A significant grouping of two Civil War-era photographs of George Nelson Macy, including: 

1. Full-length albumen CDV portrait in uniform with overcoat. Unmarked mount. Recto bears a period pencil signature: "Macy." Verso bears a pencil collector's inscription: "George Macy 20th MA / WIA GETTYSBURG 7-3-1863."

2. Full-length mounted albumen portrait in field attire with slouch hat. The image is a period copy or reduced-size albumen mounted to a larger card. Recto bears an ink identification: "Macy Geo N. / Brevet Maj Gen."

Pair of images featuring George Nelson Macy (1837-75), commander of the legendary 20th Massachusetts Infantry, also known as the "Harvard Regiment." Macy was one of the most resilient and frequently wounded officers in the Army of the Potomac. On 3 July 1863, during the climax of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, Macy led his regiment in a desperate counterattack to plug a gap in the Union line near the "Copse of Trees." During the melee, he was severely wounded, losing his left hand to a minie ball. Undeterred, he returned to lead the regiment through the Wilderness and Petersburg, eventually losing a leg in 1864 and being brevetted major general for his conspicuous gallantry.

These images capture Macy as he appeared in the field. The CDV shows him in a formal studio setting wearing a heavy military overcoat, a practical garment for a field officer. The second, more candid study depicts him in a slouch hat and long coat, leaning against a studio prop, projecting the ruggedness of a commander who spent years in the trenches. Together, they provide a comprehensive visual record of one of Massachusetts’s most celebrated and sacrificed citizen-soldiers. Under his leadership at Gettysburg, the regiment suffered over 50% casualties while helping to turn back the high-water mark of the Confederacy. Macy’s refusal to leave the service despite multiple permanent disabilities made him a symbol of Union resolve. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [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]

Overall very fine; the primary CDV maintains excellent tonal depth and clarity. The second image shows some light fading as is typical for period copy-work. A highly significant identified grouping of a premier Gettysburg hero.