Forbes, Edwin (1839-1895) The reveille on the line of battle
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08653.01 Author/Creator: Forbes, Edwin (1839-1895) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Print Date: 1876 Pagination: 1 etching : b&w ; 47.7 x 60.8 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "Plate 1." Contains two images. Top half is titled "The Reveille on the Line of Battle," and the bottom half is titled "Tattoo in Camp." Top half depicts the line of battle at daylight. The regimental bugler stands on the crest of the hill playing the reveille to arouse the troops, who are lying on the ground wrapped in their blankets. In the middle distance a battery is seen with cassions and limbers in the rear. Bottom half depicts a moonlight scene. The regimental drum corps is beating "Tattoo," the signal of the men to retire to their tents. "Taps," the song for lights out, follows a half hour after "Tattoo." Actual size of the image without the margins is 27.7 x 40.4 cm. Outline from matting is faintly visible. Paper is brittle and edges are damaged.
Created by Forbes, a member of the French Etching Club, while he travelled with the Union Army from 1862-1865. Born in New York City, Forbes became a Civil War reportorial artist for Leslie's Illustrated newspaper, joining the staff at age 22 in 1861.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.