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Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882 Def. of Wash.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05111.01.0100 Author/Creator: Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882 Place Written: s.l. Type: Photograph Date: 1864 Pagination: 1 albumen print ; 16.8 x 24.2 cm. Order a Copy

A print of a photograph of a large group of soldiers posed in front of tents. Some men in the group wear civilan dress. The second line of a small sign in the middle of the image appears to read "Signal Corps." A road and a long horse rail [fence] are in the foreground of the image, while what appears to be an orchard stands in the background. Graphite inscription on verso: "Def[enses] of Wash[ington]. Gardner XXX 732." Print is unmounted. The US Army Signal Corps was established on March 3rd, 1863 so the photograph has to date from after that.

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