Description
Signed carte view of Orsel C. Brown of the fighting 44th New York Infantry known as the “People’s Ellsworth Regiment”. Orsel would muster as a private with “A” company in August of 1861 at Albany, New York. While the 44th would be actively engaged in many of the wars fiercest battles, Orsel’s time would be spent serving in a clerical role. He would serve as a clerk to the quartermaster beginning in November, 1861. In early May of 1862, Orsel would fall ill and he would remain hospitalized until July 6th. Following his return, he would remain in his position as clerk until February of 1864 when he would re-enlist and take a brief veterans furlough returning in March. Continuing in his role as clerk, Orsel would be transferred and promoted to quartermaster sergeant with the 140th New York Infantry in October of that year. His previous experience working in the quartermaster’s department most certainly played a role in his new position. He would remain serving as quartermaster until June, 1865, when he was transferred into the 5th New York Veteran Infantry. There he would remain for two months serving in the same role until his discharge at Hart’s Island, New York in August, 1865. This example has a period ink inscription across the bottom front which is somewhat of a mystery. It is inscribed “Yours Truly Jno C. Brown, Lt. A. A???”. Why he would sign this view as John is unknown. The identity is certainly correct based on a second known and identified photo of him. It appears he inscribed it to a lieutenant, however I cannot decipher the name. Back marked out of New York.
