Quarter plate tintype studio group portrait. Full leatherette case.

Outstanding candid tintype of a group of (possibly) identified Union officers of the 16th New York Infantry enjoying a care package from home. The items appear to have been shipped to them inside the painted wooden crate on the right side of the table, the visible part of which reads, “Care of 16th Reg’t” and “Va” (presumably short for “Virginia.”) New provisions abound for the men, including cookies, apples, candy, cigars and what appears to be a jar of pickled oysters- and the subjects aren't shy, with some of them pictured mid-meal. Other novelty items line the table, like a miniature drum and what may be a bundle of fireworks.

The unknown photographer executed this image with a high degree of skill, capturing minute details and memorable expressions. A painted backdrop behind the subjects is mostly obscured, but a small clue can be seen between the two men on the right: this may be a depiction of the capitol building. This detail could suggest along with the information on the crate that it was made just across the Potomac River.

Cased images featuring relaxed scenes such as this are scarce. Rarely does a Civil War image project such a jovial feeling; this combined with the sheer technical quality of the portrait elevates the viewing experience.

Through photo comparison, five officers were tentatively identified by a former owner of this portrait. They include:

1. (far right) Newton Martin Curtis, born in De Peyster, New York on 21 May 1835. He was listed as a 25-year-old lawyer from Ogdensburgh when he was commissioned captain of Company G, 16th New York Infantry on 7 May 1861. He was discharged for promotion on 21 October 1862 and was made Lieutenant Colonel of the 142nd New York Infantry and later served as Colonel with rank to date from 21 January 1863. Curtis made Brigadier General on 24 January 1865 and was made Major General by brevet on 13 March 1865. While with the 16th New York, Curtis saw action at Bull Run, Gaine’s Mill, Malvern Hill, Crampton’s Gap, and Antietam. With the 142nd, he served at Drewery’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Chaffin’s Farm. At Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865, Curtis was the first man through the stockade and then led an attack on the traverses. He was wounded several times and lost an eye. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Newton Curtis was mustered out on 24 January 1865 and died in New York City on 8 January 1910. He is buried in Ogdensburg Cemetery in Ogdensburg, New York.

2. (second from right) Pliny Moore was born on 15 August 1834. At the time he was commissioned on 15 May 1861 he was 26 years old and residing in Plattsburg, New York. After being appointed a 2nd Lieutenant, Pliny was assigned to Company C, 16th New York Infantry. He served the full two years with the regiment and was made Captain on 7 August 1862. During his time with the 16th, it was engaged at 1st Bull Run, Gaine’s Mill, Malvern Hill, Crampton’s Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Salem Church. Moore was mustered out at Albany, New York on 22 May 1863. On 26 January 1865, Moore was made 2nd Lieutenant in Company G, 26th New York Cavalry and was promoted to captain the following February 11th. He was mustered out at Plattsburg, New York on 7 July 1865. Pliny Moore died in Chicago, Illinois on 3 November 1881. His obituary claims that he was wounded several times during the war and that his wounds shortened his life. The records consulted do not list any wounds and further research from the National Archives is needed.

3. (third from left, standing) William Baker Crandall was born in Springfield, New York on 20 August 1820. He was 28 years old and residing in Albany when he was commissioned surgeon of the 16th New York Infantry on 15 May 1861. He served with the regiment throughout its two-year service and was mustered out at Albany, New York on 22 May 1863. He died at Palmyra, New York on 14 April 1874 at age 53 and was buried there in Palmyra Cemetery.

4. (seated, center) Robert Preston Wilson was born in Sackett’s Harbor, New York on 3 June 1839. He graduated from William’s College in 1861 with a law degree. Young Wilson was 21 years old and residing at Gouverneur, New York when he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Company D of the 16th New York. He served with the regiment until discharged for promotion to captain in the Adjutant General’s Department on 11 March 1863. Wilson served as assistant adjutant general on the staff of General Joseph J. Bartlett of the 6th Army Corps. At Charles City Crossroads he was thrown from his horse by a shell and severely injured. Offered a commission as major of the 121st New York on 10 April 1863 Wilson declined to accept it and remained on General Bartlett’s staff. During his service he saw action at 1st Bull Run, the Seven Days battles before Richmond, 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville where he was wounded and Gettysburg. In November of 1863 Wilson was badly wounded by a bullet to his right arm just above the wrist. The wound was severe enough for him to be discharged on 18 February 1864. After his discharge he practiced law in Buffalo, New York where he died on 15 October 1892 and is buried there in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

5.(second from left) Joseph Howland was born in New York City on 3 December 1834. He was 28 years old and residing in Matteawan, New York when he was commissioned 1st lieutenant and adjutant of the 16th New York Infantry on 15 May 1861. He was discharged for promotion to Captain and Assistant Adjutant General on 16 September 1861. However, Howland was not done with the 16th New York. Appointed its Colonel on 12 March 1862, he led the regiment in the Seven Days Battles of Oak Grove, Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines' Mill, Garnett's and Golding's Farm, Savage's Station, Glendale, and Malvern Hill. He was wounded in the leg during the battle of Gaine’s Mill and insisted upon staying with his men rather than remaining in the field hospital. For his gallantry and coolness under fire he was later appointed a Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers on 13 March 1865. His wound was serious enough that after the Peninsula Campaign he could no longer remain in active service, thus he resigned his command. After the war, he became Treasurer of the State of New York, helped establish Cornell University, helped establish a hospital for the humane treatment of the mentally ill, and assisted in the building of Highland Hospital, several churches, and a public library located in Beacon, Dutchess County, New York that bears his name. In July 1882 Howland resigned his position as superintendent of a state mental hospital due to failing health. In July 1885 he began to travel abroad, believing a change of climate and scenery would improve his health. It was not to be and Howland died in Mentone, France on 1 April 1886 and is buried there in Cimetiere du Trabuquet with a cenotaph in Woolsey Cemetery, Glen Cove, New York.

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