William Colwell-2nd Wisconsin Infantry

[bAcK88]

I was browsing the digitalized images from the Wisconsin Historical Society and found this interesting image.

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/...rt%5Fby%3Ddate


Attached is a carte-de-visite of Captain William Colwell, Company B, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. What I found interesting is the shoulder holster for his pistol, something I have never seen.

And while the items that he's wearing are definitely cool, he was killed at South Mountain. It just seems that many re-enactors focus on gear in these images and forget that these were men that left families and friends behind.

BB

[roundshot]

These are reportedly his Bull Run duds, with his picture being taken to show how he appeared during the battle. He does look a little care worn.

[ScottCross]

Calwell's image was widely printed by Brady, we have one at my museum and I've seen quite a few other copies. I always liked his camp shoes. The rig he is wearing is really odd. It is almost as if he modified his sword belt and hung his holster on the cross-strap. The way his trousers are crumpled and creased, they look as if they were cotton or linen almost.

[TKlas]

Hi gents,

Also one correction - his name is Wilson and not William. Great picture for those 1861 officer impressions at Bulls Run - a hint for our HHM event next year at Manassas NMP. Colwell was one of the leading Captains in the Second Wisconsin, a banker by trade, and before leaving for was, was elected the Mayor of La Crosse.

Good stuff.

Tom