On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Created by
McPherson & Oliver, American
Subject of
Gordon, American
Mercer, Frederick W., American, 1838 - 1910
Date
1863
Medium
albumen and silver on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W: 4 x 2 3/8 in. (10.2 x 6 cm)
Description
Carte-de-visite of a formerly enslaved man identified only as Private Gordon. Gordon is seated with his bare back turned to the camera. There are severe raised scars from just above his shoulder blades to his lower back. He head is facing to the left and can be seen in profile while his left hand is resting on his left hip. Written on the back is "FROM LIFE, Taken at Baton Rouge, La. April 27, 1863 / Camp Parapet, La. / Augst. 4th 1863 / Colonel, / I have found a large number of the four hundred contrabands examined by me to be as badly lacurated as the specimen represented in the enclosed photograph. / Very respectfully Yours, / J.W. Mercer / Asst. Surgeon 47th M.V.". There is also a stamp in black ink which states: "FacSimile of original Official Report to Col. L.B. Marsh."
Place captured
Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Media Arts-Photography
Type
cartes-de-visite
albumen prints
portraits
Topic
Antislavery
Emancipation
Fugitive enslaved
Health
Identity
Medicine
Military
Photography
Self-liberation
Slavery
U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865
United States Colored Troops
Violence
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2011.155.54
Restrictions & Rights
Public Domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51909f11b-6b0a-49f8-9934-640a8107f1bf

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page