Three-quarter length seated studio portrait albumen CDV. Boston, MA: John P. Soule, 199 Washington St., [circa 1862-1863]. Photographer's imprint to mount verso. Research pencil identifications to mount verso read: "Webber Family / Album / Lt Edward O. Shepard / 32nd Mass / WIA Gettysburg / 7-2-1863."

This striking seated portrait captures Lieutenant Edward O. Shepard of the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry. Shepard is posed in profile, turning his head to face the camera, displaying prominent sideburns. He wears a smartly tailored officer's frock coat with his sword hanging from a regulation belt featuring an eagle buckle. His forage cap rests on the studio prop beside him. The image was captured by the Boston studio of John P. Soule. The reverse of the mount features Soule's decorative imprint and highly significant pencil notations that tie this Massachusetts officer directly to the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.

On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry was thrust into the chaotic and devastating combat of the Wheatfield. Operating as part of the 5th Corps under General George Sykes, the regiment was sent in to reinforce the crumbling Union left flank. They engaged in brutal, swirling combat against advancing Confederate forces, buying precious time for the Union line to stabilize. It was during this horrific maelstrom of fire that Lieutenant Shepard fell wounded.

Following his severe wounding in the Gettysburg Wheatfield, Shepard miraculously survived the war, returning to the 32nd Massachusetts only to be wounded in action twice more—during the grueling Siege of Petersburg and at the Battle of Hatcher's Run. He ultimately mustered out as a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel.

Returning to civilian life, the Amherst graduate built a distinguished career as a highly successful Boston attorney. He also became a prominent civic leader, serving as President of the Boston City Council from 1873 to 1874 and as Judge Advocate General on the governor's military staff. Despite his elite post-war status, the three-time combat casualty remained deeply devoted to his fellow veterans until his passing in the early 20th century.

Images of confirmed Gettysburg casualties, specifically those wounded in iconic sectors like the Wheatfield, are among the most sought-after portraits in Civil War photography.

[Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards, Stereographs] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]

The image is in very good to excellent condition. The albumen surface exhibits a rich, warm tonality with strong contrast. There is minimal surface wear.