William J. Miller, at the center of this image, is identified by a signed CDV in the Kielbaugh collection that shows him in a very similar hat, with identical beard and slightly long hair. He ran a studio at 256 Pratt Street and is shown here seated at center pouring a glass while eyeing suspiciously the Union officer at the left, who looks directly back at him in the same fashion, while another officer at right keeps an eye on the cameraman. We are not sure what the image was meant to convey. None of them are armed, but the looks and pose convey very much the idea of, “let’s have a glass, but keep your hands where I can see them.”

The image is an albumen, with great clarity and tonal quality, mounted on cardstock measuring about 5.5 by 3.5 inches and the albumen about 4 by 3. The backdrop is plain, but the studio rug, table with cover, and one of the ceiling rafters show. The officer at right is a first lieutenant. The officer at left seems to wear a small shield on his left breast, likely patriotic more than provost guard, but Federal troops moved into Maryland and Baltimore in particular to preserve vital communication and supply lines very early in the war. In addition to many troops passing through Baltimore there was a substantial garrison and always concerns about the divided loyalties of the city.

Needless to say, photographs of Civil War photographers are exceedingly scarce and this is a nicely posed image of one whose studio was frequently visited by soldiers stationed in the city or passing through who were interested in sending home a photograph to a loved one. This image was formerly in the collection of Bill Turner, noted Virginia collector and Civil War dealer who had great eye for images and appreciation of history.  [sr] [ph:m]

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