Bromantic Civil War
Before the battle, soldiers showing their feelings for their friends.
Anna Krentz
1861-1865
Pvt. Charles Chapman of Company A, 10th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, left, and unidentified Confederate soldier.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.32619/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
During the American Civil War, many soldiers on both sides of the conflict had their photograph taken. For many of these combatants, this might be the first, the only or the very last time their face would ever be recorded. What is very striking today is how many of these men chose to be photographed with a friend or brother. Especially touching is the way in which they emphatically displayed the affection they felt for one another, with arms on shoulders, linked arms, and even held hands. The people of the mid-19th century, it seems, were more comfortable with men showing affection for each other than subsequent generations were.
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms and forage caps with saber and musket.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.37255/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Pvt. Reggie T. Wingfield and Pvt. Hamden T. Flay in Confederate uniforms.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2012646153/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Three unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms and Company E, 8th Regiment forage caps.
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms with cigars.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2011661508/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified soldiers in Union shell jackets, young soldier at right with a cavalry saber.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.27254/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Pvt. Hiram J. Gripman, with his brother Pvt. William H. Gripman.
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms, one in corporal's uniform and dress gloves.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.27337/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms with cigars in mouths in front of American flag.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2010650799/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Sgt. Robert Black and Pvt. Herman Beckman of Company F.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.27332/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Three unidentified Union soldiers in front of painted military camp scene backdrop.
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified sergeant and corporal in Union uniforms in front of painted backdrop
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.32648/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Sgt. Robert Black and Pvt. Herman Beckman in Union uniforms
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2011645443/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified Union soldiers.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2010650783/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified soldiers in Confederate battle shirts.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2012646156/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Pvt. William Savage Moore and his brother, Pvt. John C. Moore.
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms holding cigars in each others' mouths.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2010650329/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified soldiers in Mississippi battle shirts with double barrel shotguns.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2012645969/resource/">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified soldiers in Trans-Mississippi Confederate battle shirts.
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Three unidentified soldiers in Union 1st Lieutenant, 1st Sergeant, and Master sergeant uniforms.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.31648/?co=lilj">Library of Congress</a>
Pvt. Henry Luther and his brother, 1st Sgt. Herbert E. Larrabee
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms in front of painted backdrop showing trees
Credit: <a href="">Library of Congress</a>
Unidentified soldiers in Confederate uniforms.
Credit: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lilj/item/2011661471/resource/">Library of Congress</a>