American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

25 CDVs showing members of the 7th New York State Militia, Cos. D, E, F, and K, some subjects identified, ca 1861-1863. Most of the CDVs are on period cardstock mounts with photographer's imprint or period inscription or signature on verso, but some are affixed to what appear to be later cardstock mounts. 

While some CDVs are uncredited, 17 images include studio imprints from Bendann Bros., Baltimore, MD (1), Brady, Washington (4), Rockwood, New York (7), Bogardus, New York (1), Appleton & Co., New York (1), Lord, New York (1), Meade Bros., New York (1), J.H. Young, Baltimore, MD (1).

Identified subjects and ranks (when noted) include:

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. 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 taken ca 1862. -- Lieutenant William Gurney (2). -- Lieutenant Henry Everdell (2). -- Lieutenant Jame Ray, period inscription on verso dated 1863. -- Lawrence Drake, period identification on image dated 1863. -- Charles Clinton, period identification on image dated 1863. -- Lucius Hart, period identification on image dated 1863. -- James Paton, Jr., period identification on image dated 1863. -- James Bleecker, period identification on image dated 1863. --William Kurtz, period identification on verso dated 1863. -- Captain William Speaight. -- Lieutenant Christopher Corley. -- Lieutenant Stephen Oscar Ryder. -- Philip Schuyler, Jr., appears to be autographed on verso from Camp Cameron, May 1861. -- Peyton Jaudon, wearing Elmer Ellsworth mourning band on arm. -- Garwood C. Ferris, period identification or signature on verso. -- And 7 others.

Together, 25 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.