Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Lacking lid, the image depicts two Ohio military field surgeons, Dr. John C. Gill and a Dr. Kyle. Both men appear to be wearing army "MC" (Medical Corps) insignia on their kepis. Included is a letter from Dr. Gill, near Corinth, Mississippi, to his mother back home. It reads:
In the field 6 miles From Corinth, Miss. May 3, 1862...My dear Mother I suppose we are on the eve of a great battle, should the enemy make a start at Corinth it will be the hardest fought battle we have had on the continent. The report is that the enemy is very strongly fortified and heavily reinforced. We have now in the field some 150,000 fighting men and 105 batteries of artillery. We advance some 5 or 6 miles today and march again early in the morning. I may be a little superstitious about an attack being made on Sunday yet - I have no fears of the result as that any mishap may befall me. Yet I knew dear Mother that a few lines from me (should the worst be my lot) would be a great relief to you. This afternoon heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Corinth. We expect to engage the Enemy tomorrow. The Sick will be left at our present camp in charge of Capt. Austin a Captain in our regiment but a physician. At Head Quarters they are very confident of an engagement tomorrow. all tents will be left in Camp with the exception of the Hospital tents. My health is good and I feel in good spirits in anticipation of an engagement. Still I wish the war was over and I was once more at home.
I am not all homesick but feel anxious about your health and the family. I hope by this time that yourself and Charley are better. Dr. Kyle has not yet found the regiment, not has he written. I have the whole charge of the regiment in my hands,which is a great respionsibility at tyhis particular period. My love to all. Goodbye and God bless you. Your affectionate Son. John C. Gill. I will put this note in my trunk.
Frame dimensions 4 5/8 x 3 5/8 in.
Private Ohio Collection The image has some light spotting that does not affect the subjects; there is also some haloing where the mat meets the image. Overall a very good photograph.
