Thomas Seawell mustered into Company E, 10th Missouri Infantry on August 8, 1861, as a first lieutenant; he was promoted to captain on November 10, 1862. While with the 10th, Seawell participated in the battles of Iuka and Corinth and the Vicksburg campaign.

Seawell resigned on August 10, 1863, and was commissioned the colonel of the 4th Arkansas Colored Infantry. On March 11, 1864, the 4th Arkansas was reorganized as the 57th U. S. Colored Infantry. The 4th Arkansas and 57th U. S. Colored Infantry were assigned to garrison duty in Arkansas. The 57th was mustered out of service on December 31, 1866.

Carte-de-Visite by Williams & Nichols, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11589