Library of Congress

Originally published October 2023 · pp. 26

Edward A. Cary, Company I, 44th Virginia infantry, in uniform with sister Emma wearing fashion of the day posed for this ambrotype by Charles Rees in Richmond in 1861. Edward was 18 years old when he entered service May 8, 1861, he was killed at the battle of Port Republic June 9, 1862. His beloved little sister was 16 when this photograph was taken. Edward served with his older brother William who was sergeant in same unit and survived the war. Emma Judson Cary Garland (1845–1918) inked an inscription identifying her and brother in back of case late in her life preserving identification of her treasured memento that otherwise would be lost to history. This image was retained in the Garland family and luckily Emma inscribed a note placed in the case identifying her long deceased brother. Rarely did such mementos ever have a written description as they were so personal to the owners only, and rarely did anyone think of identifying them for future generations. Liljenquist Family collection (Library of Congress)