This outdoor sixth-plate view shows what may be the remains of a Union infantry Company after some months campaigning. At first glance it just appears to show 12 soldiers lined up in a field in front of a fenced in wood with a few soldiers standing around in the background. But a closer look reveals two officers, one on either end of the group. Also, standing next to the officer at left is the only NCO in the group, a sergeant, and on the other side of the officer is a young drummer. To this writer it seems we are looking at what is left of a one hundred man Company after long service in the field.

All of the enlisted men wear dark forage caps and dark frockcoats with light trousers. Two of the enlisted men wear boots. They all stand with their muskets at the “SHOULDER ARMS” position with bayonets fixed but none wear any accoutrements. The officer standing at left (which would be the Company’s right) is probably the Company Commander, either a captain or a lieutenant. He also wears a dark forage cap and dark frockcoat with shoulder straps and light trousers as well as his sword belt with shoulder support strap. His Model 1850 foot officer’s sword is drawn and placed in front of him in the position of “PARADE REST.” The sergeant who stands beside him may be a 1^st sergeant but it is difficult to tell; only half of his three chevrons are visible. The young musician is no doubt the Company drummer. His uniform matches the others but for the musician’s trim on the chest of his frockcoat and the drum he holds ready to play. No definite details can be made out on the drum though a painted eagle can be seen. The officer at far right, (the company’s left) is no doubt a lieutenant. He wears a uniform identical to the Company Commander. Hat brass is visible on some of the men but it is not distinct enough to pick up a letter or number.

Clarity is very good but the contrast is a bit dark. Never the less, all interesting details except that hat brass can be seen.

The image comes with a plain scalloped brass mat and decorative stamped brass rope frame. All is contained in a very nice Union case with scalloped and geometrical decoration. Case is in excellent condition.

We have all read in books about decimated infantry companies from both sides. In my opinion this appears to be one of them. [AD] [ph:L]

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