The Story Behind This Iconic Civil War Photograph

[@kellyschram5486]

So iconic i have never seen this photo.

[@cali4tune]

yea my gaslighting detector is going off... weird how this stuff I've never seen back in the day all the sudden was a "big thing"

[@Jolene8]

Neither have I, but he explains the reason for the usage of the word. It's fair.

[@les3449]

That's odd, I am 65 and have seen this photo with the proper caption many times.

[@kellyschram5486]

@@les3449 perhaps its been blocked because it didn't match someone's narrative either way at the point I went to school a photo like this would have been tabu. It's sad but true and even more so today. Hell there pulling statues over just because they don't match there ideas. We here is a message it's still our history and that in its self means there is a reason for it to stand and right or wrong it's still a part of our joint history.

[@les3449]

@@kellyschram5486 ok, maybe you're right.

[@debbiegipson4512]

As usual Ron, after listening to your tale, I went "history hunting" as my mama used to call it. I came across a very interesting article, "The Confederate Washingtons", by James H. Johnston. Mr. Johnston wrote; " The Washington family paid dearly during the war. At least 12 served the Confederacy ; eight died in battle, by hanging or of disease." It was published February 15, 2014 in the New York Times. Drop in and take a look.

[@REM1956]

I believe there is another photo, with the two men in a very similar pose, without the boy. Makes me wonder how many different photos were taken.

[@caroles5502]

The child appears to have a bandage around his right foot and ankle.

[@REM1956]

Interesting that the surname attributed to Custer was Martha Washington's maiden name, Custis. That accounts for the writer assuming Custer was "family" of the Washingtons. What a great story.

[@kevinsysyn4487]

I just posted. Custis, John, was the name of George Washington's step-son, which explains the British use of the name in place of Custer. I believe John Custis' granddaughter was married to Robert E Lee...

[@robfritz841]

Good call on the Custis connection!

[@clinthowe7629]

Actually! Martha Washington’s maiden name was Dandridge, Custis was her first husband’s last name Daniel Parke Custis.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Priceless ... The Photo and the Message.

[@thebaronofbelco2615]

Mate how do you not have over 200k subscribers? Hopefully more people will stumble across you as I did. I really enjoyed your delivery, but especially your attention to detail, facts and little bits of other information you don’t hear elsewhere. Oh and your obvious passion for the subject really shows, it’s infectious. Thanks mate for your effort as I know how time consuming and complicated putting these mini documentaries together! We all here appreciate it. Cheers from a new subscriber in Australia! Stay safe all

[@lyndawilliams4570]

It makes me sad to watch that young boy sitting on the ground…to think human beings were sold and used in such a way is absolutely shameful

[@dwen5065]

It was done throughout human history. Tells you a lot about human nature. Our culture has changed a bit, but it’s a fragile bit in our mouth.

[@badstar9670]

Were??? They are now more slaves than ever in recorded history.

[@susanc4622]

There’s slave markets in Libya now since the destruction of that country thanks to the policy of Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. By the way, that young boy is clothed and fed.

[@lts_Bubba]

It's still happening today

[@susanc4622]

Look at the slave markets that have recently sprung up in Libya.

[@curtgomes]

I, like so many others, have seen this photograph numerous times and wondered as to its true nature. Ron, thank you for your splendid review and explanation of this truly 'iconic' photo. We all know Custer's history quite well. The Little Big Horn National Park in Montana is an incredible place to visit. I know your time is limited but I would like to have known what the future held for James Washington also. Thanks for this episode. (I found a book written by William O. Taylor, a soldier who survived the Little Big Horn battle, and knew Custer and his wife. Fascinating read for sure)

[@swlc5555]

I don't think they allow outside links here. Doing an internet search there's an excellent article at Military Images Digital. Towards the end of the article it tells about what became of Lt. J.B. Washington. Search "James Barroll Washington" along with "Military Images Digital" both in quotes and it will come right up. He survived the war.

