Vignette bust portrait albumen CDV. Warwick, NY: C. I. Payne, [ca. 1862]. A fine, clear study capturing Benedict in his double-breasted captain's frock coat with prominent shoulder straps. The image is set within an elegant wavy-rule studio border. The reverse bears a central C. I. Payne letterpress backmark from Warwick, New York, alongside extensive, meticulous research tracking his entire operational ledger and multiple citations in the regimental history.

This exceptional albumen CDV features a highly documented combat officer from one of the most famous fighting units in the Army of the Potomac - the 124th New York Volunteer Infantry, universally known as the "Orange Blossoms." 

James W. Benedict entered the service at the formation of the regiment, mustering in as Captain of Company D on 16 August 1862. He led his Orange County men into the absolute vortex of the Eastern Theater's bloodiest engagements. Benedict commanded his company through the brutal tactical struggles of Chancellorsville and the defense of Houck's Ridge at Gettysburg, where the regiment suffered catastrophic losses while holding the union left flank near the Devil's Den.

His frontline service continued unabated until 12 May 1864, when he was wounded in action during the horrific hand-to-hand combat at the Bloody Angle during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Surviving his wounds, he returned to the field and successfully mustered out with his company at the close of the war. The reverse of the card records his pervasive presence in the classic 124th regimental history, This Regiment of Heroes, noting his text citations and the inclusion of this exact portrait on page 10 of the photo section. The hyper-localized Warwick, New York, photographic backmark connects this image to Benedict's home. 

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The print and mount are in excellent condition, showing sharp detail, strong contrast, and square corners with only minor age-related toning on the back.