Description
Carte view of a Federal cavalryman seated with his heavy cavalry saber. He is dressed in a virtually collarless variant of what many believe is a Schuylkill Arsenal service jacket. It is difficult to see, but the sleeve of the jacket bears a service stripe on the forearm as well as sergeants chevrons on the upper arm. The reverse bears a period pencil id reading “Lafayette Myrick”. A modern ink id below reads “Aunt Ida Myrick’s Brother”. This is in fact Shepard Myrick of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry who would muster with the regiment at 18 years of age. It is misidentified as his brother, William Lafayette Myrick who would muster with the 47th Iowa Volunteer Infantry in May of 1864. Shepard would muster with the 3rd Cavalry in September, 1861 and re-enlist in February, 1864. A promotion to sergeant, the rank he wears here, would come a month prior to his enlistment. The regiment would be engaged at Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, Brice’s Crossroads, Mine Creek, Egypt Station and the Battle of Columbus. Shepard would be discharged in August, 1865. He did in fact have a younger sister by the name of Ida as well. so I am very confident the identity is correct. Some surface wear to this example.
