Item No. 9863493

A CDV image of Captain William A. Speaight of the 7th New York State Militia, 5th Company (E). In a standing pose, the captain cradles his M1850 foot officer’s sword. His leather waist belt is secured with a New York-style belt plate. A Colt revolver with a fluted cylinder is tucked into it. Although there is no photographer’s imprint, the flooring, backdrop, and set decorations are consistent with Mathew Brady’s studio on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.

Speaight is identified on the reverse in pencil. Another copy of this same image appears in his record in the HDS database. Fine condition. Measures about 2 1/2” x 4”.

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.