sad image i think...good shot!

I find it intriguing.... wondering what J.H's story is. But that's the genealogist in me.

Perhaps we have not moved that far forward even in more modern times Tom, from men shot for cowardice suffering from shell shock, we understand to be PTSD today.. Even so working in this field I found commanders still not fully conversed with symptoms.

The battles were so severe and so many men dropping on all sides. For the young men who were pulled into service then, I imagine it being the first time away from home and seeing such massive killing and injury, perhaps even having to fight against his own family members, I can easily see a person trying to run and hide from the carnage. Maybe shot on the battlefield as he tried to run. Maybe his troop took mercy on his soul and family, burying him with those who fell with him. I find the photography to be just fine and the mood to be one that brings on a bout of great thought...

Many unanswered questions in this grave my friend. Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.

Tom...I for one am glad you captured this image. I've been a Civil War buff ever since the age of about seven or eight when I discovered my grandmother's set of, "The Photographic History of The Civil War", published in 1911 and purchased by my Great Grandfather in that same year. He was a veteran of the 13th New York Cavalry (1862-1865). I've visited quite a few battlefields and read extensively...but not about the problem of desertion by both Confederate and Union soldiers/sailors. I've just found there is a lot online about the subject but that extensive study is still lacking...why?...nobody wants to do it. A short, very interesting piece can be found in the Encyclopedia Virginia, Click Here</> I've seen lots of Civil War tombstones...but never one of these. This leads me to think this was an official execution for desertion...to make a point to others.

these type of people was executed. I saw some real photos of what happen to some of them

Well before you told me it wasn't done well I was really enjoying it!!!!! Whats not to like about it dude. It speaks VOLUMES about the hard times of that era. A fave for me! I guess to be the devils advocate, his actions or lack of them probably would have endangered the safety of his fellow soldiers, and if they didn't make an example of him, no one would want to have put their lives on the line.

Maybe he refused to be blown by a bomb for the general pass sane and safe.

And the marker is flat across the top. Fascinating! Official Union markers are rounded, and CSA markers are pointed. I think you were at the Old City Cemetery. It has a fascinating history. All the markers that are there now would be for CSA graves (and it looks like they're all flat!) ... Union soldiers that were buried there were later moved to a different cemetery in another town. Everything I could find on deserters leads me to believe this was meant to be an example to others who might be considering leaving the army unannounced. Anyone dishonerably discharged is not elegible for a military marker. Thanks for this ... what a wonderful 1-1/2 hours I've spent in research as a result of your photograph!

WOW. Powerful find.

Sad photograph, dear Tom. Who knows how much he suffered before he died. Excellent work. Hugs and God Bless. Di. xx

great capture

Interesting question is not easy to answer! I am inclined to share the conclusion of Bill! Thanks for the comment on the gallery, much appreciated!

Woah that is heavy duty. Strong emotion in this- thanks for sharing! :-)

Selina Photography™

bonne question sans reponse

Excellent Find and I believe that what Auntietk says above is accurate.

Great shot, I love it, very provocative

STUNNING IMAGE !!!