[@ronaldlollis8895]

That rascal’s Regiment shot my GGGGrandfather 27 March 1865, Battle of Waynesboro, captured him and on 2 April 1865 was cencus’d at Fredericksburg on a prisoner train headed to Point Lookout prison island, paroled 16 June 1865. Co D, 51st Virginia Infantry, Cold Springs, Patrick County, Virginia I am glad that Lt. Washington and Col. Custer valued their friendship and respected their commonality rather than focusing upon the differences between them for the choices they made.

[@curtgomes]

@@ronaldlollis8895Lots of fascinating history here. As today's politics reflect, "History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes"......

[@Frankie5Angels150]

I’m assuming he was under either Reno’s or Benteen’s command, because no one under Custer’s battalion survived.

[@curtgomes]

@@Frankie5Angels150He was with Reno..... He, after the battle, helped with the cursory burial of Custer's command.

[@Charleygirl]

This picture breaks my heart 😢poor child😢

[@cynthiameans]

I agree. The child looks sad. Heartbreaking.

[@MarkH10]

poor>?? His life is improving every minute. He appears to be 6-7. Before he is a teen he will be free and only in the company of black free men, women, and children.

[@garynorred4643]

Thank you for posting this interesting story! I live in Trevilians Va., the site of the largest all cavalry battle of the war, June 11th and 12th 1864. General Custer had a prominent role during the 1st day's battle.

[@Paulftate]

brandy station?

[@garynorred4643]

@Paulftate Brandy Station is nearby in Culpeper, and infantry was involved. Where I live, the Battle was called Trevilian Station.

[@phourigan6633]

My great x5 grandfathers first cousin died on June 12 at trevilians ( Penn k company). I’ve been meaning to make the trip to visit the graveyard.

[@aliciarobertson4979]

Thanks for uploading this photo and for your narration. I’m not an American and primarily an ancient and medieval history fan but this was certainly very interesting.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

A scant year after this photo, Custer was a Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers, defeating JEB Stuart’s erstwhile undefeated cavalry, this costing Gen Lee invaluable intelligence about the Federal forces’ strength and thus cost him the battle.

[@richhowell6386]

John Augustine Washington was the younger full brother of George Washington. Interesting portion on G.A. Custer being referred to as Custis and J. B. Washington's relation.

[@kevinsysyn4487]

Custis, John, was the name of George Washington's step-son, which explains the British use of the name in place of Custer. I believe John Custis' granddaughter was married to Robert E Lee...

[@jamesivie5717]

Great explanatory commentary. Thanks

[@walterbrown9651]

I appreciate your espisode on this photo,I have seen it many times. George Custer was in many photographs that convey a tale which is part of our fascination with General Custer to this day. Custer is easily recognized the Globe over which would please him mightily.

[@edwardgoering1237]

Yep The Movie " Santa Fe Trail " with Ronald Reagan as Custer and Errol Flynn as Longstreet shows how Cadets served together against John Brown under Robert E Lee [ Only during Harpers Ferry Siege] all still in Union before the War in Kansas along with a mixture of future Confederate and Union Generals so they had a ideal how the others thought during the War

[@user-ek1qt2le5n]

My 3 youngest children are the direct descendants of Judge Rush Elmore, who attended West Point, and served with the other young Lieutenants that fought in the war with Mexico, and who were garrisoned at Leavenworth. Elmore became a territorial judge in Kansas, and during the civil war, he shot a supporter of John Brown in a duel on the steps of the Lecompton, KS courthouse for which he was almost imprisoned, died during the war, and his widow was briefly imprisoned after the war for her support within Kansas for the Confederacy. My children's family have letters written by Longstreet, Stuart, and others to Elmore, as the young officers from Leavenworth remained good friends throughout their lives...

[@donyoung7874]

This is an excellent video! It's fascinating to hear the background of not only the subjects, but how this image came about. It also confirms the argument, that still rages to this day, that slavery was the underlying cause of the Civil War. What the Cornerstone Speech says, this photo shows.

[@Al-Rudigor]

That's why this nation can't move on. Half of us don't want to own up to our past mistakes.

