Today I am listing individual photographs all from one group purchased recently in Carlisle Pennsylvania. They were all in one Civil War Photograh Album. All are members of the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves (36th Infantry). All of the photographs have Alexandria Va. back marks and were taken during the period of 1863 and early 1864 (see history below). I am also listing a photograph of the Regimental Flag belonging to the 7th Pennsylvania reserves, a photograph of General Meade and another of Andrew Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania.
Organized in Washington July 27 1861 for a three year term. Brigadier General George G. Meade commanding.
Just some highlights of this regiment are: Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills where they were in the thick of the fight, Charles City Crossroads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam where they suffered heavy losses, Fredericksburg where they fought gallantly, piercing the lines of Stonewall Jackson's corps, shattering three brigades and the capturing of the flag of the 19th Ga. by Corp. Jacob Cart of Carlisle Pa. Jacob Cart later received a medal of honor for his bravery.
On Dec. 17, 1862, the regiment went into winter quarters at Belle Plain, but left them to join in the "Mud March," and in Feb., 1863, was ordered to Washington for rest and to recruit. It remained at or near Alexandria throughout that year and the first months of the following year, and then joined the Army of the Potomac in the Wilderness campaign.
During the Wilderness campaign, on May 5th, 1864, the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves were cut off from the rest of the army, surrounded and forced to surrender. Only a small portion of the regiment managed to escape. Some of the remaining members were transferred to the 190th Pa Infantry. The bulk of this heroic regiment finished the war suffering in the rebel prisons, many were in Andersonville.
The regiment was mustered out at Philadelphia on June 16, 1864. Few returned for muster out. I read the numbers were only about 60 men out of more than 1000 men.
Some of the images are identified, some are not. I tried to find a photograph of Jacob Cart and I could not. I do know he lived until the 1880's. There has to be an existing photograph of him. Could he be in this group? George W. Palmer (one of the identified soldiers in the group) is buried in the Trindle Springs Lutheran Cemetery In Silver Spring Twp. near Carlisle. I found 6 more members of the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves buried in the same cemetery. I wonder if any of the unidentifed soldiers died in Andersonville or if they survived. I believe further research might put a name on some of the faces. Perhaps some of the regimental histories books in this area have some photos etc.
