17th IL Infantry veterans, of the fights at Jackson and Champion's Hill, and the heavy May assaults on Vicksburg, stayed after the surrender to garrison the newly won prize. They stand for the camera here early in 1854, the very picture of the rugged, unkempt, rather unmilitary Western soldier. They were not much on parade. But they could tear the heart out of the Confederacy.

photo submitted by Rick Brown. Thanks bunches Rick!!!