St. Patrick’s Day in the army–The steeple chase
1863
Capturing a rare moment of leisure amidst the American Civil War, this lively sketch is dated March 17, 1863, right in the bottom corner. It depicts Union soldiers celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a spirited steeplechase, with riders urging their horses over makeshift jumps while comrades cheer from the sidelines, hats in hand. Edwin Forbes, an artist who traveled with the Army of the Potomac, was a master at capturing these candid scenes of army life. It's a fascinating glimpse into how soldiers found ways to race, gamble, and celebrate even while camped in the field.
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