1/4th Plate Ambrotypes Attributed to the Parcher Brothers 8th Minnesota Infantry, Casualties at the Third Battle of Murfreesboro / SOLD
Exceptional pair of 1/4th plate ambrotypes in a double image patriotic case. The images originated from a sale in Sterns County, Minnesota. The Minnesota gentleman that originally acquired the images stated that extensive research had indicated the images most likely depict the Parcher brothers of the 8th Minnesota. Originally from Vermont, Frank and Ellett Parcher enlisted together on August 12, 1862, in Lynden, Minnesota. The 8th Minnesota Infantry traveled more miles than any other regiment in the Union Army, fighting the Sioux in Dakota and Montana territories, then deploying to the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee. Fighting against Nathan Bedford Forrest at the Third Battle of Murfreesboro on December 7, 1864, Ellett was killed in action, and Frank was severely wounded in the right shoulder and later discharged for his wounds.
The ambrotypes depict the brothers wearing infantry frock coats, forage caps, and proudly displaying their Austrian Lorenz rifles. Both images have great clarity, with some haloing on the image to the right. The ambrotypes are framed in copper mats and housed in a thermoplastic case decorated with military motifs. Wonderful images of two brothers that served in a fascinating Civil War regiment.
Eighth Infantry -- Col., Minor T. Thomas; Lieut.-Col., Henry C. Rogers; Majs., George A. Camp, Edwin A. Folsom. This regiment was organized in the summer and fall of 1862 and was mustered in by companies. It was sent to the vicinity of the Indian raids, with headquarters at Fort Ripley. Co. A was sent to Anoka and Princeton and E to Monticello, both being on duty at the Chippewa agency in December. Headquarters were established at St. Cloud in the spring of 1863, but a small garrison was left at Fort Ripley, under Lieut.-Col. Rogers and Co. F was detached to Princeton and Sunrise, the remainder of the regiment moving to the Sioux frontier. Co. A was stationed at Kingston and Manannah, E at Paynesville, B at Sauk Center, D at Pomme de Terre, K at Alexandria, C, G and H at Fort Abercrombie under Maj. Camp, and they were detailed in small squads for patrolling the frontier. They were in many slight skirmishes with the Indians, losing a number of men at Pomme de Terre, Kandiyohi Lake, Paynesville and other points. As mounted infantry the regiment joined Sully's expedition against the Sioux in May, 1864, the several companies coming together at Paynesville for the first time. The Indians had been driven west of the Missouri the previous summer and the expedition started June 5, joined Gen. Sully's command about July 1, crossed the river July 9, was in the battle of Killdeer mountain, where the Indians were defeated and driven into the mountains. Cos. E, F, H and I followed them through the ravines and drove them from the hills. They then returned to the supply train on Heart river and moved at once on the Bad Lands, which were reached Aug. 5. On the 8th they were attacked just at the edge of the plain by 5,000 Indians, who were driven for 12 miles, with a loss in killed and wounded of nearly 1,000, the troops losing about 100, only 9 of whom were killed. This battle was called "Waps-Chon-choka" by the Indians. The troops reached the Yellowstone on the 12th and Fort Union on the 18th, turned towards home in September, when 20 men from each company were detailed to go to the relief of Capt. Fisk, who with a party of emigrants, was surrounded by Indians. This was accomplished quickly, the regiment reached Fort Snelling Oct. 15, and left the state Oct. 26 for Murfreesboro, Tenn., where it was joined by those who had been left in Dakota. It assisted in driving the enemy away from the blockhouse at Overall's creek, and in a reconnaissance a few days later was given the front, its reputation as an "Indian" regiment having preceded it. It Participated in the charge on the Wilkinson pike that routed the enemy, but lost 90 in killed and wounded in 30 minutes. It was ordered to Columbia and assigned to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 23d corps, and followed Hood to the Tennessee river. It was then ordered to North Carolina and reached New Berne early in March, 1865. It participated in the battle of Kinston, where Bragg's force was repeatedly repulsed, occupied Goldsboro, March 22, joining Sherman's forces at that point. It then did provost guard duty at Raleigh until May 12, when it moved to Charlotte, from which point it was ordered home and was mustered out July 11, 1865.
Ellett P. Parcher - 22 years old. Enlisted on 8/14/1862 at Lynden, Stearns County, MN as a Private. On 8/14/1862 he mustered into "E" Co. MN 8th Infantry. He was Killed on 12/7/1864 at Murfreesboro, TN. Promotions: Corpl. Other Information: Born in Vermont.
Frank M. Parcher Residence was not listed; 20 years old. Enlisted on 8/14/1862 at Lynden, Stearns County, MN as a Private. On 8/14/1862 he mustered into "E" Co. MN 8th Infantry. He was discharged for wounds on 5/23/1865. He was listed as: Wounded 12/7/1864 Murfreesboro, TN (Severe wound in right shoulder). Other Information: Born in Vermont.
Inventory Number: HAR 190 / SOLD