This sixth plate ambrotype is a nice, albeit light, view of a boyish Confederate soldier wearing a shell jacket free of trim and epaulettes. It is difficult to discern how many buttons line the closure of the coat since he is seated with one arm resting on his lap obscuring the bottom part of his jacket. He also wears a collared vest, white dress shirt, and a cravat. He wears a low crowned slouch hat made of felt atop his head. There is a small spot of gilt on the image but it is difficult to spot what the gilt is highlighting. It could be misplaced or the photographer used some creative license.

This image comes housed in half of a leatherette case; the front is detached and is no longer present. When removed from the case, the image plate, glass, mat, and keeper are all present and intact. The image is backed with a lacquered tin plate.  There is a small piece of paper identical to the lining of the case which has a hand written note on it. The note reads: “J.H. Rogers / By field / $100.”

Initially, one would think that this could be a likely identity of the soldier in the photograph. However, after some research, we discovered the possibility that this may actually be the name of the photographer who took this image. J.H. Rogers was a jack of all trades who opened a photography studio at the outbreak of the Civil War. However, Mr. Rogers set up shop in Beallsville, Pennsylvania for a short time, eventually settling his shop in nearby Brownsville. With these facts, it’s unlikely a Confederate soldier would be photographed in southwestern Pennsylvania. So, could it be the identity of the soldier? Perhaps it could be. It is up to you to decide.    [cls] [ph:L]

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