Existing comment:
Group Portrait of the Richmond Grays, 1859
As one of Virginia's crack militia companies before the Civil War, the Richmond Grays traveled to New York, held a drill competition against the 7th New York State Militia, and escorted the body of President James Monroe to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. The unit also attended the execution of abolitionist John Brown in December 1859 -- where this photograph was mostly likely taken. On April 16, 1861, the Richmond Grays enlisted in Confederate service and became Company A of the 1st Virginia Infantry. |