Home > Back to Search Results >
Thomas R.R. Cobb... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...
Thomas R.R. Cobb... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...
Item # 650645
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
March 21, 1863
SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, March 21, 1863
* General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb
A very rare publication from the Confederacy, as relatively few issues have come into our inventory over the past 42 years. Although much of the content was literary in nature, there are news reports and a few illustrations.
The front page is entirely taken up by a print of: "Brigadier-General Thomas R. R. Cobb". Page 2 has an article headed: "The Times" which takes 1 1/2 columns and includes the latest accounts of the Civil War, a few items including: "...The Yankees have told a very big lie about the surrender of Fort McAllister & the capture of a mile & a half of rifle pits. The fact is they retired from the fourth attack on the plucky little fort 'completely discumboborated'. Statistics recently published by the Smithsonian Institute show that the full-blooded Yankee dies within 24 hour if prevented from telling his usual allowance of lies...A difficulty has occurred between Hooker & Siegel which resulted in the latter's resignation & departure home...The Yankee marauders...plundering, killing cattle & devastating right & left in their customary amiable style. All the better for us. The more outrages they commit, the worse we will hate them, & the more a people hate the Yankees the wiser & better they will be...Capt. Mosby of General Fithugh Lee's Cavalry perpetrated a charming joke upon a parcel of Yankees at Fairfax Court House..." with much more (see).
Page 2 also has a lengthy article: "Our Flag and Seal" which not only describe them but offers much more (see). Also: "Necessity of General Intelligence" and the next page has a biography of: "General T. R. R. Cosbv" whose print is on the front page.
Much of the balance of the issue is taken up with literary items, including a poem titled: "Fredericksburg" (see)
Begun on September 13, 1862 the "Southern Illustrated News" sought to fill the void left when the Southern States lost access to Harper’s Weekly and other illustrated newspapers from the North. In its “Salutatory,” in the first issue the editors state: "...We propose to issue an Illustrated Family Newspaper…devoted to literature, to public instruction and amusement, to general news, and to the cause of our country in this trying hour when she is engaged in a terrible, but resolute and hopeful struggle for her liberty and independence..." Although it could be argued it never lived up to all of these goals as reports from the war were very limited, it was an important publication nonetheless. At its peak boasting as many subscribers as the largest daily paper in Richmond. As with all Southern publications it suffered from lack of supplies, reporters, artists and engravers as many had been drafted either into the military or into the service of the Confederate administration to engrave paper money and stamps. The engravings were crude when compared to Yankee publications.
Eight pages, never-trimmed margins, some pg. 2 glue at the spine edge is close to text, generally very nice condition.
Category: Confederate
No Longer Available
