The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

20 CDVs showing members of the 7th New York State Militia, many subjects identified. Most of the CDVs are on period cardstock mounts with photographer's imprint on recto or verso, but some are affixed to what appear to be later cardstock mounts. Images in varying conditions though most feature some toning and occasional soiling, with wear to mount edges and corners.

Identified subjects and ranks (when noted) include:

Colonel Marshall Lefferts (2). First pose, New York: E. Anthony (Brady negative). Second pose, uncredited. -- Captain Henry Shumway (2). First pose, Washington: Brady. Second pose, New York: Charles D. Fredricks. -- General Egbert Viele (3). Two poses, New York: E. Anthony (Brady negative). Third pose, an uncredited view of Viele with his wife (mount and print trimmed). -- Lieutenant Locke W. Winchester, Quartermaster. New York: E. Anthony (Brady negative). -- Dr. Samuel B. Tuthill, Assistant Surgeon. New York: Brady, Anthony. --Timothy M. Cheeseman, Surgeon (2). Each pose uncredited, but possibly signed by Cheeseman on verso, "T.M. Cheeseman." -- Chaplain Sullivan H. Weston (2). First pose, New York: E. Anthony (Brady negative). Second pose, uncredited. -- Sergeant Major Robert C. Rathbone with 3 other men. Uncredited. Identified in period script or possibly signed by Rathbone in lower margin of mount. -- Studio portrait of 7th NYS militiaman and a naval officer tentatively identified as Gorham Coffin Taylor, Masters Mate, Gunboat Sciota, posed with Joseph D. Taylor, 7th Regiment, D Company. Uncredited. Gorham Coffin Taylor was awarded a Rebel sword for gallantry against Gunboat Resolute, New Orleans, in 1862. He is shown wearing the CSA sword in the photo, which was originally taken ca 1862. -- 4 CDVs of members of the 7th NYSM dressed in chasseur uniform, including portraits by Chamberlin, Loud, and Weston of New York. -- CDV of the son of Frank W. Green, 7th NYSM, dressed in uniform. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

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.