This plate from Alexander Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the War shows Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin among a group of Union officers outside the Fairfax Courthouse in June, 1863.
Zeppelin wrote of his visit to the Fairfax Courthouse to visit the German division in XI Corps under the command of Carl Schurz.
The officers in the photograph are identified as: (left to right) Major Ludlow, Captain Ulric Dahlgren (standing), Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson, Zeppelin, and Lieutenant Rosencranz. The accompanying text notes that “the gentleman in foreign uniform is Count Zeppalin (sic), of the Prussian army, then on a visit to this country.”
Tomorrow I will post another photograph of Count von Zeppelin in the United States. Keep an eye on the blog. 🙂
That is Maj. Joseph Dickinson (later Lt. Col.). Apparently he was in the US army’s I Corp, which often served alongside the X! Corps.
The uniform Zeppelin is wearing is the 1848 standard uniform for the Wurttemberg army. Royal Blue Coat, red cuffs and collar. Red and Black barrel sash. The hat is sky blue, black leather band and brim, white worsted trim. You will notice he is wearing the US rank shoulder straps. The reason for this is the Wurttemberg officer’s ranking is with stars on the collar which can easily be seen. These identify him as a lieutenant. Because stars in the US signifies generals, there would confusion among the ranks. As someone who portrays an officer from Wurttemberg at CW reenactments, many lively discussions with Federal troops and officers have taken place. On the other hand the Confederate forces had no problem with it.
Thank you!
The American Civil War had more of an influence upon WWI than most think.
Fantastic. I knew Zeppelin had been an observer but did not know there was a photo of him from that time. Thanks!
When this photograph waa taken,Lt. Zeppelin was serving in the army of the Kingdom of Wurtemburg. Most likely by the time Leslie’s book came out now Count Zeppelin was serving in the Prussian army. The uniform he is wearing is the undress uniform of royal blue frock, silver buttons, red cuff and collars. The stars on the collar depicts the rank of lieutenant. In order to not cause confusion with the US ranking system, he has added the US shoulder tabs. To complete the uniform he is wearing the undress cap of sky blue wool with a black leather band and visor a white wool band surrounds the top. The insignia on the cap is a black and red painted button.
Having portrayed an officer from Wurtemburg for the US Civil War, I learned the need for the shoulder tabs quite early. But found the Confederates were far more accommodating to a foreigner among them than the Federals.