Confederate Camp Taylor Lithograph
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Scope and Contents
This collection contains an exceptionally rare lithograph depicting the Confederate encampment at Camp Taylor, near Lindsey's Station on the Virginia Central Railroad during the winter of 1863. The lithograph, possibly created in the field, provides a detailed view of the winter quarters of John Garnett's Light Artillery Battalion, which comprised Virginia and Louisiana artillery units. The scene features a well-organized camp with log cabins, horse sheds, and tents, alongside soldiers engaged in various activities. Notably, one soldier is shown sprinting towards the main tent, possibly carrying urgent news. The lithograph also includes manuscript inscriptions identifying four artillery units: the Donaldsonville Artillery (Louisiana), Huger's Artillery (Virginia), the Halifax Artillery (Virginia), and the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues (Virginia). Given the lack of other known images of Camp Taylor and the absence of documentation regarding its existence, this lithograph is a significant visual record of the encampment. The nature of its production remains uncertain, but its unfinished elements and lack of attribution suggest it may have been a field-produced proof.
Dates
- Creation: 1863
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
For more information about copyright policy, please visit: https://www.ua.edu/copyright/. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
John J. Garnett (1839–1902) was a Confederate officer who played a key role in the artillery operations of the Army of Northern Virginia. A West Point graduate, he initially served as an artillery lieutenant in Louisiana’s 3rd Company, Washington Artillery. By November 1862, he had risen to Inspector of Ordnance and Artillery for Longstreet’s I Corps and later commanded a reserve artillery battalion. His unit, which included the Donaldsonville Artillery, Huger’s Artillery, Halifax Artillery, and the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues, participated in major Civil War battles, including Gettysburg, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Siege of Petersburg. Notably, Huger’s Artillery played a role in the bombardment preceding Pickett’s Charge. In early 1864, Robert E. Lee suspended Garnett from duty, and he was mustered out in April of that year, for alleged incompetence. He later served as an inspector of artillery for the Army of Tennessee. After the war, Garnett wrote extensively on the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg before taking his own life in New York City in 1902.
Extent
1.44 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the Confederate Camp Taylor Lithograph from James Arsenault and Company in 2021.
Condition Description
Good
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, March 2025.
- Title
- Guide to the Confederate Camp Taylor Lithograph
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, March 2025.
- Date
- March 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository