Beschreibung:

Albumen photograph, 6 x 8.75 in., of a lieutenant colonel, two first lieutenants, and another soldier of indeterminate rank seated in front of the US flag and regimental flag of the 15th New York Engineers, with a private on guard beside them. Mounted, 11 x 14 in., housed in period frame, 13.75 x 16.75 in. overall. The 15th Regiment New York Engineers was originally mustered in as an infantry regiment in June 1861, but the War Department ordered it to Washington Navy Yard to undergo training for conversion to an engineer regiment that fall. It was under the service of the Army of the Potomac up to and including Appomattox, and participated in the operations at Yorktown, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and Petersburg, with a detachment playing a role in the fall of Fort Fisher. It was specifically noted for bridge building and road construction which facilitated efficient troop movement before Yorktown and Chancellorsville, and for its trench digging and mining during the Siege of Peterburg. The regiment shares a monument at Gettysburg with the 50th NY Engineers. The lieutenant colonel at center closely resembles known photographs of Clinton G. Colgate, who was commissioned a major in the regiment at its inception, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in Sept. 1861, and became colonel of the regiment in Dec. 1862. The regimental flag shown in the photograph currently resides in the collection of the New York State Military Museum. The NYSMM website states that the embroidered silk flag was made by Mrs. S.D. Bradford and presented to the regiment at its organization at New York City in June 1861. Condition: Light soiling of print. Mount with soiling, light foxing, and light staining in the right margin.