Civil War-Period Wedding Photograph of Major General Edward McCook & Mary Thompson, Incl. Generals Long, Murray, & Upton

About Auction

Live

American History, Featuring the Property of N...

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 9, 2017 - Jun 10, 2017

Set Reminder 2017-06-09 10:00:00 2017-06-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History, Featuring the Property of N. Flayderman & Co. https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-featuring-the-property-of-n-flayderman-co-2392
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

View Full Catalog (392)

• Lot Description

  Albumen photograph, 16.5 x 12.625 in., believed to be the official wedding party at the marriage of Major General Edward M. McCook to Mary Thompson, June 21, 1865, taken just after the end of the Civil War. The other officers in the portrait are from left to right: Brigadier General Eli Long, Brigadier General Eli Murray, and Major General Emory Upton. Mary Thompson is the lady seated in the middle wearing white and the other ladies, while unidentified, are thought to be Mary's sister seated to the left and Edward McCook's sister standing to the right. Although uncredited, the photograph is marked Chicago. Housed in what is believed to be the original, mission-style frame, 28 x 24 in.

  Edward McCook served in many important capacities. He was among the very first settlers in the Pike's Peak region of Colorado having come west during the Gold Rush. He was the delegate from what was then called Arapahoe County to the Kansas Territorial Legislature. During the war, he was among the famous "Fighting McCooks" first defending Washington, DC and later active in the Southern Campaign including the captures of Montgomery and Selma, AL. He accepted the surrender of Confederate forces in Georgia and Florida and then served as Military Governor of Florida. He was appointed as the ambassador to the Hawaiian Islands. He was active in creating the Territory of Colorado and served as its fifth governor. He was also the second governor after Colorado gained statehood. He and his wife were both active in the Women's Suffrage Movement in the west.

  All of the generals depicted in the portrait were associated at one time with the cavalry corps commanded by Major General James Harrison Wilson and are thought to have all participated in the capture of Selma, AL. Like McCook, the other officers were highly accomplished. Brigadier General Eli Long had a commendable Civil War record, including fighting at Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chickamauga, Farmington and Knoxville, TN, Lovejoy's Station in Georgia, and the capture of Selma, AL. He was reported wounded five times during the war but survived to become a successful businessman in Baltimore and New Jersey.

  Brigadier General Eli Huston became the territorial governor of Utah following the war and was notorious for persecution of the Mormons. Murray, UT is named after him.

  Major General Emory Upton was an 1861 West Point graduate and classmate to George Custer. He is credited with having fired the first shot at the First Battle of Bull Run and was active in many major battles during the war. He was wounded while commanding forces at the Battle of Spotsylvania. He authored several important treatises on infantry tactics. Upton went on to serve as Commandant of West Point after the Civil War and died while acting as the Commandant of The Presidio in San Francisco.

  Condition

  The frame for the portrait is believed to be the original mission style frame. The portrait has over the years faded somewhat and while there are stains along the margins they do not appear to intrude on the image itself. In the lower right there are dark marks that appear to have been scratches on the original photographic plate. Marked with printed words "Photogra..." and "Chicago". Consignor relates that the original pine plank backing was replaced with acid free mat board. The old eyebolts were also replaced with new hanging hardware. It is otherwise believed to be completely original.
• Shipping Info

  • SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	28.00
    $250,001	23.00
    $3,000,001	15.00