American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

7 CDVs, approx. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. or smaller, on cardstock mounts, featuring studio portraits of members of the 7th New York State Militia posed in groups, some subjects identified, ca 1861. Although most of the images are uncredited, many were likely taken by Mathew Brady's studio. From the formal portraits to the playful poses, the photographs capture the distinctive personalities of the men who served with the "Silk Stocking Regiment."

Subjects/scenes include:

A group of four non-commissioned officers that appear to be deep in conversation. Sergeant Major Robert C. Rathbone is seated at center. Uncredited. -- A group of four soldiers, including a bearded man with a hood pulled over his head. He holds a rifle with bayonet and carries many accoutrements in his belt including a canteen. Uncredited. -- A group of five officers wearing serious expressions. Baltimore: J.H. Young's Photographic Galleries. -- A trio of soldiers, including Frederick Dickson standing at right. -- Full length view of Private Samuel B. Curtis, Private James Ray, and Corporal Joseph Lentilhan. Curtis stands at right, smoking a cigarette while leaning on a musket with sling and fixed bayonet. Ray is seated in the middle on the knee of Lentilhan, who is seated on the blanket roll which is on a pack. Lentilhan appears to be smoking a pipe. -- Playful view of two soldiers looking down at Sergeant George W. Ford who appears to be sleeping in a chair. One of the soldiers is in the process of pinching Ford's ear. A period inscription on verso reads, "Orderly Ford, 6th Co., asleep." Uncredited. -- Two pards casually posed together in a studio. Philadelphia: McClees. -- Together, 7 CDVs.

The 7th New York State Militia Regiment, often known as the "Silk Stocking Regiment" because of the elite social status of many of its members, dates from 1806 when it was formed in response to British ships firing at American vessels off Sandy Hook. The regiment, located in New York City, was mobilized in the 19th century for both state and federal service. It had helped quell many local disturbances in New York throughout the 19th century including the Anti-rent War in 1839, the Astor Place Riot in 1849, and the Dead Rabbits Riot in 1857.

After being called to defend Washington, DC, on the specific request of President Lincoln, the 7th NY arrived on 25 April 1861, taking up residence at the Capitol Building before being ordered to Camp Cameron near Georgetown on 2 May. During its short term of service, the 7th NY helped construct Ft. Runyon before returning to New York City and mustering out on 3 June 1861. The regiment was mustered in again for three months' service in May 1862, mustering out in September 1862; and once again mustered in for 30-days' service in June 1863. It was during this time that the 7th was on duty for the New York Draft Riots that occurred in July of 1863. The regiment mustered out for good on 21 July 1863. After the Civil War, the 7th NY went on to become a New York National Guard regiment, and served into the 20th century.