Brigadier General Robert B. Van Valkenburgh and Staff Officers

Brigadier General Robert B. Van Valkenburgh and Staff Officers - Inventory Number: ALB 003

Stunning imperial albumin photograph of Robert B. Van Valkenburgh, seated, in uniform, three-quarter length, left hand holding hat in lap, legs crossed, surrounded by five Union staff officers, two seated, three standing, all in uniform.  Photographed by W.J. Moulton and re-touched by G.W. Waters.  Professionally framed frame measures 23 1/8" h x 26 7/6" l

In command of the recruiting depot in Elmira and organized seventeen regiments early in the Civil War.  He was elected as a Republican to the 37th and 38th United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1865.  While in the House he was Chairman of the Committee on Militia (37th and 38th Congresses).  He served as colonel of the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and was its commander at the Battle of Antietam.  

Excerpt from Van Valkenburgh's Antietam Report:

"On the morning of the 17th instant we were formed in line of battle, under your immediate supervision, in the corn-field, nearly opposite to the woods which were then in the possession of the rebels.  After being thus formed we were moved by the left flank into the woods upon the left of the corn-field, and directly in front of the above-mentioned wood.  These we were directed to hold at all hazards.  Soon, however, the enemy gave way in front, and by your direction my  command charged across the intervening plowed field at double-quick, passing entirely through the narrow belt of woods which had been the scene of conflict, and reached the lane and fence upon the opposite side.  During the whole time we had been under constant fire, and as we crossed the belt of the woods were under a perfect hail-storm of shell, round shot, and musketry.  We were then ordered to shield ourselves from the enemy's fire by lying down near the fence.  While here we lost a number of our men in killed and wounded."

Moulton, William J. :
Active as a daguerreian in Elmira, N.Y., 1857-1860. He was listed at 20 Water   Street in 1857, and offered ambrotypes, photographs, "ambrographs", daguerreotypes.

Inventory Number: ALB 003