This woman seems very sad.  Perhaps a husband, father or brother was just killed during the Civil War?  There was so much sadness during those four years of the war – and afterwards, for quite a long time.  Her dress shows the fullness of the skirts of the time period, but gathered in soft pleats at the waist.  Notice how low the shoulder seams are, almost, down to the armpit.  In 1863 Godey’s Lady’s Book, actually a magazine, all the rage was sewing a small collar at the top of the dress, as show in this photo.  The bishop sleeves are trimmed with wide, black ribbon ruching.  Her simple hairstyle of a middle part and braids on the side, is indicative of the early 1860’s.