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May 1865. "City Point, Virginia. Gen. Rufus Ingalls and group." As chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, Ingalls oversaw the huge supply depot at City Point. Wet plate glass negative, photographer unknown. View full size.
The connection between them is distant. Fourth cousin three times removed and sixth cousin three times removed.
What I find interesting is all the women are all buttoned up and prim and proper and the little girl looks like she moonlights at the local saloon. Bare shoulders! Lawd have mercy, child!
... "had Civil War veterans in her family." Ha ha, Dave.
Knowing that the children's author Laura Ingalls Wilder ("Little House on the Prairie") had Civil War veterans, I looked around to see if there is a connection to General Rufus Ingalls.
http://www.dahoudek.com/LIW/ingalls/aqwg24.htm
[Scandalous. How often did she have them? - Dave]
From the way he's being eyed by the officer on the other side of the General, I'd say he is a man not to be trusted. The local mayor perhaps? Certaily some sort of government official -- you couldn't get that well-fed without skimming your "share" off the top first.
A great study, so many stories contained within this work of art, not least, the uncommonly rotund gentleman for the time period at top right, hints of a connection to the supply depot. As I look at these people, it makes me imagine what my great-grandparents were doing at this very moment when this photo opt took place. Curious though, as one looks at the doorway behind the sitters, that it seems to lead to another outdoor porch rather than into the house.
Any idea who the well-fed fellow next to the General is?
I am halfway through the novel "Andersonville." Having the companion collection of Civil War era photos on Shorpy has given the reading a much appreciated dimension. To see the eyes that watched the world of that time is fascinating. The war is perhaps just barely over at the time of this photograph, what must they have been feeling?
No need to date this photo. I immediately nailed it as Civil War era based solely upon the dresses these women are wearing and the hair parted down the middle. Also of interest are the three hats being held in their laps which are identical but for decoration. This is now one of my favorites.
Someone forgot to wire the dog in position.
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