CDV shows Branch seated by a table. He wears a Confederate uniform consisting of a kepi with a slightly upturned visor, shell jacket with a collar that shows a dark single stripe with a button on each side that looks to be 2^nd lieutenant’s rank. There is also a single dark stripe on each cuff. He also wears light-colored trousers with a dark leg stripe.

Contrast is just a bit light but the clarity is good. Paper is slightly toned while the mount is gray in color and marked MYERS & KIDNEY at bottom.

Reverse has the photographer’s imprint that reads SPECIALITIES, MYERS & KIDNEY, POKEEPSIE, N. Y. Inscribed in period pencil is “YOUR TRUE FRIEND, J.G. BRANCH JR., BRANCHES STORE, DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C.”

James G. Branch was a 39 year old farmer residing in Duplin County, North Carolina when he was commissioned 2^nd lieutenant in Company C, 51^st North Carolina on April 8, 1862. He was promoted to 1^st lieutenant on April 30, 1862 and wounded at Goldsboro, North Carolina on December 17, 1862. He was assigned to recruiting duty in February of 1863 and resigned his commission on January 21, 1864 due to ill health and the severe illness of his wife at home.

Records show that he was present with his regiment throughout its service excepting the short time he was on recruiting duty in February of 1863. His regiment was engaged at Goldsboro, Drewry’s Bluff, Wilmington, New Bern, Fort Wagner and the siege of Charleston.

Branch applied for a Presidential pardon in May of 1865 and it was granted the following August.

Nothing is known of Branch’s post war life.    [ad][ph:L]

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