SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, Virginia, February 14, 1863  A very rare publication from the Confederacy, only a few issues of which having come into our inventory over the past 35 years. Although much of the content was literary in nature, there are news reports and a few illustrations.
The front page is dominated by a nice print of: "Commodore D.N. Ingraham" with a biography of him as well, which ends with: "...Commodore Ingraham succeeded in destroying three of the enemy's vessels and effectually breaking, for a time, at least, the boasted Yankee blockade." (see photos).
Page 2 has some interesting editorial reporting on the current events of the Civil War under the heading: "The Times", including in part: "Everything has been as still as death at Fredericksburg. 'Fighting Joe', we presume, has been getting his men ready for another 'On to Richmond'...The Yankees attacked General Pryor...they were repulsed with considerable loss..." and "...the Yankees, alarmed at this state of things, have determined to put the finishing stroke on Charleston, if they can...A combined naval and military attack seems to be contemplated...From Vicksburg we learn that a Yankee iron-clad or (cotton-clad) had passed the batteries & gone below. The Yankees are straining every nerve to get the canal through...Twenty-five of Morgan's men attacked four hundred Yankees at McMinnville...and routed them...'Fighting Joe Hooker' has published a proclamation to his army in which he tells them that they are better equipped & more valiant than the Rebels..." and more (see). Also on page 2 is: "Lincoln On The Lyre". Much of the balance of the issue is taken up with literary items, including a full column poem titled: "The Battle of St. Paul's; Fought in New Orleans on Sunday, Oct. 12th, 1862".
The back page has a cartoon featuring a "colored lady" (see photos).
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.
Complete in 8 pages, very nice condition. This is the volume 1 number 23 issue.