[@donyoung7874]

@@Al-Rudigor They want to bring those times back. The news last night had a story about a manufacturing plant in eastern Tennessee, found to have child laborers. Child laborers in 2024! We had that 100 years ago and it was eliminated for a reason.

[@Al-Rudigor]

@@donyoung7874 yes, the honest ones are nostalgic about slavery.

[@susiek.johnson3923]

​@donyoung7874 those are illegal immagrant children our governments says have been lost in the system. I believe our government knows exactly where they are. 85,000 + and counting.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

I’ve seen this photograph many many times and this is the first time I’ve realized that there was a third person in it! The “contraband” child’s presence has always escaped me.

[@pegrathwol]

Well done! A truly noteworthy analysis on this iconic Civil War photo. It made my day. You put some serious research into this project. If you keep up this kind of work, you may be able take your place among the pantheon of distinguished Civil War historians; James McPherson, Ed Bearss, Bruce Catton, Gary Gallagher, James 'Bud' Robertson, Shelby Foote, David Blight, Allen Guelzo, etc.

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

You just made mine!

[@bobflendorg1064]

You left Douglas Southall Freeman off your list. Lee's Lieutenants: A Study in Command established Freeman as the preeminent military historian in the country, and led to close friendships with United States generals George C. Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

[@philmccracken7520]

The Third meaning of the term "Contra Band " that is a slave that is taken from slave home or farm By Union forces not by the choice of slave him/or herself but by Union forces , People today try ignore that fact , but its fact noneless .

[@uscitizen4172]

Awesome research! I’ve seen this photograph numerous times.

[@philgoldsney5951]

Fascinating to have letter detailing the photo…. 🇨🇦

[@suewarner1781]

Thank You!

[@bjohnson515]

Thanks for this. A reminder, George Washington was considered a rebel once......by the British

[@sabio2009]

Washington was a hero to the Confederate leadership because he was a “rebel” to British rule. The newly formed Confederate government chose his image for their national seal & motto: Deo Vindice: “God Will Vindicate”

[@bostonterrierplanet-bn1ge]

Probably many of us have relatives from both sides. I know U.S. Grant was a relative and Samuel Houston, from Virginia, was also a relative. Although Houston tried to keep Texas out of the civil war, he obviously failed.

[@user-hi1kt5wr6g]

Nicely put, I guess it’s one of those things where you can look at it both ways

[@harryhanz1690]

And if his side had lost, he would have been hung as a traitor, which is something the CSA scum escaped.

[@MJ-we9vu]

And still is because that's what he was to the Crown.

[@dadsongs]

Excellent as usual!

[@SSHitMan]

Custer is in so many civil war photos, he must have been a camera hog.

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

He understood branding!

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

He was. Custer was known for being quite vain.

[@thebaronofbelco2615]

Most of us Red Heads are! Haha

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

He seems to have been a bit of an egomaniac.

[@peteboll5034]

Familiarize yourself with Custer's Civil War record and his numerous appearances will be less surprising.

[@steveknoebber]

I have the feeling that if it was Grant that Custer asked for J.B. Washington's parole so that he could be his guest, that Grant would have told him to go pound sand.......

[@brianmeek5236]

Looks like the child has a bandage on his foot

[@robfritz841]

Kid may have recently been bandaged at a Union medical tent nearby, which would explain his being in the vicinity of Custer’s camp, or perhaps he had been assisting the photographer?

[@SwingingInTheHood]

Fascinating. Thank you for this revelation.

[@susanschaffner4422]

Another good post, thanks.

[@FashionableObserver]

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to find your channel! Glad to finally be here! ❤

[@debpratt52]

What an enjoyable video! Thank you for bringing it to life, from a Custer and Libbie aficionado.

[@alrude2847]

Interesting. Great content. Always look forward to your presentations.

[@mfs2778]

Thank you for this!

[@richardsimms251]

Very interesting. Thank you very much. Slavery was terrible.

