The Slave Pen
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One of the most photographed sites in Union-occupied Alexandria, Virginia early in the war was the Price, Birch & Co. slave dealership. Mathew Brady and his operators took several views outside and inside the company's building, including these holds where they kept the slaves awaiting sale or auction. "The establishment was essentially a prison," wrote Alexander Gardner, the manager of Brady's Washington gallery when this image was made. The army, in fact, used it as a prison for errant Union soldiers.
Back view
| | Back view |
This orange-mount view issued by the E. & H. T. Anthony Co., was probably made between 1866 and 1869, when the company moved from 501 Broadway to 591 Broadway. Anthony views issued during the war usually are on tan or yellow mounts. This backmark includes credit to Mathew Brady and his company for producing the negative.
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