Description
Wonderful, half plate ruby ambrotype of a newly recruited Federal infantryman photographed with two fellow men. The infantryman shown here is identified as private George Hinkle of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. George would muster with “B” Company in August, 1861. Standing to the far right in this view, he looks less than thrilled at his prospect of serving for the United States military. A second image of George, taken during the same photo session as this example, is shown on his HDS page. George stands dressed in his newly issued infantry frock coat worn over his civilian clothes. The two men shown with George, may have in fact been his older brothers. The 49th joined in the campaign on the Peninsula early in 1862, performing various siege duties at Yorktown, and fighting at Williamsburg, Garnett’s and Golding’s farms, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill. On Aug. 16, the regiment was sent to Alexandria, where it was attached to Franklin’s corps, which joined the Army of the Potomac at Centerville and proceeded to Antietam, engaging the enemy on the way at Crampton’s Gap. Winter quarters were established at White Oak Church and on Jan. 9, 1864, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies, which participated in the “Mud March.” It was active at Salem Church, present at Deep Run, active at Gettysburg, and then joined in the southward movement of the army. It was engaged at Rappahannock Station, and was mentioned in orders for gallantry. It joined in the Mine Run movement, after which it went into winter quarters at Hazel Run. On May 4, 1864, it broke camp and the next day the command was in the heat of the action at the Wilderness. At Laurel Hill the regiment made a most daring assault, but at fearful cost. Colonel Hulings, Lieut.-Colonel Miles 2 other officers and 61 men being killed and 5 officers and 195 men wounded or missing. The next engagement was the assault on the angle at Spotsylvania. The loss up to the 14th of the month when only 130 men were able to report for duty, was 392 killed, wounded or missing. At Cold Harbor the loss was 8 killed and 20 wounded. The regiment proceeded with the army to Petersburg and on July 11, was ordered to Washington, which was threatened by Gen. Early. It followed Early to the Shenandoah river and then returned to Washington, but had scarcely arrived when news of Early’s advance upon Crook caused it to return to Harper’s Ferry. It was active at the battle of Winchester; was posted on guard in the city for a time; then ordered again to Petersburg; shared in the action at Hatcher’s run, and made its winter quarters at Fort Wadsworth. It took part in the final assault on Petersburg; was in the cavalry fight at Sailor’s creek , was then detailed to guard prisoners to Appomattox; next ordered to Danville, where it remained for a month, and then returned to Washington, where it arrived June 2 and remained until mustered out at Hall’s Hill, July 15, 1865. George would manage to survive the carnage and was discharged with the remainder of the regiment. This view comes housed in a very nice full thermoplastic case with typical wear. Very nice view!