[@carlaperkins655]

Ah, my distant and elder cousin. Yes, many redheads in my family, but no other known stupid generals.

[@jalratke]

And now we know! Great stuff!

[@marycahill546]

Fascinating. Thank you!

[@Peachy08]

Sounds like the media has been taking things out of context for a long time.

[@user-cn5wv6mf4g]

Very informative video! I hope Washington helped that child have the best life possible for the times

[@georgeparris8293]

Well, that was a tortured rationalization. If slavery was the issue, there need not have been a war. Lincoln made that clear in his first inaugural address: "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." and he supported the Corwin amendment: "I understand a proposed amendment to the Constitution--which amendment, however, I have not seen--has passed Congress, to the effect that the Federal Government shall never interfere with the domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held to service. To avoid misconstruction of what I have said, I depart from my purpose not to speak of particular amendments so far as to say that, holding such a provision to now be implied constitutional law, I have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable."

[@janetannerevans2320]

the little boy appears to have a large lump on his forehead an injury on his foot? what happened?

[@carolechenowith900]

He wasnt descended from George Washington. He was a descendant. of Georges half brother. He was a descendant of Georges father but not George himself.

[@kevinsysyn4487]

Custis, John, was the name of George Washington's step-son, which explains the British use of the name in place of Custer. I believe John Custis' granddaughter was married to Robert E Lee...

[@Jubilo1]

A Washington and Autie- what could be better?

[@jeffbaxter8770]

Great presentation

[@conradnelson5283]

Very informative

[@clinthowe7629]

I’ve seen this picture a hundred times but I don’t remember a little boy sitting on the ground at their feet. maybe it was different pics in this series.

[@inyobill]

07:25: Liberating Rebel contraband of all sorts was a deliberate tactic of economic warfare by that time in the war.

[@towdjumper5]

Great stuff.

[@Mr100741]

In this photo Custer and Washington look enough alike that they could be brothers. There are people alive today that are related to that little boy. It is so sad that no one will ever know who they are. It would be fantastic if someone could say today that the boy is their Great Grandfather or a Uncle. So Sad.

[@enriquemireles8947]

I have seen that photo, but can’t remember seeing the young boy in it. Was there one with just the two officers?

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Yes, there is. This image, featuring only Washington and Custer, is the image often published today. But the image featured here showing the child was the dominant view during the war.

[@beachcomber1able]

He probably told his captors about his true identity to get preferential treatment straight off the bat. 😏

[@thehmspinaforeclub4960]

Why all this unnecessary minutiae? Move the story along. "Brevity is the soul of wit". Hamlet Act II Scene II.

[@susanoppat3138]

And minutiae is the soul of history. Context is king.

[@plausibleg.3170]

What I see is pain knowing that others lived it!

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@kevinferris1589]

Ah, those Washingtons and their slaves.

[@quit2quilt525]

Thanks for sharing this story. I always thought it was something perverse about this photo. An unrelated child with two grown men is questionable. Like was the child in possession of them? I always wondered. Now I have a better understanding. Still perverse to me though..

[@NimLeeGuy]

The boy may not have been an actual slave. But he is used by those two men. For their own fame and glory, apparently. And he is a child. Apparently homeless and without support.

[@edwarddowd9502]

I hadn’t seen this photo before You Tube and it was colorized

[@RichardDCook]

I've yet to see a colourised photo from World War One, Crimean veterans, or the American Civil War that was properly done. They always get colours wrong. I've seen and handled enough original uniforms to know the colours well. Why don't the colourisers do the same? Do some research? I think they're simply lazy.

[@michaelwilson9986]

What became of Lt. Washington

[@NimLeeGuy]

So slavery and genocide recorded in one photo. And the suffering of those displaced by war.

[@kallekonttinen1738]

First war that you could get so many photos and writen testimonies.

[@jeffsmith2022]

Did Lt. Custer have red whiskers?...

[@retriever19golden55]

Custer was a strawberry blonde by most accounts.

