Civil War CDV image of Corporal Stephen P. Walker, 29th Wisconsin Infantry, died 1863

This is a great CDV being offered, it is of Corporal Stephen P. Walker. He enlisted as a Corporal on August 15, 1862, with Company K, 29^th Wisconsin Infantry. It is a full-standing view of Walker with his Hardee Hat on a separate table next to him. The Hardee hat was most famously worn, and easily identified, as the hat worn by the Union Army's Iron Brigade, and it became their trademark, and they were popularly known by the nickname "The Black Hats".

He has his musket at his side with the bayonet on it. He wears a Union frock coat with corporal stripes, along with his belt with “US” buckle, breast plate, percussion cap box and bayonet scabbard. On the back of the card in period ink is “Steven P. Walker / Wisconsin / Civil War Veteran” and on the bottom is “My half brother L.W. Crans [?]” – this is probably who he gave this image to.

The 29th Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Camp Randall in Madison and mustered into service on September 27, 1862. It left Wisconsin for Cairo, Illinois, and then traveled to Helena, Arkansas, during November 2-7, 1862. It moved through the Expedition from Helena, Arkansas., to Arkansas Post: November 16-21, 1862. They were engaged in the Battle of Port Gibson, LA: May 1, 1863, the Battle of Champion Hill, MS  May 16, 1863, and the Siege of Vicksburg: May 18-July 4, 1863.

The treacherous conditions of the deep South in the summer caused very high casualties with soldiers, Corporal Walker was one of these casualties. The Union's two Army hospital ships, the “City of Memphis” and “Fanny Bullitt,” had not been furnished as such ships and were empty vessels where many wounded suffered and died. Stephen was on the “City of Memphis” when he died of disease on August 7, 1863 (see pictures of ship). This was just short of one year that he spent in the Army.

This CDV is in great condition, with no creases or bends, and has very nice clarity. Full-standing Civil War soldiers, identified, and with all their weapons and gear, are highly desirable – especially with its sorrowing history. A copy of the Historical Data System Soldier History will be included.