1784.a.13, 1(24)

Genre: War Photography

Portrait group posed on the steps leading up to the verandah of the house: 'The house of Mrs. Lee, situated in Pleasant Valley, Maryland, was selected by General McClellan, after the battle of Antietam, as a temporary home for Mrs. McClellan, who paid a brief visit to the army. The General spent much of his time here, when not occupied with military matters, and in the vine-clad porch the officers of the Staff whiled away many a pleasant October day. Two of the officers shown in this group were members of General Burnside's Staff, and one of General McClellan's. It was intended that General McClellan should make one of the group, and all the necessary arrangements had been perfected by the photographer, when heavy cannonading on the Virginia side of the Potomac, caused by a reconnoitring party of cavalry, drew the General away.' Of the three women in the main group, two are presumably Mrs Lee and the wife of General McClellan. A black servant stands at the left of the group.