A carte de visite album containing 21 CDVs and one gem tintype, the album belonging to the family of the recruiter for the 54th Colored Infantry of Massachusetts, Robert R. Corson. This of course the fabled regiment portrayed in the 1989 Academy Award winning film, Glory.
Of the 21 CDVs present, at least 7 of them are photographs of Robert R. Corson, taken at various stages of life. The remainder are of his wife, in-laws, and children. There is also a single photo of an officer in full dress. It was taken in Washington D.C. during the war by Jno Holyland of Washington D.C. in front of his oft-used painting of a Civil War encampment with tents, etc., It is labeled as being that of "Uncle Robert Corson," and could perhaps be him, though younger and with no mustache. He was the "State Agent" for Massachusetts, who were at times commissioned and would thus have a dress uniform. Perhaps taken on a formal visit to D.C. to discuss recruitment or similar.
Important images for those interested in the origins and development of the "Colored Troops" regiments.
Early in February quite a number of colored men were recruited in Philadelphia, by Lieut. E. N. Hallowell, James M. Walton, who was subsequently commissioned in the Fifty-fourth, and Robert R. Corson, the Massachusetts State Agent. Recruiting there was attended with much annoyance. The gathering- place had to be kept secret, and the men sent to Massachusetts in small parties to avoid molestation or excitement. Mr. Corson was obliged to purchase railroad tickets himself, and get the recruits one at a time on the cars or under cover of darkness. The men sent and brought from Philadelphia went to form the major part of Company B.
Spine cover lacking and sections detached. All images in an excellent state of preservation.
