Merry Christmas

courtesy sonofthesouth.net

I know it's kind of a sad image, but this Thomas Nast print from Harper's Weekly of January 1863 is probably my favorite image of Christmas during the Civil War. It carries a very powerful message, and may be a great example of the "a picture is worth a thousand words" cliche. What words could convey this message so simply, yet powerfully?

I certainly hope my readers all have a Merry Christams, or a Happy Hanukkah if that fits your beliefs, and that all will be happier than the couple pictured here. I hope it will be more like the bottom picture, that I found at printsoldandrare.com

Harper's Weekly reaction to Election Day - November 8, 1864

In honor of the recent election day 2010, I'm reprinting another period poem, this one from the November 26, 1864 edition of Harper's Weekly.

On the back page of the same edition is published the following illustration.

Long Abraham Lincoln a Little Longer

Here is the poem itself, a celebration of Lincoln's victory over George McClellan in the 1864 Presidential election, though it sounds more like a celebration of victory in a battle or the war. Apparently the author thought the former ensured the latter, and he or she may have been right.

November 8, 1864

We breathe more freely now the struggle's done, 

Now that the glorious victory is won;

The grandest civil triumph which shall stand

Recorded in the annals of the land.

We trusted in the cause - we knew that Right

Must conquer Wrong, however hard the fight;

That not in vain by patriots had been shed

The precious blood with which our soil is red.

No, not in vain; to-day the pledge we give.

that by that blood the Union yet shall live;

And from the strong lips of the loyal North

In thunder tones the promise now goes forth.

Faith in that promise makes my eyes to see

Peace rising through the smoke of victory;

And as the cloud of battle drifts away

I see the white dawn of a future day.

Above the din of war i seem to hear

From tower and roof the sweet-toned bells of cheer

Ring out the welcome tidings to the skies,

While joyful paeans on the air arise. 

I see bold Freedom with a giant's stroke

Hurl to the earth the bondman's heavy yoke; 

I see her strike from off his horny hands

The galling chains and fetters where he stands.

I see a temple; from its dome on high

A glorious banner greets the broad blue sky;

The starry emblem of a mighty land,

Whose people all are on in heart and hand. 

 

Harper's Weekly coverage of the Siege of Cincinnati

From the October 4, 1862 issue of Harper's Weekly come the following article and drawings of events that happened in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati in September 1862, when Confederates under the leadership of General Henry Heth threatened this important river city and region. (This same issue also contains the text of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, plus coverage of the battle of Antietam.)

In the next couple of days, I will make another post with some comments from the Cincinnati Enquirer from this time period. 

The reference to "Covington" and crossing the pontoon bridge refer to the troops being stationed along the hillsides of Northern Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, on the south side of that stream. The band they referred to probably came from the Newport Barracks, an army installation in Newport, Kentucky, another city on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, separated from Covington by the Licking River.

Also, I wonder if the "A. Mosler" they refer to here was intended to be Henry Mosler, who worked for Harper's Weekly and apparently was in the region during this timeframe.

From page 636:  
AT CINCINNATI   
We publish on page 637 two illustrations from Cincinnati, from sketches by Mr. A. Mosler. One of them represents a REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS ENTERING THE FIFTH STREET MARKET-HOUSE for dinner. Thousands and thousands of soldiers have been fed in this building daily since the rebels first menaced Cincinnati. The other sketch represents the RETURN OF THE CINCINNATI MILITIA after the retreat of the rebels. 


A Cincinnati paper says: "Yesterday was a gala day for the thousands of true and patriotic Cincinnatians who promptly responded to the call for volunteers to defend the city from an attack by the approaching enemy. They went to the field manfully, and with hearts and souls burning with the patriotism of their sires of '76. While in the field they endured, without a  murmur, the hardships and privations of the soldier's life, through sunshine and rain, attending to drills and all the minutiae of military tactics, so that in the brief period of one week they were almost equal to volunteer in the service.  They were men of all classes of society, rich and poor, high and low, and on one common level, and under one flag, rallied together as a family of brothers, to resist the encroachments of an army seeking the destruction of their homes and firesides. They did their duty well, and were yesterday, much against their wishes, relieved from further service at present. They were in the morning notified by Major-General Wallace, to whose call they so generously responded, that at 12 o'clock each regiment, six in number, should break up camp and return to Cincinnati.

