Western Fed Early War Images

[PMFerringer]

I am gathering early war Federal officer images. I have a good start but want to check if anyone has anything to contribute. I am specifically trying to determine the types and ratios of caps and hats worn by officers in the west from mid-1862 to early1863.

Thanks

[Palmyra Possum]

Re: Western Fed Early War Images

Attached is a picture of Orton Frisbie of the 20th Illinois.

Following the the wounding of Lt. Col. Evan Richards at the Battle of Shiloh, Frisbie commanded the 20th as a Captain. After the Battle of Britton's Lane (09/01/62), Frisbie was promoted to Major, although there is some question as to whether this promotion officially took place. On November 7, 1862, the 20th raided a post Sutler tent and robbed it of its delicacies. Frisbie knew of the break-in and managed to be away when it happened. However, when the facts became known, Frisbie and Captain Jack Tunison, Co. G (who had been left in command in Frisbie’s absence), were dismissed from the service by Grant and sent home (https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/offic...cords/025/0350). Since this is a field grade officer’s uniform, we have a pretty narrow window as to when the picture was taken.

On the table next to him is a forage cap with an embroidered infantry horn with a 20 inside. I have also attached a picture of George Sleezer of the 20th. While not an officer, he is wearing a similar cap.

[Mississippian]

Re: Western Fed Early War Images

That Sleezer image is interesting. According to the regimental rolls, he was a late war enlistee and died only after a few weeks of mustering in. He never even got to the regiment, dying at Nashville.

Will MacDonald

[Mississippian]

Re: Western Fed Early War Images



Here is a very nice image. The officers of Co. "E" 47th Illinois Infantry, during Grant's first campaign against Vicksburg, December 1862. Taken near what is now the famous Square of Oxford MS.

Will MacDonald

[PMFerringer]

Re: Western Fed Early War Images

These are a great starting point! Thank you!

[Palmyra Possum]

Re: Western Fed Early War Images

Will,

Sleezer may not have even made it that far. The Albany Times Union ran an article in 2013 called "Illness a Wartime Killer" (http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/ar...er-5006062.php). The article mentions him:

The story of Pvt. George Sleezer was typical. Sleezer enlisted in the 20th Illinois Infantry in September 1864 at age 18. He became sick soon after enlisting and died at Springfield, Ill., that November. A photograph taken after Sleezer's enlistment depicts him in full uniform and holding his musket. He never saw a battlefield, and never even joined his regiment in the field.

Interesting that it mentions this photo.

By the way, the back of the photo indicates it was taken in Ottawa, Illinois, about 80 miles from Chicago.