Nice full standing CDV of George Withers Jr. who served as the assistant surgeon of the 18^th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Withers wears a dark cavalry overcoat with the long cape and double-breasted front. He also wears dark trousers and holds his kepi chest high in his right hand. Visible on the top of the cap is a quatrefoil and on the front is a wreath with “US” at center.

Image has good clarity and contrast with light surface dirt along the edges and a few scattered areas of discoloration, none of which touch the subject.

Reverse has a large photographer’s imprint for GILL’S CITY GALLERY… LANCASTER, PA. Also on reverse is a period ink inscription that reads “GEORGE WITHERS JR. UNCLE GEORGE, LANC. PA.”

George Withers Jr. was born on July 25, 1831. He was commissioned an assistant surgeon of the 18^th Pennsylvania Cavalry on November 19, 1862. He served with his regiment under General Elon J. Farnsworth at Hanover, Gettysburg (where Withers’ name appears on the Pennsylvania monument), Hagerstown, Culpepper and Mine Run.

On November 18, 1863 the 18^th Pennsylvania Cavalry was sent on a reconnaissance toward the Rapidan River. Left behind, were their line of pickets fronting the river and the headquarters guard including Dr. Withers, several other officers, the sick and the regimental standard. Some of Wade Hampton’s cavalry crossed the Rapidan and drove in the pickets upon the headquarters guard. A sharp short fight ensued before the Union troopers surrendered. At the time Dr. Withers was suffering from diarrhea and camp fever. He was taken to Richmond for several days and was then shipped north for exchange at City Point on November 24, 1863.

After being exchanged Dr. Withers was given a furlough to return to his home where his wife cared for him but after 60 days he decided he was unfit for further service and resigned his position on March 19, 1864.

After recovering enough to work the Dr. opened a practice in Lancaster but after a few years his health entirely broke down and he died on January 12, 1870 and was buried in Woodward Hill Cemetery in Lancaster.

With the image are copies of Wither’s military records from the National Archives and a partial widow’s pension information.  [ad]

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