Description
Superb quarter plate ambrotype of a mounted officer in the field. Seated atop a magnificent black horse he stands among a field of wild flowers. A group of soldiers is seen huddled together under a tree just to his rear with a large encampment of canvas tents further off in the distance. A pencil notation behind the image reads, “Co. D 17th New York”. Only one staff officer was serving in Co. D and that was Charles Adams Johnson. Charles began his military service serving as a captain with the 14th New York in May of 1861. Interestingly enough the numeral 14 can be seen on the side of the saddle blanket. 11 days after his commission with the 14th he was discharged to take a promotion with Co. D of the 17th New York. Less than 5 months later he was transferred into the 25th New York which places the date of this image sometime between May, 21st 1861 and October, 4th 1861. I believe this was probably taken while the regiment was encamped at Fort Ellsworth near Alexandria. During his term he would be wounded once at Hanover Court House and would eventually rise to the rank of Brig-General by brevet in March of 1865. The image is absolutely flawless! One of the finest mounted images I have ever had if not the finest. It does come housed in a full leatherette case as well. Museum quality view!
