1863 Laidlaw U.S. Civil War View of the 148th New York Volunteers at Norfolk, VA

Active Civil War encampment.

This is a c. 1863 James S. Laidlaw view of the 148th Regiment, New York Infantry's camp at Portsmouth, Virginia, during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865). Unlike most Civil War images, this view was published contemporaneously with the war.

A Closer Look

The 148th established its camp at Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War. Near the bustling naval port of Norfolk, the camp served as a crucial base for operations, logistics, and training. Here, soldiers, contraband slaves, and children wander around the camp in the foreground and middle ground. Here, soldiers carry rifles with fixed bayonets, while others talk or play with children. Two women appear prominently in the foreground, underscoring the diversity of the war effort. Tents and cabins appear in the background, abutting a thick forest. The American flag flies prominently over the camp.

The 148th Regiment, New York Infantry

The 148th Regiment was organized at Geneva, New York, and was mustered into service on September 14, 1862. The Regiment left New York on September 22, 1862, and served garrison duty in Virginia until November 1863, when it first saw combat. The Regiment took part in the operations against Petersburg and Richmond beginning in May 1864 and fought in numerous battles, including Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, the Appomattox Campaign, and the assault on Petersburg. The 148th mustered out on January 22, 1865.

Publication History and Census

This view was drawn by James Laidlaw and published by Lang and Cooper c. 1863. This is the only known cataloged example. The 148th served as garrison and security at Norfolk, Virginia, from October 1862 until October 1863.

Cartographers

James S. Laidlaw (c. 1828 - c. 1902) was an American artist and American Civil War veteran. He was born in Geneva, New York, where he was living when he joined the Army. Laidlaw enlisted in the Union Army at Seneca, New York, in 1862, and was a member of Company C, 148th New York Volunteer Regiment. Laidlaw served his full three year enlistment to 1865. After the war, Laidlaw moved to New York City where he worked as an artist until at least 1899, when he appeared in the New York City Directory. We know of two views of camps of the 148th New York Volunteers that were drawn by Laidlaw and published by Lang and Cooper.   Further Details...

Lang and Cooper (fl. August 16, 1862 - May 2, 1864) were a New York City based engravers and printers active in the middle part of the 19th century. The firm was founded by William Lang and Henry Pooley Cooper. The firm came into being following the dissolution of Lang and Laing where in Cooper took the place of Joseph Laing. In May 1864, Cooper bought out Lang's shares and subsequently published under his own imprint, H. P. Cooper. They specialized in transferring copper and steel plates to lithographic stone for more economical printing. Among others, the firm worked with J.H. Colton and J. Disturnell.   Further Details...

Condition

Good. Mat burn. Light foxing.