Item No. 6763498

A CDV image of a Union officer identified in pencil on the reverse as “Capt. S. O. Ryder / 7th.” Stephen O. Ryder served in all three deployments of the 7th Regiment. In 1861 he was enlisted as a “general guide” attached to the regimental headquarters, but served as a second lieutenant in the 5th Company (E) during the 1862 and 1863 call-ups. Under the identification on the reverse is the imprint of New York photographer Begardus. The carte measures about 2 1/2” x 4” with trimmed corners.

Another image of Ryder can be seen in the Liljenquist Collection at the Library of Congress (link here).

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.