[@karlking4980]

Ron, Do you frequently see images of Confederate officers wearing U.S. Army rank insignia (shoulder straps) rather than the Confederate collar insignia? As always, another excellent video! Karl

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Hi Karl, and thanks for the question. It is rare to see shoulder straps on a Confederate officer. At first I imagined they might be decorative rather than functional, but they do look to be his insignia. He's missing, as you noted, his collar insignia, and also his sleeve insignia. The trim is also unusual. All things considered, I suspect we are seeing some sort of casual field blouse.

[@karlking4980]

Thanks Ron :) @@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail

[@user-hi1kt5wr6g]

@@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail are you saying that confederate uniforms had insignias on their collar and cuffs and the union had them on their shoulders and uniforms were distinctly different?

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

@@user-hi1kt5wr6g Correct for officers!

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail Also it was quite early in the War. E.g., many rank and file Confederates mostly wore informal /improvised uniforms.

[@dennismiddlebrooks7027]

There is another photo of the two men taken in the same place posing closer together with no slave kid on the ground.

[@SpanishEclectic]

My Mother-in-law is also descended from the Washington family, but her cousin (a historian) had to go back two more generations in England to find the common ancestor. At around 2.45 you say that J.B. Washington was descended from George Washington. Perhaps you misspoke, but George Washington had no biological children. J.B. would have been descended from the Washington family. Having read the book written by Frederick Douglass about his life, and several other documented diaries/memoirs of enslaved persons, I have a hard time feeling anything but contempt for J.B. This is not a photo of a boy who was curious about a camera and wants his picture taken. I believe I see a bandage on his foot, and he certainly doesn't look happy to have been ordered to sit at the feet of a Confederate officer who was supposed to be a prisoner in a Union Army camp. But I take these things as the reality that was, and appreciate you quoting the actual letter. Not that Custer was any kind of prize himself, as became clear as his career progressed. Still, an interesting moment in time.

[@emmgeevideo]

A 2:34 you ask us to imagine James Washington, "who descended from George Washington..." Since George did not have any children, this will take quite a bit of imagination. I don't understand the implied profundity of your comment at the end regarding an English reviewer looking at a photo to deduce that slavery had something to do with the Civil War. This wasn't well-understood in 1862? What did James do after his "parole"?

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Yes, I explained his actual connection to George Washington earlier in the video. What you are noting is a secondary reference.

[@oldgeezerproductions]

I think that all educated and well read men (and women) absolutely knew of the Southern State's openly and widely manifested reasons for violently breaking from the United States. Today there are obviously people who don't know what they knew, so I say it plainly: it was Slavery and the protection of that "Particular Institution of The South." James Washington had this black child sit at his feet to symbolically show his (as representative of the South) domination and ownership of another human being, the worst cause anybody ever fought against their country for.

[@wk8570]

The narrative of the war shifted to slavery after the proclamation of emancipation in 1863. Lincoln and Grant publicly stated the war was not about slavery before that. For instance, Grant had slaves, Lee didn’t.

[@emmgeevideo]

@@wk8570 From the early 1800s through the time that the Southern states seceded from the Union, the US struggled with how to accommodate slavery. The slave-holding states did their best to ensure that they could not be outvoted in Congress and eventually be forced to give up slavery because they were in the minority. As more states were added to the Union, the subject of which states would be "free states" and which would be "slave states" was an over part of the political calculus of the time. Because even the South knew that slavery was odious, there was a widespread fiction that the war was about "states' rights". States' rights to permit the enslavement of people of course. There was never any doubt that the South seceded to preserve slavery. Public statements by generals and politicians are always "spin". No intelligent person could have doubted that the Civil War was centered on slavery. BTW, a quick Google search shows that Grant briefly owned one slave. Lee and his family had a massive agricultural business in Arlington that was staffed by slaves. Your little factoid (which is very misleading) has nothing to do with the cause of the war nor the popular realization about why the war began and was fought. See this: www.nps.gov/arho/learn/historyculture/robert-e-lee-and-slavery.htm

