Picket on Duty

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Description

The three Confederate soldiers huddled around a fire in this photograph were stationed on picket duty. Units on both sides stationed a picket guard, consisting of a lieutenant, 2 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 40 privates in advance of each regiment. The picket provided security and advance warning of enemy movement, especially an attack.

Citation

This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.

National Archives Identifier: 527550

Full Citation: 111-B-3368; Photograph of a Picket on Duty; ca. 1861-1865; Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 – 1940; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/picket-on-duty/, April 4, 2026]

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