Armed Confederate Brothers ID'd 9th Louisiana Infantry

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Offered is the absolute best daguerreotype I've ever had the privilege to own. Fresh from the family estate and never before in a collection is this large, cased daguerreotype w/ written family provenance, along with a lengthy and interesting letter written by one of the brothers in the photos from the California gold rush in 1851. The case itself is made of wood, with a damask velvet inlay. Measures 5" x 6". The spine of the case has separated, and the velvet insert tends to pop out of the front of the case occasionally, though it is intact and in excellent condition. The buyer need only put a drop of glue on the inside to hold it. Both brass hooks which hold the case closed are extant and intact. The front and back of the case are identical, and show light, even wear. The case itself is sturdy, and in excellent condition. The glass image is also in excellent condition, with no cracks or scratches. Shown are two brothers, posing side by side with their equipment and rifles. The uniforms, hats, and equipment look to be unworn. There is nice piping on the hats, and beautiful details throughout. The card that came with the case name the brothers, and I found them both in Vol. II of Booth's Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers and Commands. Both were sergeants in the 9th Louisiana Infantry-- William (on the left) died in camp in Virginia, where he is buried. John ( on the right) fought in many battles before being wounded at Fredricksburg in 1863, after which he was sent home. My research has dug up quite a bit about this man and his family, including those mentioned in the letter written by William sent home from California in 1852. I'll be happy to share everything I've found with the winning bidder. The gold rush letter is very interesting in itself-- it's 4 1/2 typed pages transcribed from the little pocket letter book that is shown. William discusses gold mining, the harshness of the life, bears, Indians, flora and fauna, food, and many other things throughout the letter. I can send pictures of the letter to any bidders that are interested. Ebay only allows 12 pics, but I have more for interested bidders if you need them. Please email with any questions. Priority shipping and insurance will be $20. Here's the info from Booth's book: Bradford, John W. , Pvt. Sergt. Co. F. 9th La. Infty. En. Camp Moore, La., July 7th, 1861. Present on Roll to Aug. 30th,1861. Roll for Sept. and Oct., 1861, Absent, sick at Culpepper since Sept. 29th, 1861, period till well or discharged. Rollsfrom Nov., 1861, to Sept., 1862, Present. Apptd. 3rd Sergt. Sept. 20th, 1862. Rolls from Oct., 1862, to Dec., 1862, Present. Apptd. 2nd Sergt. Dec. 17th, 1862. Rolls from Jan., 1863, to April, 1863, Present. Rolls from May. 1863, to Feb., 1864, Absent from wounds recd. May 4th, 1863. Furloughed to Ala. July __. 1863. Record copied from Memorial Hall, New Orleans, La., by the War Dept. June, 1903, Born Alabama, occupation farmer. Res. Mansfield, La.; age when enlisted 27; single. Disabled and retired. Bradford, William , Ord. Sergt. 1st Sergt. Co. F. 9th La. Infty. En. July 7th, 1861, Camp Moore, La. Apptd. 1st Sergt. July 7th, 1861 Rolls from Aug., 1861, to Dec., 1861, Present. Roll for March and April, 1862, Died March 6th, 1862, in Hospl. Record copied from Memorial Hall, New Orleans, La., by the War Dept., June, 1903, Born Alabama, occupation farmer. Res. Mansfield, La. Age when enlisted 30, single. Died in camp Jan. __, 1862. Find out more about this unit at: /9thlainf/ I've received numerous emails about this image, and it seems that the consensus from the experts and collectors is that it is an ambrotype, and not a daguerreotype. The piece was originally described to me as a daguerreotype, but many of the collectors who have seen the pictures believe it to be an ambrotype. Both kinds of images are on glass, but the am... read more

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