eBay

This is an original period image from the Library of Congress, the National Archives and other quality sources restored and tinted by the internationally known color artist and author of "Restoring and Tinting Vintage Images", David Richardson. This is an exclusive listing of his work on ebay.

Each image is taken from a high resolution negative and then cleaned of blemishes, damage, scratches, and whatever the decades have caused. Then the image is carefully brought back to life by adding color to the black and white image. By using these techniques the hands of time are turned back and for the first time you can see the images in color as they might have been on the day they were taken.

You have your choice of size and finish for the photo. Note that the size you choose may require cropping and the finished image may appear slightly different than the one shown. If preferred a white border can be added above/below or left/right to allow all of the original image to print. Unless requested when placing your order, your image may be cropped. If you would like to see how a specific image will look for the size you have chosen, please contact us and indicate the size you are interested in.

Matte Finish:

E-Surface Photo Paper is by far our most popular photographic paper. As a professional paper, it boasts rich, sharp color that won't fade or yellow, creating beautiful prints that will last for years to come.

Glossy (Metallic) finish:

Our Metallic Photo Paper features a unique pearlescent surface. It offers highly saturated colors, ultra-bright backgrounds, and will last a lifetime with typical home storage.

Bridge built by 15th NY Vol.
Chickahominy River, Va

May-August 1862

For most of the year, the Chickahominy is a small, easily crossed river. During rainy periods, the area turns into a swamp and can be as wide as a mile. It was in a rainy period, in 1862, that McClellan decided to bring his army across the Chickahominy, in an effort to reach Richmond.

The Confederates had retreated across the river after giving up Yorktown. As McClellan gathered his forces, the rains began to fall. What had been an easy crossing for the Confederates became a much more difficult obstacle for the Union army. A portion of the Army made it across before the rains started. Now McClellan had, in effect, split his army into two without a way to rejoin them.

Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston took advantage of the situation. Johnston decided to strike the portion that had already crossed the river and were now cut off from the greater part of the Army. The Union army was nearly defeated by the Confederates attacking at Fair Oaks and Seven Pines. It was only by building bridges, such as this, that allowed the Union forces to be reunited.

General Johnston was severely wounded during the assault and his army soon began to retreat to Richmond. At this point, McClellan was facing little opposition and possibly could have easily taken Richmond. This strategy may have either ended the war or forced the Confederate government to relocate. Instead McClellan moved slowly. Robert E. Lee took over command. Thereafter, the hopes of an easy Union victory were dashed.