Henry P. Moore was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire in 1835. His family relocated to Concord, New Hampshire when he was seven. By 1862 he was working as a photographer in Concord, New Hampshire. Moore followed the 3rd NH, many of whose members were from Concord, to Hilton Head, South Carolina arriving there on February, 21, 1862 and stayed through April or May of 1862. His friends in the 3rd NH were glad to see him because they could purchase his high quality pictures as momentos. He took at least one more trip to the same area that extended from April 22 to the end of May, 1863. Henry moved within Union lines taking photographs of camps on Hilton Head, Fort Pulaski in Georgia and on Edisto Island. His subjects included the 3rd NH, 6th CT, the 1st MA Cavalry and sailors. However, it was the pictures shown in this post of former slaves (called contrabands at the time) on Edisto Island that would become his enduring legacy. Moore pictured them in a variety of situations on three plantations on Edisto Island and on Hilton Head Island as well (not shown here but can be seen in the book referenced in the sources). He photographed them at a time when few other photographers were imaging the recently emancipated slaves. He died in 1911 and is buried in Concord.

Moore would take photographs at three plantations circled on the map below where Union camps were located.

Cassina Point- Hopkinson’s Plantation– Cassina Point Plantation (Hopkinson House) at 1847 Olde Cassina Point on Westbank Creek (private property), constructed in 1847-48 for Carolina Lafayette Seabrook and her husband, James Hopkinson, is significant as a large antebellum house and remnant of a sea island cotton plantation. Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, was grandson of Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey and designer of the American flag. This house and plantation were occupied during the Civil War by, among other units, the 3rd NH, commanded by Colonel E.Q. Fellows, as well as soldiers from Massachusetts. There may be graffiti in the basement.

Oak Island- William Seabrook Jr./John Edward Seabrook– Oak Island was built in 1830 and owned by William E. Seabrook. Upon his death in 1860 the property was willed to his son John Edward Seabrook. It was occupied by Federal troops. There may be carvings on the walls in the attic. On Westbank Creek off Oak Island Road.

Seabrook’s Plantation- William Seabrook– The Seabrook Plantation House- was owned by William Seabrook. It served as a Union and provost headquarters. It was the location of a required inspection of Company D of the 1st MA Cavalry and Company G of the 47th NY.

Source

Soldiers, Sailors, Slaves, and Ships The Civil War Photographs of Henry P. Moore