Library of Congress

Originally published February 2023 · pp. 21

James Williamson Millner (1841–1910) enlisted June 2, 1861 with his two brothers William H. (1840–) and John P. (1844–) into Company K, 38th Virginia Infantry “Cascade Rifles.” Both brothers were out of service by 1862 but James was promoted to 2nd lieutenant November 14, 1861, and served the entire war. The 38th Virginia was raised in Pittsylvania County was a hard-fighting unit in the Army of Northern Virginia, sustaining close to 500 casualties by Appomattox. Less than one month in service, James was wounded at the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862, one of 76 wounded in action (WIA) that day. James married Mary Jane Daniels Millner (1843–1917) during the winter of 1863. In one of the last battles of the war James was wounded with a gunshot to his neck April 1, 1865, at the Battle of Five Forks. He was also captured same day along with 68 other members of his regiment. He was hospitalized in a Union Hospital in Petersburg then transferred to Fortress Monroe military hospital May 14, 1865, and finally recovered to take the oath of allegiance and return home July 22, 1865. This fine image signed in blue by photographer Charles Rees who beautifully tinted Millner’s eyes the same natural blue. Rees is well known for his crystal-clear high contrast images. Millner stares at the camera with an unforgiving look ready for a fight wearing battle shirt, gold tinted sash holding classic Richmond-style side knife (most likely manufactured by Boyle & Gamble or Burger & Brother of Richmond, Va.), small holstered revolver, and a musket. His forage cap has a hand tinted plume. (Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs, Library of Congress)