1863 Drawing of Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham's Headquarters in Falmouth, Virginia

  
This offering is for an original Civil War U. Army engineer's pencil drawing of Union Brig. Benham's headquarters at Falmouth, Virginia, on the Rappahannock River. The drawing is dated April 1863 in ink and bears the title at the base of the four panel drawing, Head Quarters Brig. The legend appears on the bottom left side of the first panel and details each pictured tenting area. Notice the unit flag and the American flag. Also, the windbreak and decoration furnished by the fir trees along with the arched entrances are detailed. General Benham's Tent (B) even has the fireplace and fire shown. Notice the Guard tent (N) along with the sentry depicted at the far right of the 2nd panel. The drawing was accomplished by Sergeant John S. Vernam of the 50th New York Engineers. Beneath the title of the drawing in pencil appears the faded words of Falmouth, Va. The drawing constitutes four paper pages with original backing and bound into a four page portfolio. The engineers presentation is 22 1/4 in length with a height of 8 1/4 inches. There are no tears or separations. The drawing is very clear as are the legends. Along with the drawing is a cabinet photograph of Brig. General Benham with a penciled id on the back of the carding. The mounted cabinet photo measures 7 3/4" X 9 3/4". The photo is also in excellent condition.

There is much information on the General and his military career during the American Civll War and beyond. He was a well known and sometimes controversial figure of the United States and its Army just prior to the war and into the events following the cessation of hostilities. Preserved well, pencil drawing from the field and dated, unmarred.