CDV of Major Mackenzie, by famous photographer

This CDV photograph is of Major Ronald Mackenzie in civilian clothes and is the typical size of 2 1/2" x 4". On the back in pencil is "Ronald Mackenzie / 1st BN. ENG." It was taken by the famous photographer Frederick Gutekunst and with his backmark of "F. Gutekunst / Photographer. / 704 & 706 Arch St. / Philada.". Mackenzie was in the Army 1st Batallion of Engineers.

Robert E. Lee, George McClellan, and P.G.T. Beauregard served as lieutenants in the 1st Batalion during the Mexican American War and lead the list of distinguished Americans that have served with the unit. During the Civil War the 1st Batallion was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. They served with distinction and fought at Antietam, bridged the Rappahannock River six times at Fredericksburg, breached fortifications at Petersburg, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox.

The photographer, Frederick F. Gutekunst Jr. of Philadelphia, was a favored photographer by the East Coast elite and even celebreties like the shy Walt Whitman and General Grant had their photographs taken by him. Frederick Gutekunst is listed in "Photography in America" on several pages. I do not have much information on Mackenzie, only the limited information from the American Civil War Research Database, which pretty much states that he enlisted as a Major. Overall a nice clear period photograph taken by a famous photographer.