Close Up: Bealton VA Sutler Aug 1863

[Jeremy Bevard]

Here is some close ups from a photo out of the Library of Congress with the description of "Bealeton, Va. Sutler's tent at Army of the Potomac headquarters" in August 1863. I have always found this image interesting. I feel like there is more here than just a sutler. Perhaps sutler in the front and officer club in the back? I kept my observations brief and included them just to get the conversation rolling. What are your observations?

The link for the photo is here: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/civwar/item/cwp2003000213/PP/

The enlisted side.

Good view of the back of a frock & sack along with the shoes and oh the barrels!

Enjoying a cigar.

The officer side.

I found these men interesting.

Another cigar, pinky ring and nice watch chain.

[Ambrose Bierce]

Re: Close Up: Bealton VA Sutler Aug 1863

Notice the hair is well kempt and cut. Facial hair is also trimmed. Love the commercial sack coats. Is the guy with his hand on the seated officer's shoulder wearing corduroy trousers!?

[Utley]

Re: Close Up: Bealton VA Sutler Aug 1863

I would say that there is a good chance that the man seated, if not more of them in civy dress, are the sutlers. Thoughts? Most sutlers weren't one man shows, and even though we know there are staff inside the tent, the seated man (as least) could be a sutler, as well. He does look a little shady....

[Ambrose Bierce]

Re: Close Up: Bealton VA Sutler Aug 1863

Maybe they are contesting a bill and the guy is actually being held in his seat! Not sure, Chris, but a good idea. I am leaning more toward them all being officers, shady being non-exclusive to any rank or occupation.

[PogueMahone]

Re: Close Up: Bealton VA Sutler Aug 1863

There are lots of reasons for the gathering of officers at the rear of the tent. As suggested, some sutlers allowed officers access to their tents where they could relax, maybe have a drink out of view of the higher ups. Also, officers weren't supposed to fraternize with the enlisted men, so a seperate operation in the back for them is sensible. You don't want to lose out on all officer money, do you? This image is the only one I've ever seen with a second tent behind the sutlery and I've often wondered if it was an "Officer's Club" type set up. Sutlers also curried favor with officers to help protect them from "raids", even "renting out" sleeping space in the back of the tent to junior officers. And, since sutlers were often appointed by commanding officers, it is possible that those officers were financially invested in the operation and might be checking on their investment.

I suspect the fellow sitting is the sutler. The fellow to his left (right side of the image) is probably also associated with the sutlery. There was a prescribed dress for sutlers of blue pants, vest and frock coat, though a military cut is not designated. It was not, to my knowledge, enforced and probably only randomly observed, but there are stories of sutlers dressed in uniforms, and some even wearing rank.