[CIVIL WAR]. [RUSSELL, Andrew J. (1830-1902), photographer.] [Camp of Construction Corps, U. S. M. R. Rds., City Point, July, 1864.]

10 1/4 x 7 in. albumen photograph on 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. cardstock mount (toning, soiling, and staining to print and mount, small pinhole-sized abrasions to upper portion of print; mount with some chipping and creasing to edges and corners). Photograph shows tents and men surrounding a railroad under construction, several men on the railroad appear blurred from being in motion during the photograph's capture. Recently discovered in Illinois, and purportedly descended in Andrew J. Russell's family.

A copy of this photograph (not vignetted) is curated at the Getty Museum with printed caption "Camp of Construction Corps, U. S. M. R. Rds., City Point, July, 1864" and credited to Russell.

From the report of Chief Engineer James J. Moore: "Immediately on the arrival of the construction force at City Point (June 18, 1864) orders were received to rebuild the City Point and Petersburg Railroad; also to construct wharves and buildings for the use of the army in unloading and receiving supplies. An examination was made of the road, and it was ascertained that the bridges were gone, track taken up, and the iron removed for a distance of four miles. From there on to within two miles and a half from Petersburg the track had not been disturbed, but the ties were very much decayed and the gauge needed changing from five feet to four feet eight and one-half inches. By the 5th of July the bridges were all rebuilt, track repaired, and the road was in complete running order for a distance of seven miles from City Point. By the time the repairs were completed a full equipment of engines and rolling-stock had been received, and regular trains commenced running July 7, 1864. A large force was kept constantly employed in building wharves, warehouses, and all other improvements asked for by Quartermasters Department."

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

[CIVIL WAR]. [RUSSELL, Andrew J. (1830-1902), photographer.] [Camp of Construction Corps, U. S. M. R. Rds., City Point, July, 1864.]