[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 3 CDVs of Brown Water Navy officers, incl. Surgeon George H. Bixby, Paymaster J.P. Kelley, and Acting Ensign James M. Holmes.

CDV ink signed beneath the portrait, "Geo. H. Bixby MS / USN." Cairo, IL: J.M. Munn, n.d. (wear along margins, slightly dented corners, else very good). A period copy shot ostensibly of the navy surgeon (under 1864 Regulations) although the centered device on the frock coat strap, possibly an eagle, is inconsistent with the two stripes on the cuff indicating assistant surgeon. The verso bears a contemplative but unexplained salutation that reads, "A better one will soon / be on the way / GHB." George H. Bixby (1837-1901) became Acting Assistant Surgeon 11/7/1862, discharged 9/26/1865. A highly regarded graduate of Harvard Medical School, Bixby was assigned to the Brown Water Navy hospital ship Red Rover for the duration of the war.

[With:] A studio view of a seated paymaster identified on verso in modern pencil as "J.P. Kelley, Act. Asst. Paymaster, 12/62." Baton Rouge, LA: A.D. Lytle, n.d. (very strong tones, near excellent). Verso with photographer's imprint. James P. Kelley became Acting Assistant Paymaster 12/4/1862, mustered out 12/20/1865. Kelley's wartime service is unknown.

[Also with:] A standing view of an officer cradling his sword in arm identified on verso in modern pencil, "James M. Holmes, from identification on duplicate CDV." Westerly, RI: Scholfield, n.d. (moderate wear, soft corners). John M. Holmes ranked as Acting Ensign 12/17/1862, resigned 6/2/1863. Nothing related to this officer's short service could be located.

The Richard B. Cohen Civil War Collection