Prisoners at point lookout taking the oath

[garyjd]

I've never seen this image before. The uniforms, equipment (what little there is), and hairstyles are interesting.~Gary

Here's the link for those wanting more information.

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/...p/~ammem_octk:

[markj]

Hi Gary,

Yes, it's a great image, which was extensively discussed in a previous thread a couple of years ago. You might want to use your "Search" function to see if you can pull up the original comments on this photo.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[garyjd]

Mark, I did not think to use the search function when I found the image.~Gary

[Knapsack Matt]

I had an ancestor at Point Lookout and that photo is really neat.

Matt

[Rob Weaver]

I tried the search function, but didn't come up with anything - sooooo I guess we'll have to talk about it again! Darn!
What's going on in this picture? It looks like the prisoners are gathered together before some kind of commission, beneath a large flag, hung like a canopy. There is gear piled in front of them. In the center back they're clasping hands. Are they newly interned? Are they taking the oath for parole before going home? The prisoners themselves also look very neat, like this is a gathering that they've had some time for which to prepare.

[DougCooper]

If I remember from the original long discussion (and period photo description), this group is among the last or the last to take the oath prior to departing for the south and home after the war. I believe the date on the photo is late May or early June 1865.

The detail is amazing when you blow it up.

[ThehosGendar]

Gary,

How did you run your search on the LOC site for that image? I've tried a bunch of things, and it doesn't seem to like me!

Thanks!

Nevermind! I found it! *Sigh* I wish they had the glass plate negative!

[GermanDraftee]

I couldn't pull up anything with the search engine, either. Maybe it was lost in the last crash.

Rob, I believe if you look closer the men appear to have their right hands on an object, probably a Bible, since they are taking an oath.

VERY interesting photo.

[Jennifer T Wisener]

I had two direct ancestors at Point Lookout, and one never seen an image of, thanks so much for posting this image.

[FrogHunter]

I am not sure these men are taking the Oath. Looks like preparation for the conclusion of Sunday school class with a hand holding prayer. They could be Methodists.