Posted 18 days ago
PiquingDuck
(4 items)
Obvious by uniform this man was a union soldier. What is unique is the fact that he holds two sticks for dowsing for water. Lack of water was one of the largest issues for soldiers in the civil war however, have people who could dowse for water is never mentioned in the histories I’ve seen but this photo is proof water witches or dowsers were used by the army,
Your guy is not a Union soldier. Not sure that he is wearing a uniform. Could just be a civilian coat.
Don’t know that army did a lot of well digging. Certainly happened in some camps or more permanent locations. Most units just sent a group with consolidated canteens to the nearest source (creek, stream, river).
A photo of the tintype out of the matting may reveal some additional details.
scott
very interesting subject!