Isaac O. Best, History of the 121st New York State Infantry

“ [-001] army experiences, and of his comrades and of the regiment from the enlisted man's viewpoint.” That he has given permission to quote ad libitum from it is very gratifying to the compiler, as it will certainly be also to the readers of the history. Col. Cronkite's history of the regiment in the History of Otsego County is a condensed sketch of the most important facts connected with the services and exploits of the regiment; but as it may be be protected by copyright the facts and not the words, are freely used.

The compiler bespeaks for his work the same kindly regard that has been shown him by the Regimental Association, in welcoming him to its membership, and honoring him with this privilege of writing its history.

The task assigned to Lieut. Jas. H. Smith of collecting photographs of the officers of the regiment, and of having half-tone reproductions made of such as could be secured, for use in this volume, he has found a very difficult undertaking. It will be remembered by our surviving comrades that photography during our service was just emerging from the daguerreotype, and the tintype, into photographic prints on paper, and that practically all photos made in those days were of the “Carte de Visete” size (2 1/8 x3 5/8 inches). Hence the necessity for the diminished size of most of our illustrations.

It was found to be impossible to secure any considerable number of photos of the line officers (captains and lieutenants) hence we concluded to omit all such, and confine our efforts to securing for illustrations only those who served as commanders of our Corps, Division, Brigade and Regiment, and the regimental field officers, and some of the latter we are also obliged to omit, as we were unsuccessful in every effort to secure the