At three o'clock three of the regiments marched to the head-quarters of General Wallace in Covington, preceded by the United States Barracks Band. The remaining regiments not coming up by some misunderstanding, the three first, headed by General Wallace and staff, took up the line of march, moving to the river, and thence across the pontoon bridge to this city.The levee was densely crowded with citizens. As the military pageant was crossing the bridge a 2-pounder cannon, on board the steamer Emma Duncan, belched forth a welcoming salute. The procession moved up Walnut to Front, east to Broadway, north to Fourth, west to Vine, north to Seventh, west to Mound, north to Ninth, east to Elm, north to Twelfth, where the General and staff halted, and the entire column passed in review. The streets along the entire line of march were crowded with citizens, and national emblems and the "flag of the free" waved from every housetop and window. Such an ovation was never before witnessed in this city, and as an impromptu proceeding was creditable to the Queen City and a fitting compliment to her noble sons.While the troops passed the Major-General, at the intersection of Twelfth and Elm streets, they greeted him with deafening applause - a just acknowledgment of their esteem for one of the live Generals of the day."
 

My apologies for the uneven scan of the first illustration. Both of these come from an original copy of the paper, with signs of its age being quite obvious.

Rumors of slaves being paid in Louisiana

With Battery Hooper Days now done, hopefully my attention can focus on more than just running that event, including finding more items for this blog.

Here's a brief but interesting report I found in the February 28, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly, the cover of which featured Joseph Hooker.

In the "Domestic Intelligence" section (page 131), the following article is published.


THE SLAVES TO BE PAID IN LOUISIANA
The planters of Louisiana are greatly exercised concerning the continual escapes of their slaves, and have held an important meeting at New Orleans in reference to the labor question. After much angry talk and a good deal of abuse of the Government, of which they are "registered enemies," they seem to have agreed at last to pay their slaves wages. 

I have never heard that rumor before and believe it to be just that - an unfounded rumor that was interesting enough for them to publish, but I still found it interesting that they would publish such a report, yet not highlight it or put it in any prominent place in their newspaper.


Also, I presume the "government" of which these planters are enemies is the United States Government, but given some of the struggles the Confederacy went through and some of the displeasure some in the south had with the Jefferson Davis administration, it might not be too much of a stretch to wonder which government frustrated them the most.

I do, as well, wonder what the sources for these type of reports were. Did they have an actual report from someone they trusted, or did someone make something up and give it to them as a reporter? Either way, I thought it was an interesting tidbit to be published in such a well-known publication.

Post-1864 election article from Harper's Weekly

Here's another article from Harper's Weekly, this one from the November 26, 1864 edition.The editors make their feelings about the leaders of the two sides in the Civil War very clear in this piece on page 754 (the second page of this weekly edition.)

THE FEELING OF THE NORTH

The president's two speeches in acknowledgment of the serenades after the election are the noblest expression of the universal public sentiment. There is no personal or partisan exultation. The issue was too solemn for that. There is the same sober joy as after a great victory or a narrow escape.

It has been customary for foreigners, and many among ourselves, to speak of Mr. Lincoln as the rebels speak of him, and to celebrate Jefferson Davis as a gentleman and a polished intellectual statesman. Will such persons compare Davis's recent speeches at Macon, Columbia, and elsewhere, or his earlier speeches in the war, with any speech of Mr. Lincoln, and especially these two last, and then say which of them are the manlier and more honorable? With malignant fury, which not even his trained coolness can conceal, Davis hisses that he would sooner fraternize with hyenas than Yankees; or in his foolish rage speaks of the "Beast" Butler. Is this the style of a statesman? Are these specimens of the intellectual superiority which distinguishes Jefferson Davis? Or is it the scurrility of a baffled conspirator, and the venomous malice of a disappointed rebel?

