Plate 52. Residence of Quartermaster Third Army Corps

Description:

Text and photograph fromGardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

When this picture was made, the Third Corps was yet an independent organization, under the command of Gen. French, whose Chief Quartermaster was Lieut. Col. J. B. Howard. The distinguishing flag of the Colonel's command, which adorns the side of his dwelling, carried the historical diamond of the Corps, in red, white, and blue, with the words "Chief Quartermaster." The adjoining canvased-roofed but was the Colonel's business office, the patched addition in front, warmed by a stove, serving the purpose of an ante-room where orderlies could wait in comfort. In the first but there was a fireplace worthy of a New England mansion house. Oak logs, supported on camp-made fire dogs, gave a cheery blaze, and spread a genial warmth through the apartment. The floor was of plank, and the ceiling of canvass. On the walls, partly covered with hanging blankets of various colors, and partly papered with illustrated weeklies, there hung maps, field glasses, arms, &c. Pine chairs of the simplest pattern, a desk full of pigeon holes, crammed with papers bound with red tape, and an iron safe, completed the list of furniture, The adjoining room was gorgeous with the luxury of a carpet, while a comfortable bed and toilet arrangements gave a homelike air to the apartment. In these quarters the Colonel's wife and little daughter found sufficient attraction to detain them several weeks; and round the blazing hearth, on many a sullen winter night, the ennui of camp were forgotten in pleasant re-unions of the General's staff.

Date Made: 1863-12

Maker: Gardner, Alexander

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Virginia, Brandy Station

Related Event: Civil War

Subject:

See more items in: Work and Industry: Photographic History, Gardner's Sketchbook, Military, Engineering, Building, and Architecture, Photography

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1986.0711.0283.02Accession Number: 1986.0711Catalog Number: 1986.0711.0283.02

Object Name: albumen photograph

Physical Description: paper (overall material)Measurements: overall: 7 in x 8 15/16 in; 17.78 cm x 22.64842 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-c946-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1294259

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