This ambrotype features a young James Clark Leighton and his wife, surely taken not long before his enlistment.  James was a resident of Gilmanton, and was 24 when he enlisted on August 13, 1862 and mustered in on the 30^th.  James and the 12^th were moved to the defenses of Washington as Lee’s moved into Maryland that September, and spent time between Point of Rocks and Pleasant Valley, Maryland until making their way to Fredericksburg.  Though the 12^th was positioned to assault Marye’s Heights, they were sent back across the Rappahannock as a reserve regiment after taking a few casualties in the city.  After the battle, James developed or contracted a severe illness and died on January 30^th, 1863 at “Potomac Creek” (a tributary along the Potomac in the rear of the massive US military presence).

The image itself is nicely-contrasted with clear features.   A light emulsion line and slight smudge are noted at right but condition is otherwise quite good.  The reverse has two sticker tags applied, with text identifying the subjects.  A metallic frame with floral designs and a scalloped border houses the plate and shows light tarnishing along the sides.  The glass front is free of scratches and damage.  The frame is houses in a pressboard case, covered in brown leather and united by a leather hinge.  Very minor material loss is noted in a few areas.  A velvet pad occupies the front case half, and the interior of the second half is covered in a piece of red Moroccan leather (which is loose). A hook clasp assembly is complete and functional.  Dimensions of the case are 3.25” x 3.8” and the image measures 2.25” x 3.25”.

A striking and haunting image of the hope of youth - to be dashed by the sacrifice of service.  An excellent and interesting piece for the collector of Civil War images.  [cm] [ph:L]

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