Civil War - Civil war chess set 1861

Colorized photo from 1861 Original Title: Headquarters of 164th NY Infantry Photographer: Mathew Brady Location: New York Isn't it interesting the types of things they would drag into war? I know there was downtime, and there were times to play with things, but chess? All those pieces, so easy to lose. Cards makes sense, dominoes are easy to transport, but chess was something they took with them. I suppose it makes just as much sense as bringing large wood trunks, or desk sets. Or those fancy carpets they would put in the tent. Anyway, this image was taken to capture Col. James P McMahon, he's the one facing us, with what I assume is his family behind him. The others just seem to be spectators of some kind. You know, photographic fodder.