“We Might As Well Die Here” - Motto of the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry

CDV album containing four identified images of members of the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry, as well as an additional image of an unidentified officer who is likely a fifth member of that same regiment. Oblong 8vo. Embossed leather gilt lettered "Capt. J.D. Marsh" to front board. Images include:

1. Vignetted portrait of Capt. Henry F. Mangus, Co. E. Unmarked. Modern pencil inscription to verso. POW, Petersburg, confined Macon & Columbia.

2. Vignetted portrait of Sgt. James F. Ryan, Co. H. Lewisburg, Pennsylvania: John F. Nice, October 1864. Nice dated and signed red 2-cent revenue stamp affixed to mount verso next to his imprint.

3. Full length standing portrait of unidentified captain, likely also of the 53rd. Pottstown, Pennsylvania: J. Campbell, 1865. Campbell initialed and dated the blue 2-cent revenue stamp affixed to mount verso next to his imprint.

4. Full length hand-colored portrait of William M. Mintzer, Co. A, as captain. Alexandria, Virginia: G.W. Roseberry. Modern pencil identification next to photographer's imprint to verso. Twice WIA, Fair Oaks, Fredericksburg.

5. Capt. James D. Marsh, Co. H. Philadelphia: F. Gutekunst. Modern pencil identification next to photographer's imprint to verso.

A stalwart unit in the war's Eastern Theater, the 53rd Pennsylvania had one of the most impressive battle records of the entire Union army during the Civil War, earning a lengthy list of honors that stretch almost continuously from the Seven Days’ Battles through Appomattox. They are best known for the heroic service during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Captain Marsh's name is stamped to the cover of the album identifying it as his. This is a wonderful collection of his battle-hardened comrades to remember in his years as a veteran.

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