The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

Quarter plate tintype studio portrait of Ohio Cavalryman Charles Raymond, housed in full pressed paper case (image shows exquisite clarity, detail, and aesthetics; case fully separated at hinge). Standing view of Raymond in jaunty pose wearing forage cap, shell jacket, gauntlets, and sky-blue tinted trousers. Equipped with cavalry belt outfit and armed with saber, Colt revolver, and Bowie knife. Period pencil identification inside case, “Charley, enlisted the 16th of August, 1861 in Co. D, 2nd Ohio Cavalry.”

[With:] 1 page letter found in the case, written in pencil from Camp Dennison on 23 December 1861, one sheet of patriotic stationery. The letter reads, “Dear Themy, Hear is that long looked for picture. Please accept it as a Christmas present. When you look at it, think of one that is far away. Now you must send me yours in return. Send it soon. George and I have got ours taken together. He sends it to Charity, go and see it. I shall look for a letter or two from you soon and that picture too. Excuse haste this time. From you know who, Charley.”

A stunning portrait of a Civil War cavalryman, pictured on the front cover of North South Trader, Vol. VI No. 4, May-June 1979, and published in Civil War Times in October 1983 and on other occasions. 

21-year-old Charles Raymond served with the 2nd Ohio Cavalry until mustering out 11 September 1865 in St. Louis, Missouri.