Pair of CDVs of WIA Amos L. Hopkins 1st Massachusetts Infantry Co. K

These two carte de visite photographs document the early life and Civil War service of Amos L. Hopkins, a native of Williamstown, Massachusetts, who entered military service at the age of 19. The first CDV depicts Hopkins at the time of his graduation from Williams College in 1863, representing the civilian and academic background from which many Union officers emerged during the war.
 
Hopkins enlisted and was commissioned on August 11, 1863, as a Second Lieutenant in Company K, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. His advancement was rapid, reflecting both ability and the heavy demands placed on cavalry officers during the conflict. He was promoted to Captain on December 10, 1863, and later to Major on December 10, 1864.
 
The second CDV shows Hopkins in full military uniform, wearing a kepi bearing the distinctive “1st Cavalry” insignia, a clear visual statement of regimental pride and identity. During his service, Hopkins was wounded in action on May 5, 1864, at Todd’s Tavern, Virginia, a hard-fought cavalry engagement during General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign.
 
Despite his wound, Hopkins survived the war and was mustered out of service on June 26, 1865, in Washington, D.C.Together, these two CDVs provide a compelling visual narrative—from educated civilian to seasoned cavalry officer—illustrating the transformation experienced by many young Union officers during the Civil War.