Military Telegraphic Corps, Army of the Potomac, Berlin, October 1862 1862

This 1862 photograph by Alexander Gardner, titled "Military Telegraphic Corps, Army of the Potomac, Berlin, October 1862," depicts a group of Union soldiers working as telegraph operators during the American Civil War. The image, part of Gardner's "Photographic Sketchbook of the War," showcases the crucial role of communication in the conflict. The men stand in a casual pose, their tools and equipment scattered around them, creating a snapshot of everyday life for these soldiers. The image's historical and documentary value provide a glimpse into the daily realities of wartime communication.