is unknown, but it is certainly not one of the two brothers as both served as privates for the entire war. John T. Forrester would enlist as a corporal at Wilkes County, North Carolina in September, 1861 mustering with “F” Company. A promotion to sergeant would come in May, 1862, followed by a promotion to 3rd lieutenant in February, 1863 and 2nd lieutenant that October. He would be wounded at Ox Hill, Virginia on September 1st, 1862 and would return to duty the following month. His bad luck would continue in December as he was captured at Fredericksburg on the 13th. He would remain in Federal hands for just 4 days before being exchanged and returning to his regiment. At Gettysburg, Forrester would be wounded and captured during the fierce fight just north of the Angle. In Longstreet’s assault the Brigade supported the center of Pettigrew’s Division advancing in good order under the storm of shot and shell and when near the Union works north of the Angle pushed forward to aid the fragments of the front line in the final struggle and was among the last to retire. Hospitalized at David’s Island, New York, he would remain there until being transferred to Johnson’s Island, Ohio on September 18th. His imprisonment at the infamous locale would continue until being paroled in late February, 1865. No further record of John, following his exchange at City Point, are recorded. This view shows Forrester dressed in the identical double breasted frock which is shown being worn numerous other officers from the regiment. Triple armed, he brandishes two revolvers in his belt while displaying a large side knife. Two U.D.C ribbons are included as well as a Southern Cross of Honor and a U.D.C celluloid from veterans ribbon. A prints of Lee’s Farewell Address and a copy of “The Old Grey Jacket”, both from the early 1900’s are included as well. Superb grouping.
