The Boychiks in Company C: Color Guard for a Regiment of Immigrants

Suspicion and resentment of immigrants was a source of social and political controversy in 19th Century America, much as it remains today: loyalties suspect, patriotism doubted, with immigrants routinely presumed guilty until proved innocent. [This story appeared in slightly different form at Forward(dot)com.]

Officers of the 82nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Likely, Col. Salomon and Col. Hecker seated third and second from the right, respectively. (Photographer unknown)