(MILITARY CIVIL WAR) EXECUTION The Hanging of Private Willi

Sale 2342 - Lot 394

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Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000

(MILITARY--CIVIL WAR.) EXECUTION The Hanging of Private William Johnson, 23rd Regiment, United States Colored Troops. albumen photograph, 4-1/8 x 7 inches, on the original mount; matted and framed. [together with] A modern 8 x 10 photographic enlargement of the hanging from the Library of Congress Files together with some Xeroxed pages from William Gladstone's book 'Men of Color.' (WGC) Petersburg, VA, 1864

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one of the most famous and disturbing images of the war. Private Johnson deserted and while away from camp attempted to 'commit and outrage on a white woman at Cold Harbor.' 'Considerable importance was given to this affair, in order that an example might be made more effective. Johnson confessed his guilt and was hung at Jordan's Farm, Petersburg, Virginia on June 20, 1864. The hanging took place within the outer breastworks about Petersburg and on an elevation in plain view of Confederate troops. A white flag covered the ceremony.' (Harpers Weekly, July 9, 1864).