Beschreibung:

Carte de visite of brothers Cyrus T. Bachelder (1831-1871) and Melvin C. Bachelder from Bridgeport, CT, who served in Company D, 17th Connecticut, pencil identified on verso without back mark. A fine view showing Melvin (L) with his hand resting on Cyrus' shoulder. Both men are wearing recently issued uniforms comprising unadorned nine button frock coats and flawless forage caps with brass bugle insignia and numerals "17." Another published view of Cyrus Bachelder shows him with sergeant chevrons and sporting a thick beard. Private Melvin Bachelder joined company D in August 1862 and served for the duration, mustering out in July 1865. Sergeant Cyrus Bachelder joined at the same time and was taken POW at Gettysburg on July 1, paroled on July 15 and discharged in July 1865 as a private. Forming part of the 11th Corps at Gettysburg, the regiment numbering 386 officers and men was rushed into the chaotic first days' fighting being almost immediately attacked and overwhelmed by General J.B. Gordon's Georgia brigade. The 17th Connecticut suffered 198 men killed, wounded, and missing including Sergeant Cyrus Bachelder before retreating to Cemetery Hill. The regiment was transferred to the 10th Corps, Department of the South in August 1863 and subsequently fought at Fort Wagner during siege operations against Charleston. Provenance: The Tom MacDonald Maine Civil War CDV Collection Condition: CDV with strong tones VG+. with dented corners.