Historic Newspapers: Confederate Civil War

The DAILY PROGRESS, New Bern, North Carolina, Aug. 2, 1861 

* Very rare Confederate publication

This is a single sheet newspaper with just a one column masthead, not uncommon from the Confederacy where newsprint was often difficult to come by. From the early part of the Civil War with many items relating to it, including article headed "Resolutions of Mississippi on the Victories in Virginia" is concerning Bull Run; and "Admission of Missouri as a Member of the Southern Confederacy" includes the…

WESTERN SENTINEL, Winston, North Carolina, May 8, 1863  

* Rare Confederate title from the Civil War

This is a very rare title from the Confederacy. According to Brigham only four institutions in the United States have any holdings of this title from the Civil War, most just a few scattered issues. The American Antiquarian Society has no issues recorded from this era.
Among the front page reports are those headed: "Confederate Powder Mills" "Mississippi" "Gen. Hill To His Command" "Desperate…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Jan. 17, 1863 

* Capital of the Confederacy

 Not only a newspaper from the Confederacy, but from the capital of the Confederate States. The front page has: "Late Northern News" and a report from Charleston, and: "The Blockading Ashore--Surrender of Officers & Men--No Tidings of the Fleet" and also much reporting from the "Virginia Legislature".
The back page has a lengthy editorial, always interesting reading in this title. The back page also has 2 1/2 columns…

DAILY COLUMBUS ENQUIRER, Georgia, July 31, 1862 

* Very rare Confederate publication
* Rebel General Joseph E. Johnston
* Battle of Seven Pines - Fair Oaks

Certainly one of the less common Confederate titles from the Civil War. Columbus is in Southwest Georgia on the Alabama border very near Montgomery.
Page 2 begins with an interesting editorial complaining about government abuses in not insuring the delivery of daily newspapers to the soldiers in the field. An interesting item for…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Dec. 22, 1863 

* Charleston, South Carolina siege
* Brigadier General William W. Averell

A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederate States of America. Among the front page items are: "The Averill Raid" "From Northern Virginia" "From East Tennessee--From Northern Georgia--The Siege of Charleston" and other smaller items.
The back page has an editorial concerning the war, as well as much reporting from: "The Confederate Congress" "The Virginia…

DAILY COLUMBUS ENQUIRER, Georgia, Feb. 8, 1862 

* Very rare Confederate title
* General Stonewall Jackson - resigns?

Among the various reports inside is an interesting one: "The Richmond Whig is pained to hear that Gen. Jackson ('Stone Wall') has resigned his commission in the army, and says that 'in him the service loses one of the bravest of the brave--the idol of his soldiers, and the herald of victory.' The cause assigned is that he considers himself wronged by appointments to…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, May 26, 1863  A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy. The front page includes: "Major Mosby's Command" "Col. F.W.M. Holliday" and other items. The back page has a lengthy editorial beginning: "There is no doubt that a large proportion of the present demand for gold is for the purpose of hoarding, and proceeds from a distrust of the Confederate money...". Also: "From the West--Northern Opinions of the War--The Prospect--Vallandigham Sent…

DAILY EXAMINER, Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 26, 1863  A nice single sheet issue (typical late in the war) with a full masthead, with front page reports headed: "The Yankees Across the Rappahannock" "Appointments In the Department" "The Nautical Jeffreys" "Our Military Resources with several subheads: "Latest News From the North with subheads including: "The Capture of Arkansas Post--The Fight at Vicksburg--Federal Loss--Affairs in the Southwest--The Yankee Congress...". Also a full column headed:…

THE DAILY CITIZEN, Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 2 (4), 1863  A fascinating newspaper and arguably the most famous of any newspaper printed on Confederate soil, not just for being printed on the back of wallpaper (many others were as well) but because of the circumstances which surrounded the creation of this issue.
This newspaper was edited and published by J. M. Swords. As the Union siege of this strategic city wore on, his supply of paper ran out, so the publisher resorted to the use of…

THE DAILY CITIZEN, Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 2, 1863  

* Most sought Confederate newspaper to be had ?

