Vignetted bust portrait albumen CDV. New York, NY: Bogardus, Photographer, 363 Broadway, [circa 1863]. Photographer's imprint to mount verso. Period ink inscription to mount recto reads: "Franklin Sawyer / Lt Colonel 8th OVI." Modern ink notations to verso read: "Frankin Sawyer / Lt. Col. 8th Ohio / WIA Gettysburg / 7-1-1863."

This distinguished vignetted bust portrait captures Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Sawyer of the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was wounded in action at Gettysburg. Sawyer stares intently at the camera, sporting a prominent beard and wearing a double-breasted officer's frock coat. The image features a period ink identification along the bottom margin of the mount. This carte was originally produced by the Bogardus studio in New York City. 

Franklin Sawyer is a highly significant figure in the history of the Army of the Potomac. He commanded the 8th Ohio Infantry during the Battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment cemented its legacy. Positioned as skirmishers in advance of Cemetery Ridge, Sawyer and his men played a crucial role in repulsing Pickett's Charge on July 3, delivering devastating flanking fire into the Confederate ranks and capturing three enemy colors. Sawyer was severely wounded during the brutal fighting. Portraits of commanding officers who fell wounded during the war's most famous battle are highly sought after by discerning collectors, and Sawyer's is among the hardest to find. 

During the war, Gettysburg was far from his only major action. He led the 8th Ohio through some of the bloodiest engagements of the Eastern Theater, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and the battles of the Overland Campaign. He was a highly respected combat officer, known for his steady leadership under fire, and was eventually awarded the brevet rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers for his gallant and meritorious service.

Following the end of the conflict, Sawyer returned to his home in Norwalk, Ohio, and resumed his successful legal practice. He remained deeply active in public service and politics, eventually serving as a representative in the Ohio State Legislature.

Perhaps his most enduring post-war legacy, however, is his contribution to historical preservation. In 1881, he published A Military History of the 8th Regiment Ohio Vol. Inf'y. His detailed, firsthand accounts in the book, particularly regarding the regiment's skirmish line actions and defense against Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, remain a vital primary source that is still frequently cited by modern Civil War historians today.

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The image is in good condition. The albumen surface exhibits a soft, pleasing tonality that captures his facial features clearly. There is some minor surface wear and light, age-related fading typical of period photography.