Original Photographs Taken on the Battlefields during the Civil War of the United States

by Francis Trevelyan Miller

"Original Photographs Taken on the Battlefields during the Civil War of the…," presumably written by Mathew B. Brady and Alexander Gardner, is a historical account or collection of photographic reproductions that likely originated in the early 20th century. This compilation captures one of the most significant and tumultuous periods in American history—the Civil War—through rare photographs taken directly on the battlefields under perilous conditions. The work emphasizes the unique perspective photography provided during a time when visual documentation of warfare was still in its infancy, offering an authentic glimpse into the brutality and realities faced by soldiers. The opening of this collection introduces readers to the significance of the photographs captured by Brady and Gardner, who ventured into combat zones to document the scenes of war using the innovative wet-plate process. It recounts Brady's challenges in gaining permission from the government to take photographs in such dangerous circumstances, and it highlights the historical importance of these images as irreplaceable records of the Civil War. Emphasizing the struggles and grit of both the United States and Confederate armies, this introduction serves to underscore the lasting impact of these photographs on American history and collective memory—transcending mere art to become powerful symbols of sacrifice and heroism amidst devastation.