An extraordinary pair of images from this well-known New York Artillery unit which defended Cemetery Ridge against Pickett's Assault on the afternoon of July 3, 1863.

These two identified images are a 1/6 plate ambrotype of Ed Peto and a 1/6 plate tintype of James A. Gray, both from the estate of Gray's niece, Lucy Mary Gray, which was sold at auction in Locke, NY in September 2003. Included with the images are newspaper clippings for the auction, and a signed letter from the auctioneer testifying to the ownership and to the fact that the photos were sold as found, with inscriptions. Also included is correspondence with a Gray family member laying out family connections.

Each image is identified by a period pencil ID in the bottom of their respective cases. The Gray inscription misdates Gettysburg to 1864, and the Peto inscription places his death at the Wilderness in 1864, probably with the knowledge that they were killed at the same battle but relying on the mistaken inscription on the other image.

James A. Gray, age 19 at the time of his enlistment, was born in Ireland, a laborer by occupation, and a resident of Auburn, NY. He enlisted at Auburn on 11/4/61 as a Private, and on 11/23/61 he mustered into 1st New York Light Artillery. He was shot in the head & killed on July 3, 1863 and was buried in Peter Frey's field. He is now buried in Soldier's National Cemetery in grave C-116 in the New York plot. The 1/6 tintype of Gray is a full length standing view with a full case, separated at the spine. A fantastic image with his artillery sabre in his hands, a pistol in his belt, buttons & belt plate tinted gold, and trousers tinted light blue.

Edward Peto was born in London, England, and was also a laborer residing in Auburn, NY. Peto was 28 years old when he enlisted on 10/19/61 at Auburn as a Private. On 11/23/61 he mustered into the 1st NY Light Artillery. During Pickett's Charge, he was struck by a shell and nearly cut in two above the hips. He was also buried in Peter Frey's field, and now rests in grave C-117, right next to Gray in the New York Plot at Soldier's National Cemetery. The 1/6 ambrotype of Peto is a waist length view in a half case. Wears artillery jacket; buttons were once tinted gold but little of the color remains. Image shows damage from foxing but is still quite clear.

Two images with an outstanding history!

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