CDV of Civil War Dr. William J. Dodd served on the Hospital Steamer Ben Deford

CDV of Dr. William J. Dodd, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army – Hospital Steamer “Ben Deford”
 
Dr. William J. Dodd, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, New Jersey, served as an Acting Assistant Surgeon during the Civil War aboard the hospital steamer Ben Deford. This vessel was one of the prominent floating hospitals operated by the U.S. Sanitary Commission and the Medical Department, providing critical care to wounded and sick soldiers transported from battlefields and field hospitals along the Atlantic coast and major waterways.
 
This carte-de-visite (CDV) presents a sharp, full-standing portrait of Dr. Dodd in uniform, taken in Jersey City. The image was photographed by Theo Gubelmann, a noted local photographer, and retains its original two-cent George Washington revenue tax stamp on the reverse — a desirable period feature confirming the CDV was produced between 1864 and 1866.
 
The full-length pose offers excellent detail of Dr. Dodd’s uniform, including his officer’s frock coat.
 
This CDV is identified by modern pencil on the back. This image provides a direct connection to Union medical service on one of the war’s hospital ships and would make a strong addition to any collection focused on Civil War surgeons, medical staff, or naval/steamer-related imagery.