Published in Volume II of Alexander Gardner’s landmark Photographic Sketchbook of the War, this photograph was taken by Timothy H. O'Sullivan in May 1864. The positive image was made and the text added by Alexander Gardner. The photo credits and copyright statement are printed on the mount just under the albumen image. Publisher’s information from the Sketchbook is at bottom. The two volumes consisted of actual albumen photographs mounted on separate pages along with separate text description pages. Gardner has titled the image, “The Halt” and categorized under his “Incidents of the War.” It is one of the few Gardner images where he identifies the subject: Captain Harry Page, Captain and Chief Quartermaster for the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac.

Page is shown reclining at left, hat off, but with his saber still belted on. A long riding crop lies across his legs, His saber with saber knot rests on his thigh. He is dressed for field duty in a short officer’s jacket and his rank has been made less obvious by doing away with any bullion borders of his captain’s shoulder straps. He appears to admire his mount, unless it belongs to the enlisted man next to him who keeps an eye out in the distance for danger while his commander enjoys a cigar. Like Page, the enlistedman is dressed for field service. He wears what appears to be a mounted jacket with the collar cut down or removed, a non-regulation slouch hat, and is keeping his saber handy. The mount displays a rather clean and complete set of horse equipment: breast strap, fenders, crupper, McClellan saddle bags, and even some coiled blanket roll straps hanging off the back. A large US branded on his hip shows Page, or his assistant, drawn a government horse and likely had first pick among quartermaster stores for the horse gear as well.

Page’s duty required immense talent for organization and was not without risk. Tasked with choosing a place for the army’s headquarters and setting up camp in advance, the quartermaster might frequently be out ahead of the army itself looking for an advantageous position. When Gardner photographed him, Grant’s overland campaign was just getting under way and soon after the photo was taken Page was promoted to Chief Quartermaster of the Cavalry Corps under Sheridan.  He had been born in Vermont and enlisted in the 11^th Mass. as a sergeant 8 May 1861. He was promoted to 2^nd Lt. 10 Sept. 1861 and to Captain and Assistant QM of volunteers 26 Nov. 1862. He was made Lt. Colonel about two months after the photo and assigned as Quartermaster 11 July 1864 to 1 Aug. 1865. He received brevets to Major, Lt. Col. and Colonel of Volunteers 13 March 1865 for “gallant and meritorious service during the war,” and was honorably mustered out 17 July 1867. During the Spanish American War he entered the service again and was Major and Commissary of Subsistence of volunteers from 16 July 1898 to 31 May 1899.

The image is framed and matted and has Gardner’s descriptive text page with it. The photograph and mount are in very good condition. The frame has some small damage at top and bottom center, and the black backing paper should be replaced. The descriptive page has wrinkles and edge chipping but is preserved in a plastic sleeve. This is a good plate from a landmark period production of Civil War photography by one of its most well-known photographers.  [sr]

NOTE: The frame does contain glass. See our policy for shipment of framed items.

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