Description
Tintype, quarter plate
James H. French enlisted as a private on August 4, 1862, into Co. C, 100th NY Infantry. He was 40 years old. He obtained promotions to second lieutenant (Co. H) on October 25, 1863, and first lieutenant (Co. C) on April 21, 1864. He was wounded and captured at Drewry’s Bluff, VA on May 16, 1864, and died of his wounds at Libby Prison on May 22, 1864. The 100th New York had a stellar record of fighting in the east, including the Seven Days, the assault on Battery Wagner, Drewry’s Bluff and the Petersburg/Appomattox campaigns. Their wartime service was entirely in the eastern theatre of operations. Therein lies the anomaly with this image. French is pictured standing with his sword in front of one of photographer Stephen Evans’ painted backdrops. Evans’ studio was in St. Louis, and he was one of the Benton Barracks photographers. French appears to be wearing second lieutenant shoulder straps, so was he visiting St. Louis on leave sometime between November 1863 and April 1864 when he held that rank? We may never be able to answer that question. However, French is identified in period writing in the case as follows:
James French, 100th Regt New York Vols, Died May 1864.
Additionally, another picture of French is included with his service record in CivilWarData.com. I will include this and other information about French with the image. His bio is included in the History of the One Hundredth Regiment of New York State Volunteers. The image is a bit dark, as you can see from the scan. The soldier’s history is compelling, as he died in Libby Prison. The story behind how he was photographed in St. Louis is intriguing, as we may never know how he go there. The image is housed in a complete leatherette case with repaired spine and ID in the case. A unique image for sure.
