19th Century Large Albumen Photograph of American Soldiers, Including a Black Soldier at the Center

Albumen sepia tone photograph on photographer's board of a black soldier in an American military unit at camp. Board measures 10.75" x 10" and photo is 8.5" x 10". The men are in attire typical of the late 19th n the American West, mostly wearing dark buttoned shirts, trousers held up by suspenders, and boots. The black soldier among them can be seen sitting down with what appears to be a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. They are pictured in a camp with rows of tents lined up on wooden boards in a clearing surrounded by trees. The organized stacked blankets and cooking equipment suggest that despite their nonuniform attire, they are in an American military organization of some sort. This photograph seems to have been taken impromptu, with many men still holding their tankards and plates of food. One soldier appears to be holding a long rifle, apparent by its barrel and long wooden stock. The inclusion of an African-American in a white military unit was very uncommon at the time, but was not unheard of especially in a non-combat situation, which this appears to be. The soldiers pose for this photo, some grinning and others expressionless, with two lounging on the floor in the front of the photo. Inscription on verso states "Notice 'Black Soldier.'" Top right corner cracked with tape repairs on verso. Slight water staining to top left corner, dampstain at lower left corner, partial cracking at bottom right corner, but image unaffected. In good condition overall. (Inventory #: 18739)