Black & white ink sketch, 5.75” x 3.375, matted and mounted on heavy white card, 11.75” x 10. Sketch captioned “Crossing a Swamp. N. Car.”, 3.5” x .5 - is mounted below.

The sketch depicts 26^th North Carolina crossing single file over a narrow bridge over a stream in North Carolina, with mounted figures in the foreground.  Sketch background is darkened somewhat while remaining sharp and distinct.

Alexander C. Meinung was a Moravian musician who served with the Field Band of the 26^th North Carolina Infantry throughout the Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg, where the 26^th North Carolina suffered extremely high casualties, Meinung served as a stretcher bearer. He was a talented artist and during his time in service he kept a sketch book. That sketch book survived and eventually came into the hands of his great niece, Ruth Meinung. The book was unbound and individual pieces of Confederate art have been archivally matted and framed, including this one.

Superb collectible, both for the art and for Meinung’s connection with the 26^th North Carolina Moravian Field Band.. (Consult Harry T. Hall’s book, “A Johnny Reb Band from Salem, UNC Press). [sr] [ph:L]