War Department Pass, November 25, 1864

English-born illustrator Alfred Waud (1828–1891) was one of the Civil War’s most prolific artist/journalists. Joining the New York Illustrated News as a staff illustrator in 1860, he became a “special artist” to the Army of the Potomac when war broke out. Hired away by Harper’s Weekly, Waud continued his assignment with the army, covering battles from Bull Run in 1861 to Petersburg in 1865. As an eyewitness, Waud perfected the skill of sketching combat scenes and army life quickly yet accurately.