Item No. 3739683

A CDV image of a sergeant of the 7th New York State Militia posing with a sword hanging from his belt. A brass “7” is affixed to the front of his cap. He wears a buff leather belt and cartridge box strip, while his knapsack is on his back. His haversack and canteen are slung over the back of a chair. There is no photographer’s imprint. On the reverse in period ink is written, “Afternoon Parade.”

The man is Sergeant Stephen O. Ryder, as identified by an image of the same man in the Liljenquist Collection at the Library of Congress (link here). Ryder was enlisted as a “general guide” attached to the regimental headquarters.

The carte measures about 2 1/2” x 4”. Former Rick Carlile collection. Also former Mike McAfee collection.

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.