[@oldgeezerproductions]

@@emmgeevideoWell said indeed. Thank you. I was also going to write a reply, but you have said it much better than I could have possibly done. Many years ago (actually decades ago), when I first got into researching my own ancestors' histories, I began to read the reasons for succession that each Confederate State's legislature publicly proclaimed in both speech and writing. After reading these proclamations for themselves, how anybody could doubt that it was the Confederacy's adamant will and intension to defend and protect the institution of slavery through military violence (and thus the lives and blood of its men - a rich man's war and a poor man's fight) is, in my opinion, willful blindness and an unwillingness to face a hard and (for many) a very unpleasant reality. Individual reasons held by soldiers and people of the time mean little to nothing, the great movements to war are always instigated and put in motion by major players (or A major player) in the halls of their governments and it is they that decide and direct the great issues of their times. This was true for me and much of my generation during Vietnam and true for individuals during the Civil War and true throughout all history.

[@SK-qc6fb]

Never saw it before, iconic, I think not!

[@jimdavidsmith4374]

I have never seen the photo, or read a mention of it.

[@beachcomber1able]

I've seen this photo before, but with no child in it. Could you photoshop back then. 🤔

[@bengullett2837]

If we only knew the truth.

[@user-jn9gv9ve6e]

the library of congress has the picture of the 2 together. the child is not in the picture.

[@joewhitcombe1365]

Did ever a West Point graduate end up in Andersonville as a prisoner of the South. Or were they imprisoned in more salubrious prisoner quarters , being Officers?

[@HandyMan657]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@mikerichard6962]

I always thought it a shame Custer survived the Civil War.. Would the Black Hills have still been stolen from the Souix?

[@melissademarco5271]

James Washington may be a relative, but he is not a direct descendant of George Washington our first president who was reported by all accounts to have never sired any children. When he married Martha he became a stepfather as she was a widow with three children but those were not his biological children.

[@MarkH10]

No one mentions the LARGE know on the boys' head?

[@Shesthrilled1860]

Why is this man so giddy over this photograph? I don’t like what I’m saying why does he like it so much?

[@bethelshiloh]

Sad image

[@CuyanaTGen]

Hmmm ... I guess it could be anything ... but any good speculation here among the readers of what that white thing is --- a piece of paper? --- that Washington is seen holding, wedged against his chest, under his left arm?

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

You may be on to something! In the view of Washington with the child, it resembles a folded piece of paper. But in the other view (without the child) it looks like a handkerchief that has been used and then stuffed back into is pocket. If what looks like a folded piece of paper is in fact a folded handkerchief, you could surmise that Washington wiped his face with the neatly folded handkerchief between poses. Before the second pose, he quickly and unceremoniously tucked it back into his pocket without smoothing it out! Just a thought.

[@CuyanaTGen]

@@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail Thank you for the response. Yes, in general, IMO, most likely it is "nothing", but, in my amateurish view of such Civil War era fotos, I've always believed such events were rather formal; where, sticking out loosely, or otherwise, an odd bit such as a paper, a hankie, or whatever, in such a prominent and distracting location, would seem to violate the unspoken rules of the event formality. I certainly do not want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but to me, in a formal context, that "white thing" sticks out like a sore thumb. In the end, however, if I was forced to guess, I would lean toward your suggestion: that's his kerchief, partially sticking out of his left breast coat pocket. Such a pocket would be tailored in, perfectly symmetrically opposite of the one seen so clearly on his right. Kind regards. PS: Bonus question: what does Washington have in his right-side breast pocket? My guess would be his gold pocket watch or locket ... unless that had already been lifted by his captors. [Ha-ha!]

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

@@CuyanaTGen Agreed. Probably a watch!

[@johnfoster535]

Sensing danger, Custer sent his band back to the fort before meeting his end at the Little Big Horn. This caused the New England Patriots to win a Super Bowl when kicker Adam Vinateri made a field goal as time was running out. History seldom mentions that Custer's bandleader was Adam's great great grandfather !!

