"THE PELL MELL CHARGE" BY WILLIAM B. T. TREGO
WILLIAM B. T. TREGO (1858–1909) American painter best known for his historical military subjects, in particular scenes of the American Revolution and Civil War. At the age of two William's hands and feet became nearly paralyzed, either from polio, or from a doctor administering a dose of calomel. Despite his crippled hands, young William showed an aptitude for art, learning to paint with a brush jammed in his right hand while he guided it with his left. Trego first received public attention when he exhibited a painting titled "The Charge of Custer at Winchester" in 1879 at the Michigan State Fair. Two-tone lithograph of his painting "The Pell Mell Charge", 36" x 27 1/2" (sight), painted by Trego in 1887 and depicting a hectic, spontaneous charge of Union cavalry troops with a sole figure at center showing his face as he turns towards his officer as if he were seeking an order. Signed in black ink at lower right by Trego. Dampstains at right and left margins do not intrude on image which is fine, set in a contemporary oak frame.