Nothing in the history of the war is more striking than the different spirit in which it is waged by the loyal citizens and the rebels. Indeed, the murderous and wicked olive-branch policy, which has so prolonged and embittered the struggle, is due to the want of proper insight and a more wholesome indignation upon the part of loyal citizens. From the beginning it was not only war, but war made upon the Government by men who had been taught to hate "the North" and "Northerners." And while rebels have been starving and slaughtering in every horrible way Union men at the South, and Union soldiers from the North, we have gone on mumbling "conciliation," until we were likely to be overthrown by our obstinate refusal to understand our enemies. 

We have learned now what they are. The election plucks off the olive branches and throws them away; and declares that conciliation is a word to be spoken to rebels when they submitted and not before. Yet there is no personal hate mingled with this resolution. As a class the rebels are regarded by the most strenuous loyal citizens as sophisticated and deluded; as men who must be taught by superior force to regard their obligations as citizens of the United States, but that is all. In no official paper or speech of the Union authorities has there been any expression of malignity toward the insurgents, nor will there be. Engaged in defending their Government, which is the sole security of their peace and prosperity, the people of the United States yield to no unworthy emotion. They are faithfully represented by the man whom they have again made their President. They feel in their successes "no taint of personal triumph; "but they are resolved, as he says, through every fortune, "to stand by free government and the rights of humanity." 

One of the two post-election Lincoln speeches mentioned in the article appears at the end of this long article concerning the election of 1864.  Here is the text of that speech.

It has been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence, in great emergencies.
 

On this point the present rebellion brought our republic to a severe test; and a presidential election occurring united, in regular course during the rebellion added not a little to the strain. If the loyal people, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralyzed, by a political war among themselves, but the election was a necessity.
 

We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The strife of the election is but human-nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case, must ever recur in similar cases. Human-nature will not the change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as a strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this, as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged.
 

But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war. Until now it has not been known to the world that this was possibility. It shows also how sound, and how strong we still are. It shows that, even among candidate of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union, and most opposed to treason, can receive most of the people's votes. It shows also, to the extent yet known, that we have more men now, than we had when the war began. Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, patriotic men, are better than gold.
 

But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country? For my own part I have striven, and shall strive to avoid placing any obstacle in the way. So long as I have been here I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom.
 

While I am deeply sensible to the high compliment of a re-election; and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction that any other man may be disappointed or pained by the result.
 

May I ask those who have not differed with me, to join with me, in this same spirit towards those who have?
 
And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen and their gallant and skilful commanders.

T. Addison Richards, painter during the Civil War period

While looking through a copy of the February 28, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly: Journal of Civilization I found this brief article about artist T. Addison Richards, an English-born artist who lived in Georgia for years before moving to New York City.  He apparently created many paintings of various scenes of the south he viewed in his travels, including working with his brother on a collection of engravings of some of his work, which they called Georgia Illustrated.

His obituary provides some more information about his life and his more notable paintings, and a google search for his name will bring up many links to views of his artwork, or even examples of it currently for sale.

One thing I did not find out about him was his political preferences during the war. He stayed in New York during the war years apparently, so it seems like he may have supported the Union over the Confederacy, despite the years he lived in and the work he did about Georgia and the south. Or maybe he had no major preference, but stayed in New York for its business climate and his potential for business success instead of any major political feelings. 

Here's the brief article that Harper's Weekly printed on his activities at this point in the war.  I do find it curious that they would print what is basically an advertisement for his art sale, but that was part of the journalism business of the day, especially with someone who apparently had earned at least some fame. Free publicity for such an artist must have been helpful for business.

In these sober times the painters are still busy in their studios, and it is a curious relief from the stern excitement of the war to step into their quiet rooms and see the tranquil streams, meadows, grazing cattle, and hazy mountains. Mr. T. Addison Richards, the artist and well-known Secretary7 of the National Academy, proposes a sole of some of his paintings, sketches, and studios - landscapes, fruits and flowers, to the number of about 150, at the Derby Gallery on the 24th of February. The visitors to the annual exhibitions need no introduction to his  name; and we hope that every landscape in the collection will prove to be the site of a gold mine, and that every placid stream may be covered with that choicer game than canvas-backs, green-backs. 

Here is a picture of his painting Summer Sunlight, courtesy of Askart.com

Tidbits from Harper's Weekly, February 28, 1863

Here are a couple of interesting items I found in this old newspaper, a copy of which I'm fortunate enough to have.

