Description
Sixth plate melainotype identified as Thomas W. Montgomery of Missouri. Thomas would muster with Battery L in October of 1861. The battery would carry out duty in the District of St. Louis till September, 1862 and would see action at Mountain Store, Big Piney, July 25, 1862. Active in numerous counties throughout Missouri, they would carry out numerous excursions in the vicinity of St. Louis. Late in September of 1863, Battery L would transfer into the newly formed Battery “E”. Reorganized at Sedalia, Missouri on January 20, 1864, they would remain in St. Louis and Warrenton, Missouri. In October of that year they would see action at Moreau Bottom on the 7th and serve in defense of Jefferson City against Price’s attack on the 7th and 8th of October. Later that month they take part in the Battle of Westport and fight in the engagement at the Marmiton or Battle of Charlot on October 25. Additional engagements include Mine Creek, Little Osage River and Marias des Cygnes. Duty in District of Central Missouri till April, 1865, and in North Missouri till June. That month they would take part in the Powder River Expedition and see action along the Powder River. The end of their term would come on November 25, 1865. This view shows Thomas dressed in a sack coat and armed with his M1840 artillery saber. His M1851 eagle belt plate shines in the light and is clear as a bell. This one is inscribed on the back side along the edge of the preserver “Thos W. Montgomery To Hettie Taken Aug 5, 1862″. A little on the dark side as melainotypes tend to be. Housed in a half case.
