Item No. 3541350

A CDV image of First Lieutenant Henry Everdell of the 7th New York State Militia, 4th Company (D). The lieutenant stands, looking confidently toward the lens. His leather waist belt is secured with a New York-style belt plate. A “7” can be seen on his cap. On the reverse, Everdell is identified in period ink over the imprint of Baltimore photographers Bendann Brothers. Measures 2 1/2” x 4”.

Everdell served in all three of the 7th Regiment’s deployments in 1861, 1862, and 1863. The image dates to 1862 or 1863 after his promotion to lieutenant.

The 7th New York State Militia, known as the “Silk Stocking Regiment” for its socially prominent New York City membership, played an important role early in the Civil War. They first entered federal service in April 1861, responding swiftly to President Lincoln’s call and making a celebrated march to Washington via Annapolis after riots in Baltimore cut the usual rail route. Stationed at Camp Cameron, they performed guard and garrison duty that helped secure the vulnerable capital before mustering out in June. They were called up again in May 1862 during renewed fears for Washington’s safety amid Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, once more serving three months in the city’s defensive forts without seeing major combat. In 1863, the regiment was mobilized again during the Gettysburg Campaign and the New York City Draft Riots. Though their wartime service was brief and primarily defensive, the 7th’s prompt mobilization, precision, and high visibility made them symbolically significant, and they remained a prominent part of New York’s National Guard throughout and after the war.