Image is a three-quarter standing view of Captain Julius M. Lathrop who served in both the 24th and 38th Massachusetts Infantry.

Lathrop is posed with one arm resting on the pillar of a balustrade holding his kepi. He wears a dark frock coat with Captains shoulder straps and light trousers. His coat is buttoned except for the center 4 buttons.

The reverse of the image has a very nice period ink inscription that reads “J. M. LATHROP CAPT. CO. I, 38 MASS. KILLED AT CANE RIVER FORD, LA. 23RD APR/64.” Reverse also has photographer’s imprint for WASHBURN’S…. NEW ORLEANS.

Image is mostly clean and bright with great contrast. Paper has one light smudge or stain just to the left of the Captain’s head. This appears to be just some light surface dirt.

Julius Mortimer Lathrop was a 22 year old clerk when he enlisted as a Corporal in Company I, 24th Massachusetts at Dedham on November 4, 1861. The regiment was part of Burnsides North Carolina expedition and during Lathrop’s time the regiment saw service at Roanoke Island, New Bern and Tranter’s Creek. On August 26, 1862 Lathrop was discharged to accept a commission in the 38th Massachusetts Infantry.

Lathrop was mustered in as a 1st Lieutenant of Company H of the 38th on September 24, 1862 with rank to date from August 20, 1862. The 38th was assigned to the 19th Corps. During the quiet winter of 1862-1863 Lathrop was promoted to Captain on February 27, 1863 and transferred to Company I. With the arrival of spring the regiment went on active campaign and saw action at Port Hudson which took up most of 1863. The 38th was at Port Hudson throughout the siege and took part in the two storming attempts. After spending another winter in camp the regiment was engaged at Snaggy Point and Cane River, Louisiana. In the skirmish at Cane River on April 23, 1864 the 38th lost five killed and six wounded. Among the killed was Captain Lathrop.

The regimental history says of Captain Lathrop’s loss:

“The casualties had been comparatively few, the close ranks of the support furnishing a fairer target than the skirmish-line. Capt. Julius M. Lathrop, of Co. I, was mortally wounded, and died a few days afterward. Capt. Lathrop had rode in an ambulance the day previous, unable to march; but, upon the approach of an engagement, had taken command of his company, and was leading his men when he received the fatal shot.”

An enlisted man from Lathrop’s Company wrote the following in a letter home:

“Our Regt. lost 2 killed and 6 wounded on the march at the battle of Cane River Ford. Capt. Lathrop of my Co. was mortally wounded. He died three days after the battle. He was not as popular as some, but all acknowledged his bravery on the field of battle.”

This is a nice image of a brave officer willing to do his duty even when ill and who gave his life at his post, leading his Company.

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