The first two come from the "Humors of the Day" column and offer advice and suggestions for men to remember in their dealings with the fairer sex.

A sentimental young man thus feelingly expresses him-self: "Even as Nature benevolently guards the rose with thorns, so does she endow young women with pins."

Never quarrel with a lady. If you are troubled with her, retreat; if she abuses you, be silent; if she tears your cloak, give her your coat; if she boxes your ear, bow to her in return; if she tears your eyes out, feel your way to the door, and - fly!

The next item is an advertisement on page 144. It caught my attention quickly, but was probably very common in newspapers throughout the war years.

     Metallic Legs

(Patented Jan. 6th, 1863) by the
UNIVERSAL JOINT AND ARTIFICIAL LIMB COMPANY
    Weighs only 4 pounds

Soldiers, price $59; civilians $75; silver-plated $100. They will lengthen and shorten and are self-adjusting.

Send for circular to:
J.W. Weston,
No. 491 Broadway, New York

I admit I don't understand why anyone would want an artificial leg to be "silver-plated" but at least Mr. Weston did offer a price discount on the more basic version to the soldiers who sadly found themselves in need of this new technology.

Copperheadism, per Harper's Weekly

From the February 28, 1863 edition of Haper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, I found the following article and picture about this species of Northern war opponent. Readers are familiar with the term "Copperhead" and that group's general policies, but I thought that this article with a period description of it was very interesting.

First, here's an illustration that appeared on page 144, the back cover of that week's edition.

Here is the article as it appeared on page 130.


COPPERHEADISM
   Mr. Clement Vallandingham, member of Congress from Ohio, made a speech last week in which he avowed himself a "Copperhead." Certain editors nearer home have likewise rejoiced in the title. It becomes interesting to inquire what it means, and how it came to be applied to a class of politicians.

  A "copperhead," according to the American Cyclopedia, is "a venomous serpent...the head is thick...the neck contracted, and its scales smooth; there are no rattles, the tail being short...near the flanks are rounded dark blotches...it prefers dark and moist places...It gives no warning of its proximity...feeds on mice, small birds, etc., and seldom attacks man... it is slow and clumsy in its motions, and a very slight blow suffices to kill it...It is also called 'chunkhead' and "deaf-adder.'"

   It can not be denied that the analogy between this loathsome creature and the mean, sneaking politicians who are now distracting the Northern mind with cries of  peace is quite striking. Like the copperhead, the peace party are "venomous" in their attacks on the nation; like it, their "head' is undoubtedly "thick;" like it, their "neck" and reach are "contracted." Their  "scales," too, are "smooth;" and they have no rattles to warn the honest traveler of their insidious approach. Like the copperhead, their character is "stained by dark blotches;" and , like it, they "prefer dark places" to the light of day. Like that sneaking reptile, their prey is "small, feeble creatures;" and they "seldom venture to attack a man." If we add that our political Copperheads, like their reptile type, are so "slow and clumsy in their motions" that they deserve the additional cognomina of "Chunkheads" and "Deaf-adders," and that "a very slight blow" makes an end of them, we shall have made the analogy complete. It is creditable to the discernment of our Western fellow-citizens that they so quickly realized the resemblance between the copperhead snake and the peace politician, and baptized them by one common appellation.

   We shall not waste time in arguing with the Copperheads. Men who are capable of justifying the rebels and espousing their cause when the blood of some member of almost every Northern family reddens Southern soil, and the bones of Northern soldiers are worn as ornaments by Southern women, are not likely to be convinced by argument, or to be pervious to any thing short of a bayonet thrust.

   But one suggestion we will make. If Mr. Vallandingham, or any of his fellow-copperheads, will visit any large camp of loyal troops, either in the East or in the West or in the South, and will, in presence of the soldiers, express the sentiments they have uttered at Newark, new York, and elsewhere; and if, without the protection of the generals and provost-marshals, whom they so heartily abuse, they succeed, after delivering their speech, in making their escape alive, and without a coat of tar and feathers, we shall agree that Copperheads may fairly be tolerated. Our soldiers are anxious to have the challenge accepted.