A fascinating newspaper and arguably the most famous of any newspaper printed on Confederate soil, not just for being printed on the back of wallpaper (some others were as well) but because of the circumstances which surrounded the creation of this issue.
The story of this newspaper is intriguing, well-known to serious collectors. However, this is an issue printed before Yankee troops…

THE WILMINGTON DAILY HERALD, North Carolina, Jan. 31, 1861 

* Future Confederate port city 
* American Civil War close 

 From this Southern port city from shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. This was the last Confederate port city to fall to the Yankees when it did so in February, 1865, completing its blockage of the Atlantic coast.
Items include: "Important Army Intelligence" regarding General Scott's order to officers on leave of absence; "The Convention at Washington" beginning: "The…

THE DAILY PROGRESS, Raleigh, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 1865  

* Rare Confederate title
* Civil War nears the end
* Sherman's victory march

Raleigh was one of the last major cities of the South to fall into the hands of Sherman, surrendering on April 13, 1865, just one day before Lincoln was assassinated. This rare Confederate title is from the latter weeks of the Civil War.
The notable content is the back page report: "Sherman's March Through Georgia" with much detail on his war…

THE DAILY PROGRESS, Raleigh, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 1865  

* Rare Confederate publication
* General Sherman - coastal march in Carolinas
* Robert E. Lee makes a plea
* Final months of the Civil War

Raleigh was one of the last major cities of the South to fall into the hands of Sherman, surrendering on April 13, 1865, just one day before Lincoln was assassinated. This rare Confederate title is from the latter weeks of the Civil War.
The front page has: "Northern News" "Confederate…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Oct. 21, 1862 

* From the capital of the Confederacy
* Rebels first Northern states invasion

A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy. The front page includes: "From Northern Virginia" "The Situation In Mississippi" "Additional From the North" which is very lengthy & includes many subheads; "Latest from the North" "Stuart's Incursion Into Pennsylvania--Official Investigation Called For" which begins: "The Yankees are very sore over Stuart…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, April 1, 1862  The entire front page is taken up with ads, and page 2 has an editorial beginning: "On Friday the 28th of March Mr. Davis made the first practical suggestion of a general measure for the support of the war which Congress has received from him..." which concerns a request for a draft of soldiers (see). Also on page 2 are: "Movements & Spirit of the War--The Merrimac Fight--The Killed And Wounded on the Congress" "A Difference Of Vision" "New…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, March 3, 1862  Not just a newspaper from the Confederacy, but from the capital of the Confederate states. The entire front page is taken up with advertisements. Page 2 includes the always interesting editorial, this one beginning: "The President has placed Richmond under the protection of Martial Law. If the entire Southern Confederacy was at this moment under that law there would be a benefit to its cause..." with much more. Also: "The Latest Northern News"…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Feb. 25, 1863 

* Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
* From the capital of the Confederacy

The front page has: "Our Fredericksburg Letter" "The Second Day of the Battle of Murfreesboro" which is over two columns of detailed reporting. Also on the ftpg: "Latest News From the North" "City Intelligence" "Butler's Reception in Baltimore" and other smaller items.
The back page has an editorial which talks in part about the great loss to the American forces…

THE DAILY EXPRESS, Petersburg, Virginia, July 24, 1863  Petersburg was a critical city to the Confederacy, located not far south of the capital of Richmond, and the focus of a six-month long siege which ended in early April, 1865, when Lee withdrew his troops from Petersburg and urged Jefferson Davis to remove the capital from Richmond. The war would end shortly thereafter.
This is an uncommon Confederate newspaper from Petersburg, with much front page war content including: "Another Glorious…

THE DAILY EXPRESS, Petersburg, Virginia, Feb. 29, 1864 

* Rare Confederate publication

Petersburg was a critical city to the Confederacy, located not far south of the capital of Richmond, and the focus of a six-month long siege when ended in early April, 1865, when Lee withdrew his troops from Petersburg and urged Jefferson Davis to remove the capital from Richmond. The war would end shortly thereafter.
This is an uncommon Confederate newspaper from Petersburg, with much war content…

THE DAILY PROGRESS, Raleigh, North Carolina, Nov. 24, 1864  

* From the fragile Confederate stronghold
* General William T. Sherman at Milledgeville
* March to the Sea - towards Savannah, Georgia

Raleigh was one of the last major cities of the South to fall into the hands of Sherman, surrendering on April 13, 1865, just one day before Lincoln was assassinated. This rare Confederate title is from the latter months of the Civil War.
The front page includes a nearly full column listing of the: "North…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, May 24, 1862 

