F.H. Schell, "The Banks Expedition", Etching on Paper C.1863 - $2K APR w/CoA!

F.H. SCHELL, "THE BANKS EXPEDITION", ETCHING ON PAPER C.1863 - $2K APPRAISAL VALUE!   ITEM DESCRIPTION: This is an original etching print made by F. H. Schell depicting a group of African American children and musicians dancing and entertaining a large group of Union soldiers in a street scene in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The original etching was first published on January 31, 1863 on the Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. The print has a caption on the bottom of the plate that reads: “Extempore musical and terpsichorean entertainment at the U.S Arsenal, Baton Rouge, Under the patronage of the 41st mass, the 131st N. Y. and 35th conn. volunteers-contraband children dancing the breakdown” This artwork is an important part of American history, as Baton Rouge was occupied by Union forces in 1862. In August of that year, the Third Battle of Baton Rouge was fought at Port Hudson, less than 25 miles north of the city. Six thousand Confederate troops were ultimately defeated by 18,000