Dedication Bull Run Monument

[Skutatos]

The dedication of the Bull Run monument in 1865. It's an interesting look at how canteens and haversacks were worn as well as showing some variations in carrying methods for gum blankets and shelter halves among those who are carrying them here.




High resolution available here:

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/cwp2003000014/PP/

[Prodical Reb]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

Any ideas about whether they were Regulars, Veteran Corps, or State Troops waiting to be mustered out?

Did the men march out from Washington DC and bivoac near the site or could/did they hitch a train out that morning? Photo was taken on June 10, 1865 by William Morris Smith.

[Prodical Reb]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

Found the answer to my questions in a Harpers Weekly published 1 July 1865. There is also a woodcut of same picture posted in the 1st post of this thread.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoun...n-monument.htm

"THE battle of Bull Run was the first great battle of the war. It was proper that upon the field where it was fought should be erected the first monuments. The movement to erect such monuments on this field was quite impromptu. The idea was conceived by Lieutenant CALLUM, of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Light Battery, and under his superintendence the structures were erected in four days, being completed June 10. The next day, the 11th, was chosen for the observance of appropriate dedicatory ceremonies. The party engaging in the performance of these services set out from Washington on an early train. In the President's car were several distinguished officers, among whom were Generals HEINTZELMAN, MEIGS, WILCOX, and BENHAM. One who accompanied the expedition gives the following account of the proceedings of the day: "

"Arrived at Fairfax Station, about fifty ambulances and a large number of army wagons, tastefully shaded by evergreens, were found to have been placed in readiness by General GAMBLE, in command of that post, to convey ,the party to the battle-field. The morning was lowery, the air rather chilly, and the prospect of a pleasant trip rather unfavorable ; but at ten o'clock the sun had dispelled the sombre clouds, and gave to nature a bright and cheerful aspect."

"The ride from the Station to Fairfax Court house,
and thence to the battle-field, was delightful; and as the long procession moved over the hills and through the valleys of this once fertile now desolate region, all ap- pared to be deeply impressed with the interesting scene and the solemn occasion."

"Passing Centreville at about ten o'clock, we arrived at Bull Run bridge a few minutes before eleven. About three-fourths of a mile beyond the bridge, on the hill, is the site of the first monument. Arrived at the spot we found Colonel GALLUP, with his regiment of the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, dismounted, a squadron of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and Captain SCOTT'S battery of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Light Artillery drawn up in line near the monument, with a fine brass band at their head. Soon afterward the band struck up a solemn dirge, and the troops, with reversed arms. marched up to the monument......."

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

Here are some more photos of the monument with smaller groups of soldiers and civilians. Lots of great detail in each image. If you look at the high resolution tiff of the soldiers, a man standing at right appears to have the number "16" above his artillery insignia; there's also a great variety of uniforms and headgear to ponder. In two of the other images there are heavy artillerymen wearing trimmed Army hats and uniform coats.

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cwpb.04028/?co=cwp

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cwpb.03773/?co=cwp

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cwpb.03775/?co=cwp

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cwpb.03774/?co=cwp

[Skutatos]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

In the first one you posted there are some really ragged uniforms.

This guy has it the worst, shoulders torn, fly buttons missing, and just take a look at that horrible patch job:


Worn out pocket:


Another worn out pocket and some flies on his shoulder:


This cap almost appears to have been shot:


These guys don't appear too ragged but are these fishing rods or some kind of whip?

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

Nathan,

The two guys above appear to be holding whips so they are likely drivers. The third man must have something very heavy in his pocket...look at how much his blouse is pulling down at the collar! I also noticed that the first man has a slash in his blouse sleeve and what looks like frayed yarns, and his issue shirt collar is bigger than his blouse collar. Don't forget his giant hat!

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

My money is that they are teamster and farriers. That is working mans wear on those coats.

[Huck]

Re: Dedication Bull Run Monument

In the photos of the guys standing in front of the Monument,
theylook like they are possible attached to some artillery unit, based on that is visible on some of the hats and caps.