* Battle of Princeton Court House
* Siege of Corinth, Mississippi

A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy. The front page has: "Heavy Skirmish in the Neighborhood of Richmond", with what appears to a lengthy related editorial on page two which states in part: "This is probably the eve of battle. All facts point to an approaching engagement...and we shall never find another time or another place with the same brilliant…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, April 6, 1864

* From the capital of the Confederacy

Among the many articles are "Yankee Accounts of Forrest's Raid" and ""Negro Equality in the North". Also present is: "Miscegenation--What it Means--Remarkable Confession of a Republican Journal" which begins: "The Yankees are running mad in their love for the negro. Not content with sacrificing one million of lives of their own men in this war for the negro...".
Other coverage includes: "The War News"…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1863  This anti-war newspaper insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently, much content has an anti-North bias.
Articles within include: "Civil Libery of the Soldiers" "Another Draft" "The Republican & Rebel Allies North & South" "The Coming Congress to Abolish Slavery" "The Morals of Abolitionism" "Lincoln A Shakspearian Critic" includes a letter signed by him: A. Lincoln; "The American Freeman's 'Petition of Right' " "The American Question

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1863  This anti-war newspaper insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.
 Among the various articles are "The Purpose & Object of Abolition Lies" "General Jackson" "The Campaign In Ohio" "Abolition Attack on a Democratic Procession--A Fight & Several Killed & Wounded" "An Execution In New Orleans" "Arrest on the Charge of Enticing Slaves to Enlist" "Sound as a Nut" "The Burning of Lawrence, Kansas" and

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, June 10, 1863  

* Rare "Copperhead movement" publication
* Pro Confederate - Confederacy - slavery 
* 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment

This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted that slavery should not be abolished, so much of its content has an anti-North bias.

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, July 17, 1863  

* Battle of Gettysburg
* Eyewitness account

Not only is this a nice newspaper from the Confederacy, but it is from the Confederate capital.
The front page has various war-related content, including items headed: "The News" and a lengthier report: "Spies In The South" and other related items, but certainly the prime front page content is the report headed: "The Invasion of Pennsylvania--The Battle Of Gettysburg--The Retreat To…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, May 5, 1862  

* Jefferson Davis proclamation
* President of the Confederacy
* "Day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer"

Not just a nice Confederate newspaper, but one from the capital of the Confederacy.  Page 2 has a lengthy editorial concerning the Civil War. Also inside are: "Movements & Spirit of the War" "The Fall of Fort Macon" "The Spirit of the South" "A Flag of Truce from General Beauregard to General Buell..." "Telegraphic News" "The Yankee…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, April 11, 1863 The front page includes: "A Word of Justice" "Further From Charleston!" "The Turret of the Iron-Clads Pierced!" "Splendid Spirits of Our Men!" "The Law of Impressment" and more, including a dispatch signed in type: G.T. Beauregard.
The back page has: "The Attack On Charleston" "Details of the Fight!", a lengthy editorial, and much news headed: "Confederate Congress".
A single sheet issue with a full banner masthead, great condition.

DAILY DISPATCH, Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 26, 1862  Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "From the Rappahannock" "McClellan's Departure" "Federal Enrolling Citizens of Norfolk" "Confederate States Congress" "From the South" "Letter from Capt. Brown of the Arkansas" and more.
Complete as a single sheet, some flaking at the bottom margin, generally good.

background: Established in 1850 by James A. Cowardin, the Daily Dispatch rose to prominence as Richmond’s first "penny paper,"…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, May 27, 1863   The front page includes: "The Yankees In York River" "From Vicksburg" "An Act to Establish A Volunteer Navy" "Hostage Retained" & other items including many more Acts from the Confederate Congress.
The back page has a lengthy editorial concerning the war, focused on the Act noted: "It is to be hoped that some speedy & practical results will be realized from the law passed at the last session of Congress, to establish a volunteer navy...".…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, April 9, 1863  

* Rebel General P.G.T. Beauregard defense
* Naval attack on Charleston, South Carolina

The front page includes: "The Situation In The West" "The Parole of Federal Prisoners" "Latest From the North" "The Fight Opened at Charleston!" "The Attack Commenced!" "Terrific Firing on Both Sides!" "Official Dispatches from General Beauregard!" with two of them, each signed in type: G. T. Beauregard.
The back page begins with a lengthy editorial…

THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, April 13, 1861  When it comes to collecting historic events it is desirable to find a newspaper printed as close to the place or event as possible. Here is a Charleston newspaper reporting the opening battle of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. They don't get much better.
The top of a front page column has heads: "Bombardment of FORT SUMTER!" "Splendid Pyrotechnic Exhibition" "Fort Moultrie Impregnable" "The Floating Battler & Stevens' Battery a Success" "…

THE DAILY CONSTITUTIONALIST, Augusta, Georgia, Jan. 30, 1863 

* Very rare Confederate publication

 Among the war reports from this Confederate title: "Yankee Army Stuck in the Mud" "Curtis Claims a Victory" "The Confederate Steamer Florida" "The Address to Lincoln from the People of Manchester, England" concerning the slavery issue; "Another Attack Imminent at Vicksburg" "500 Yankees Working on the Canal" "Yankee Army Nearly Swallowed Up in the Mire" and much more.
Four pages, never bound nor…

FLAKE'S WEEKLY BULLETIN, Galveston, Texas, July 10, 1864  Although we have had several of this title in the past, we believe this is the first we have offered from during the Civil War.
Among the articles: "Morgan's Raid in Kentucky" "Shenandoah Valley" "From Southern Papers" "The Blockade Runner Isabel Again" "Hunter's Army In the Field" "The Campaign in Virginia" "What Grant is Doing--The Campaign Reviews" and more.
Complete as a single sheet issue, some creases, a few discrete archival mends,…

THE DAILY PROGRESS, Raleigh, North Carolina, Nov. 30, 1864  

* General William T. Sherman 
* March to the sea - Georgia
* In a rare Confederate title

Raleigh was one of the last major cities of the South to fall into the hands of Sherman, surrendering on April 13, 1865, just one day before Lincoln was assassinated. This rare Confederate title is from the latter months of the Civil War.
The front page has reports headed: "Legislative Proceedings" "Congressional" and also: "Northern…

RICHMOND ENQUIRER, Virginia, Sept. 18, 1862 

* Robert E. Lee proclamation to Marylanders 
* Prelude to the Battle of Antietam - Sharpsburg
* From the capital of the Confederacy 

The front page has: "General Lee's Proclamation To the People of Maryland" which presents his reasons for the Confederate army being in that state. Remember that the battle of Antietam was fought just the day before, although not reported in this issue.
There is a lengthy introductory document spewing much…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, July 8, 1863 

* Battle of Gettysburg Coverage and more 
* Rare Confederate title from rebel capital

Not only is this a nice newspaper from the Confederacy, but it is from the Confederate capital.
A great issue on the events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg, with reaction of nearby cities, the retreat & pursuit of the Confederates,  reports on the events immediately following Gettysburg, and more.
The front page includes: "The Defense of Richmond"…

DAILY DISPATCH, Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 1, 1862  

* From the capital of the Confederacy
* John Hunt Morgan proclamation 

Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Affairs on the Rappahannock--Depredations of the Enemy--The Approaching Conflict" "Affairs in North Carolina" "Vandalism in Memphis" "Dashing Cavalry Exploit in Mississippi--A Fighting Parson" "A Picture of New England Society Which is Not At All Flattering" "Affairs at Vicksburg--Address of General Van Dorn"…

DAILY EXAMINER, Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 24, 1865  

* From the capital of the Confederacy

Not only a newspaper from the Confederacy but from its capital as well. 
The front page has: "The War News" which includes several subheads, including: "Gold & Currency" "The War Office" "Military Exemptions in Congress" "The Richmond Lines" and a bit more. Also on the front page: "Additional From the North "Wilmington Not To Be Attacked" "Deplorable Condition of Kentucky" "General Joseph E.…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, May 28, 1863  

* Confederate capital

A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy. The front page includes a brief item headed: "Military Appointments" noting those for Generals A.P. Hill and Ewell. The front page also has quite a few Acts of the Confederate Congress. The back page has a nice editorial which begins: "The Northern journals just received are marvels of typography. Victory and Vicksburg cover their pages in more wonderful letters…

THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, June 13, 1862  

* From the origin of the American Civil War

From this stronghold of the Confederacy. War-related reports include: "The Naval Battle Off Memphis" "The News of the War--Full Yankee Accounts of the Battle of the Seven Pines" which takes over 2 columns; "From Chattanooga" "All Quite Along the Lines".
Complete as a single sheet issue with full banner masthead, loss to some blank margin at the top not touching any text, minimal fold…

DAILY DISPATCH, Virginia, March 26, 1862  

* Rare Confederate publication
* General Abraham Lincoln

The front page includes: "Notes On The War" which includes a General Order from General H. Marshall concerning travel & communication in the Cumberland Mountains, noting in part: "...The country is infested with spies. Unless a man now comes from Kentucky to join the army & to assist to defend his country & to secure the independence of the South, he had better remain at home..." with…

RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Aug. 24, 1864  The front page has: "The War News" beginning: "There is nothing new from Petersburg...The enemy are still upon the Weldon railroad...The battle of last Sunday was not half the battle we at one time thought it...". Also: "The Situation at Mobile" with subheads: "A Naval Skirmish" and "Fort Morgan". Also: "From Georgia" which begins: "There was heavy artillery firing on the centre last night..." and much more. There is also: "From Petersburg" and a:…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Oct. 31, 1862 

* From the capital of the Confederacy 
* Major General Joseph Hooker letter
* Official account pf the Battle of Glendale

Not just a newspaper from the Confederates States, but from the capital of the Confederacy. The front page includes: "Confederate & State Authority" "Killed At Pocotaligo" "Southern Items" "The Courts" "City Intelligence" "The Way Whiskey is Smuggled Into Richmond" and several Acts from the Confederate Congress.
The…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Aug. 12, 1862 

* From the capital of the Confederacy

 Not just a newspaper from the Confederate, but from the capital of the Confederate states. The front page has: "Important From the North--Call For 600,000 More Men--A Draft to Be Immediately made" "From Culpeper" "From The South Side" "Changing His Base" with the bulk of the front page taken up with a lengthy list of Acts of the Confederate Congress, many relating to the Civil War.
The back page…

CHARLESTON DAILY COURIER, South Carolina, Dec. 28, 1863 

* From the origin of the American Civil War

This was one of just a few Confederate newspapers that printed in the dateline: "Confederates States Of America".
Among the reports are three front page Acts of the Confederate Congress; "Siege of Charleston"  "Atrocities of the American War".
Most of the back page is taken up with advertisements with some military "Orders" as well.
Complete as a single sheet issue, wide margins, wear…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 26, 1862  Among the articles are: "The Battle of Logan's Cross Roads--Official Report of Gen. Thomas" "The Capture of Fort Henry" "The Burnside Expedition--Battle at Roanoke Island" "Petitions Against Free Negroes" "The Fight at Donelson--Particulars" "Gen. Grant's Official Report of the Battle of Fort Donelson..." signed in type: U.S. Grant; and much more.
Eight pages, some fold & margin rubbing, foxing at the front page folds, generally good.

Described as…

WESTERN SENTINEL, Winston, North Carolina, May 2, 1862

* Battle of Shiloh
* P.G.T. Beauregard
* Fall of New Orleans

This is a very rare title from the Confederacy. According to Brigham only four institutions in the United States have any holdings of this title from the Civil War, most just a few scattered issues. The American Antiquarian Society has no issues recorded from this era.
The front page has: "The Next Few Weeks" which begins: "Great armies are confronting each other with…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Oct. 6, 1862 

* Rare Confederate publication from the capital 
* General Benjamin F. Butler order # 76  

Not just a nice Confederate newspaper, but from the capital of the Confederacy through which all important war news and reports flowed.
The front page includes: "From The Army of Northern Virginia" "The Military Exemption Act" with many subheads. Also: "Correspondence" which includes several (see photos), and: "Later From the North" "Latest News…

DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Feb. 7, 1862  Half of the front page is taken up with ads with the other half having various news items, including: "Interesting From the North--Notes On The War" with various subheads. Also reports on: "American Affairs In Europe" "The Grand Army to Advance" "The Burnside Expedition--The Design of its Operations" "An Abolition Story--Negro Officers in the Southern Army" "The Cost of the War" and more.
Over two columns on page 2 are taken up with the…