Signed CDV of Civil War James A. Benjamin 4th Illinois Cavalry

Signed CDV of James A. Benjamin, 4th Illinois Cavalry – Bust View in Union Shell Jacket
 
This is a bold, signed carte de visite (CDV) of James A. Benjamin of the 4th Illinois Cavalry. The image presents a clear bust view of the young soldier wearing his Union shell jacket with visible cavalry insignia. The photograph has a strong, period ink signature on the front identifying him as “J. A. Benjamin.”
Service Summary:
Residence: Cordova, Illinois
Enlisted September 5, 1861, at Port Byron, Illinois, at age 19 as a Private
Mustered into Company M, 4th Illinois Cavalry on September 26, 1861
Re-enlisted on February 17, 1864
Transferred to Company B, 4th Illinois Cavalry (June 14, 1865)
Transferred to Company I, 12th Illinois Cavalry on June 23, 1865, at New Orleans, Louisiana
Deserted February 4, 1866, at Houston, Texas
At the time of enlistment, Benjamin was described as 5'6" tall with a dark complexion, blue eyes, and auburn hair. Like many soldiers, he began as a farmer before joining the Union cavalry.
This CDV is a nice example of an identified Illinois cavalryman wearing the distinctive shell jacket commonly issued to mounted troops. The bold signature adds excellent provenance and collector value.