As Civil War ravaged the country during the 1860s there was little to distract from the crisis that befell Americans. The game of baseball was however one pastime that seemed to permeate all aspects of American culture. Although still in its formative stages the game was played within both Union and Confederate camps during times of reprieve from the fighting. Scant few illustrative works or art documenting the game with Civil War era military settings exist other than publications of the period and a few original pieces of art (*See Salisbury Camp lithograph in this auction). Given the fact that the game was still in its relative infancy coupled with the rarity/expense of photography during the period there are scant few original photographs depicting baseball within Civil War military images. Offered within the Gladstone Collection may perhaps be the finest known of that limited population. Mounted albumen image shows a group of seven Union soldiers posed in a military camp setting with a baseball and baseball bat. Undoubtedly, the tole of war challenged the ability of the subjects to smile for the photo whose faces tell the story with no words. Contrast and clarity are very fine with special note to its era of production. Uncommonly large 7 1/2"x9 1/2" images size appears to have had the margins of its mount trimmed to the edges likely for framing purposes. Stamped on the verso, "C.A. Lawrence & Co. 181 Essex Street Lawrence, MA." Few areas of very minor surface soiling on the front noted for the strictest accuracy. The offered image was utilized as a key component within the Ken Burns documentary "Baseball." : EX