American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Sixth plate ambrotype of Taliaferro "Tally" Simpson seated against a simple studio backdrop, posed holding shotgun in one hand while trying to keep his dog in place, who appears slightly blurred as a result of moving. Simpson is shown in civilian attire, wearing a top hat, bowtie, overcoat, and vest. He has both a shot pouch and powder flask, indicating that he is ready for the hunt. (Very good clarity, few small areas of loss to varnish, dust/dirt that appears to be trapped under the glass, original seals.) Housed in a half pressed paper case, with penciled and inked notations behind the image (many indiscernible) with the exception of the name "Taliaferro Simpson." 

A small name card, approx. 1 3/4 x 5/8 in., was also discovered inside the case, which is signed ("Taliaferro N. Simpson"). Simpson's middle name was originally Calhoun, but research indicates that he later dropped the “Calhoun” and adopted the practice of including “N.” as his middle initial, apparently meant to signify “no middle name." (Information obtained from Clemson University website, 2 November 2023.)

Provenance: Estate of David and Ann Hawkins, Johnson City, Tennessee; Keith Jennings, Old Fort, North Carolina. 

Taliaferro Simpson was the son of South Carolina Congressman Richard F. Simpson. After Taliaferro and his brother Richard completed their senior years at Wofford College in 1861, they joined the Confederate Army. Taliaferro Simpson enlisted as a corporal with Company A of the 3rd South Carolina Volunteers. On 20 September 1863, at the age of 24, he died at the battle of Chickamauga. The letters that Taliaferro and his brother Richard wrote home during the war were later compiled into the book, Far, far from home: The Wartime Letters of Dick and Tally Simpson, Third South Carolina Volunteers, which is included with the ambrotype.