Friends of the Civil War

As we've seen before-- and as you can see with even the briefest visit to the Library of Congress's holdings-- photographs of soldiers during the Civil War were very popular. After all, this might be first, only, and/or last time one of these men might be able to get his picture taken. With that in mind, I find it striking how many of these men wanted that picture to be with a friend. It's especially touching how they made sure to display the affection they felt for one another, with arms on shoulders, linked arms, and even held hands (the mid 19th century was a lot less uptight about displays of male affection, perhaps surprisingly). 

Ambrotypes and tintypes, 1861-65.

Library of Congress

Private Reggie T. Wingfield and Private Hamden T. Flay in Confederate uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union shell jackets. Source

Library of Congress

Sergeant Robert Black and Private Herman Beckman in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in union sack coats. Source

Library of Congress

Brothers Private William Savage Moore and Private John C. Moore, in "in early Richmond depot shell jackets." Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Trans-Mississippi Confederate battle shirts. Source

Library of Congress

Brothers Henry Luther and Herbert E. Larrabee of the Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Source

Library of Congress

Three soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Brothers Hiram and William Gripman of the 3rd Minnesota Infantry Regiment. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms holding cigars for each other. Source

Library of Congress

Private Charles Chapman (left) and an unidentified soldier, of the Virginia Cavalry Regiment. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Confederate battle shirts. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Mississippi battle shirts. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union 1st Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Master sergeant uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Confederate uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

A sergeant and corporal in Union uniforms. Source

Library of Congress

Soldiers in Union uniforms. Source