A day at the beach?

[roundshot]

Not exactly. A close up of the "tented field" on Morris Island reveals the streets of Company "C," 100th New York State Volunteers, bloodied veterans of two assaults on Battery Wagner. Looking closely at the fellow in the foreground his "SNY" belt plate can be discerned. At least some of the regiment wore "SNYs" into 1864 as documented by recoveries from Fussell's Mill, VA. The fascinating letters of Simon B. Hulbert of Company "E" can be found in "One Battle Too Many," by Richard P. Galloway.

[mtvernon]

Re: A day at the beach?

It would be interesting to know more about the photo, i.e. what year this was taken, given the soldier without a coat on (let alone whether or not the top button is buttoned) and the proliferation of A-tents.

[roundshot]

Re: A day at the beach?

Photo most likely late 1863 or early 1864, after Wagner's fall.

[high_private78]

Re: A day at the beach?

I love the makeshift chimney at the back of the A-frame on the right.

Jason Reasor

[DaveGink]

Re: A day at the beach?

Here is another shot from Morris Island dated July, 1863 entitled "rogues march" (LOC). I'm not sure how long the Army was encamped there, but this may help place the date.

[Lone Guard]

Re: A day at the beach?

I love the makeshift chimney at the back of the A-frame on the right.

Jason Reasor

I was thinking the same thing.

It looks like the man to the front and right is wearing a forage cap rain cover.

[paulcalloway]

Re: A day at the beach?

Anybody have QuickTime Pro? I'd be curious to see the high rez version - particularly the exact statement on the sign...

LINE 1 THIEF
LINE 2 ????
LINE 3 YOU ???
LINE 4 66 ??
LINE 5 STOLE ???
LINE 6 ?????
LINE 7 FRIEND

Link to the image

[DaveGink]

Re: A day at the beach?

It says:

THIEF
This Man
Benj. F(T?). Ditcher
55th Mass. Vol's
STOLE MONEY
From A Wounded
FRIEND.

[paulcalloway]

Re: A day at the beach?

Thank you, Dave.

Here's Billings' image from Hardtack & Coffee.

[Dignann]

Re: A day at the beach?

Not much on Ditcher in the Mass. rosters.


Ditcher, Benjamin F.B. - Priv. - Res. Washington, Penna.; barber; 18; enl. June 5, 1863; must. June 15, 1863; must. out Aug. 29, 1865.


Eric

[paulcalloway]

Re: A day at the beach?

Here's an except from a Sgt's letter in the 55th Mass. It gives more context for the 55th Mass and the situation at Morris Island that the more casual observer might not be as familiar with.

July 9, 1864
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For the Christian Recorder.
A SOLDIER'S LETTER.
55th Mass. Vols., Folly Island,
May 29th, 1864.

..... snip ....

So we entered South Carolina once more, and it was intimated by some prominent officers that by promising to do double duty we would be allowed to land, but not otherwise. However, we landed and commenced picket duty, each man coming off and going on the next day. This was kept up for some time. We were taken off that duty and put on fatigue duty on Saturday - all this going on, and we not receiving a cent of remuneration, after having been in the service for one year.

Now, friends, what do you think of such acts as these? Do you call it fair? Do you notice a semblance of justice in the fact that while many of our families, our poor wives and children, are at home crying for bread and the necessaries of life, their husbands and fathers are out upon the field battling in defence of the Union, without receiving a cent of pay? How long shall those pitiful cries roll sadly and unheeded up to heaven?

We have been told some monstrous falsehoods, and have been deceived and hoodwinked in various ways, and yet our officers reprimand us for complaining, which any reasonable man with a feeling heart could not do. Mostly all of the men that have died or fallen in the 54th, and all that have died in the 55th regiment, are brought in depot. What do you think of this? We do not wish to go home, but we came out here for our rights, and for [ ] promise given us is not made good, let Governor Andrews replace us where he got us from. But let him see to having us paid, and it will be all right.

Mr. Weaver, will you please insert this in your paper? We have no money now, but I hope we will have some one of these days. I live in your city.

... snip ...

Nothing more at present, but remain,
Your humble servant,
A Sergeant of the 55th Mass.

Full letter here.

They were brigaded with the 56th New York - I'd guess the guards there would probably be the fellows from the 56th.

Special Orders source:

United States War Department. The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. (Series 1 - Volume 44) p. 554

[roundshot]

Re: A day at the beach?

I'll bet you're right about the guard being from the 56th NY. He does have on an "SNY" plate, and his hat numerals are two digit. Note also the double set of holes on the cartridge box belt to insure proper placement of the eagle plate.