[@davidduff5123]

Washington is not descended from George Washington. George had no descendants. James is descended from George’s half-brother. There is a difference. He was a relative not a descendant.

[@mattkoch692]

Found myself instead of listening to the story to watching his glasses slipping down and then him putting them back up.

[@raakmore4443]

I always wonder how rich and beautiful this country would have been if they would have never started destroying this country after the civil war.

[@crystalbluepersuasion1027]

Who are you talking about?

[@1archengdes111]

so sad to see this young innocent abused child stuck between them. simply disgusting.

[@ol6halodude577]

The bearded guy is Custer- ain’t it?

[@jaxonboys3366]

Thanks for your honest educational videos. This one was particularly interesting and striking. I give credit to both men for including the boy, as he was not an insignificant bystander. I think too that the viewer, with whatever belief or knowledge could take their own meaning from the photo, thus making it a true work of art. Even with the knowledge that you give, my knowledge of being a southerner, having knowledge of the relationships that grew between slave and slaveowner and a humble amount of knowledge of the Washington family, I imagine that Lt. washington made somewhat of a friendship with the child, because he understood, lived and worked with the race. Unliike the common union soldier who had been known to be very harsh and degrading to the blacks at the time. That too is truth although I am sure that I will be lambasted for my beliefs. Like, the union or "northern" people at the time were somehow supposed to be so endowed with understanding and love for those of different race and nationality. Such as the Irish, the Asian, the African. They were people like no other known in history, just as the Southerner was the most evil and bigoted human created by God. Though the unfortunate war was about Slavery, it was about so much more also, as all wars. This indicated by the two true friends from West point and brother against brother.

[@SirDigbyMinge-or8md]

It is an interesting photo, but your opinion is conjecture.

[@JohnW-hm3eg]

So the summary is as follows:1. The war wasn't about economics. 2. The war was about slavery!

[@user-sirscottdouglas]

A lot of Union Officers had black slave working for them. There have been many documented cases where Union Officers would just put them to work washing cloths and doing other work

[@crystalbluepersuasion1027]

A lot of slaves ran away from their masters and followed the Union Army.

[@thebaronofbelco2615]

Please tell me that that poor little child isn’t being that blokes pet? Cheers from Australia

[@williamhoole2065]

contraband refers to property no?

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Correct. For a basic understanding of the origins of this term, I recommend this National Park Service backgrounder: www.nps.gov/articles/fort-monroe-and-the-contrabands-of-war.htm

[@williamhoole2065]

@@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail thank you

[@alanchurch8787]

The American Civil war caused by a large economic gap between the opposing factions. Aided by the British, who attempted to cause imbalance and prolong the conflict to their own advantage, compounded by the SIN of slavery , surely, this can be counted as the major tragedy experienced by the people of the United States of America! As is usual of many wars, many will tell of positive outcomes of the unfortunate conflict, the end of slavery foremost. Thousands of miles of rails were built, with the experience of that, leading to being able to lay rail faster and expanding westward settlement. Negatively, some families and relationships were inexorably severed. The vengeful emplacement of Reconstruction left a scar on the Southern States existing to present times! It is widely understood that Americans don't know their own history. That is mostly true and is done by design for obvious reasons. Many books have been penned by authors attempting to recall facts accurately in their works. It is the DUTY of a citizen of the United States of America to know the Country's history, thereby enabling the citizen to be able to vote intelligently for the betterment and strength of this great Land! What is not learned in school, should be pursued in free time accorded us by the sacrifice of many.

[@pugdaddi]

Washington bought his position.

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

Suspect Washington had a profound sense of humor & irony. The boy is sitting with James as a son would have and, though I know nothing of him, would like to believe Custer knew James fought for the south as a patriot and not for desire of slavery.

[@jefrolievertinitz7836]

Reported for misinformation

[@autumnfragrance6326]

Very interesting. I read that the boy is Booker T. Washington.

[@marksinger4415]

A military leader yet again behaving like an irresponsible fraternity boy.