James S. Laidlaw (c. 1828 - c. 1902) was an American artist and American Civil War veteran. He was born in Geneva, New York, where he was living when he joined the Army. Laidlaw enlisted in the Union Army at Seneca, New York, in 1862, and was a member of Company C, 148th New York Volunteer Regiment. Laidlaw served his full three year enlistment to 1865. After the war, Laidlaw moved to New York City where he worked as an artist until at least 1899, when he appeared in the New York City Directory. We know of two views of camps of the 148th New York Volunteers that were drawn by Laidlaw and published by Lang and Cooper.