The Assassin’s Vision
The cover sheet in the Library of Congress of composer Joseph W. Turner’s “The Assassin’s Vision” cites an illustration as his inspiration: “This ballad was suggested on seeing the representation
Category: The Last Shot
Lincoln’s Winning Hand
These political cartoons, published as cartes de visite, highlight the outcome of the 1864 presidential election in which incumbent Republican Abraham Lincoln trounced his Democratic Party rival, Maj. Gen. George
He Arrested Mary Surratt and Lewis Powell
By Richard Look Captain Henry Warren Smith climbed the stairs to the entrance of a home in Washington, D.C., during the night of April 17, 1865. Bathed in the soft
Portrait of a Veteran Reserve Corps Officer
A first lieutenant in the Veteran Reserve Corps covers the lower part of his face with a book, the title of which is visible but undecipherable. Though his name is
Guardian of the Stars and Stripes
A sergeant stands with his right hand resting in the canton of the U.S. banner. The leather cross-belt flag holder he wears reveals that he served as a color sergeant,
A Company of Tennessee Troopers
Company D of the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry (U.S.) stand and shoulder arms much like veteran infantryman. The troopers hold a variety of weapons, including Colt Revolving rifles, Burnside carbines, and
Vicksburg Relics for Sale
A group of kids and a man close the deal on cash for Civil War relics picked up on the battleground of Vicksburg. None of the individuals are identified. The
A Study in Southern Soldier Portrait Photography
This Southern soldier gazes directly at the camera, the almost perfect symmetry of his figure interrupted only by material items. In one hand he grasps the wood handle of a
Ancestors, Living History and Photo Sleuthing Inspires a Mission
By Michael Huston When I was 10 years old, my grandfather showed me a binder with genealogy information and a portrait photograph of a Civil War soldier. The stern look
Soldier and Printer
An admirer of Eli F. Chittenden summarized his professional life as a printer and editor this way: “He was in love with the business and never was contented when not