Image shows a soldier posed in front of a painted backdrop of tents, fort, cannon, flag and flag pole as well as a line of troops.

The subject wears the rank of 1^st Sergeant on a dark cavalry shell jacket with a few interesting variations. The collar has a single button and piping instead of the usual two and the 1^st Sergeant chevrons being worn are very thin with what looks to be a small star at center instead of the lozenge. This star is very small and not large as found on Ordnance Sergeant chevrons. The rest of the details of the shell jacket follow the Government Issue pattern. The subject also wears light trousers and a watch chain with two large fobs.

The image is clear and clean with great contrast. Some light surface dirt around edges.

Reverse is blank.

Image came out of a family album and was identified as David Godfrey of the 1^st New York Mounted Rifles.

Godfrey was 23 years old when he enlisted as a Private in Company C of the 1^st New York on September 24, 1861. Before he was mustered in on October 16^th he was promoted to Corporal on October 2^nd.  He rose to 1^st Sergeant on November 19, 1862 and became a re-enlisted veteran on January 1, 1864. He received a commission as 2^nd Lieutenant of Company D on June 1, 1864 and to 1^st Lieutenant on January 20, 1865. In September of 1865 he was transferred to the 4^th New York Provisional Cavalry and was finally mustered out at City Point, Virginia on November 29, 1865.

During his time with the 1^st New York Mounted Riles the regiment was engaged in 97 battles and skirmishes including the Siege of Suffolk, Charles City Courthouse, Bottoms Bridge, Swift Creek, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Darbytown Road and Weldon.

Nothing is known of his later life other than that he died on September 6 1879 and is buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, Rockville, Orange County, New York.

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