This is a photo of the 7th Illinois Infantry Color Bearers.

The 7th Illinois Infantry was mustered into the United States service at Camp Yates on April 25, 1861.

From the Adjutant General’s Report regarding The Battle of Allatoona Pass, “The 7th, armed with the Henry rifle (or 16-shooter), did gallant and fearful work - successfully repelling four separate charges made by the desperate and hungry enemy on the line occupied by them - its torn and bleeding ranks told at what a fearful cost. Its colors, under which fell many a gallant bearer that day, were never lowered.”

©2011 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum