break before more war

An officer who completed his three year gig with the Infantry and then signed back up – with the Engineers. He was able to take a break sometime 150 years ago this month. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in December 1864:

IN TOWN. – Lieut. Arthur S. Baker, formerly of the 86th N.Y.V. is in town. He has served out his time in the 86th, and recently has been commissioned First Lieutenant in the 50th N.Y. Vol. Engineers.

Arthur S. Baker – 86th NY Infantry

Arthur S. Baker – 50th NY Engineers

The 50th NY Engineers seem to have been one of the most photographed regiments. These pictures relating to the 50th New York Engineers from November 1864 indicate a little of what headquarters might have been like when Lieutenant got down ’round Petersburg.

“Surgeon’s Quarters, camp of 50th New York Engineers in front of Petersburg, Va., November, 1864” (Library of Congress)

“Petersburg, Va. General view of the commissary department, 50th New York Engineers” (Library of Congress)

And this is said to be Colonel Ira Spaulding of the 50th NY Engineers in front of his winter quarters 150 years ago this winter (I think he was Lieutenant Colonel):

Lieutenant Colonel Ira Spaulding and his winter digs

“hansomest, most attractive camp in the Army of the Potomac” winter 1864-65

IRA Spaulding 50th NY Engineers