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Home Item #715938
What a fascinating story behind this issue...
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What a fascinating story behind this issue...

Item # 715938 ·
SOUTHERN RIGHTS, Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 4, 1862  A fascinating issue with a story similar to that of the iconic Vicksburg Daily Citizen issue of July 4, 1863, when the Union troops found the newspaper still in the press, changed the final paragraph to report the Union takeover, and printed the issue.
This newspaper's story is found in a listing by the American Antiquarian Society:
"Captain Valentine B. Chamberlain was in command of a company of the 7th Connecticut Volunteers who found the printing office and actually printed the issue for Oct. 4, 1862 from the standing type with Capt. Chamberlain's addition in the first column on page 1 (see below). They then burnt the office and removed the press and types. The Oct. 4, 1862 issue was reissued in Hilton Head, South Carolina by Chamberlain, although retaining the Jacksonville imprint; and also reissued later in Jacksonville by the original printers once they had re-established their shop.
Printed at the bottom of this broadside issue is the following: Explanation--when the U.S. Forces under brigadier general J.M. Brannon visited Jacksonville, Fla., the form of the 'Southern rights' was found standing in this office just as it was left by the skedadling rebels. The office was immediately 'cleaned out,' and--there being more 'devils' than printers present-- the form was thrown into 'pi' in less time than it takes to write it. A proof sheet coming into our possession, we re-print the sheet as near like the original as possible, for the purpose of showing to our friends in the North, the 'talent, vigor, heroism and military ardor' that is not displayed in this trophy of Jacksonville."--signed: Printers.
Captain Chamberlain's addition mentioned above is headed: "Notice", and reads, much tongue-in-cheek: "The Editor of this paper is absent from town for a few days on urgent business in the interior. It is therefore announced that the publication of this paper will hereafter be weekly suspended as it has been heretofore, weakly continued.
The taking of our battery after a loss of courage, but no blood, and the presence of the Yankee fleet, and the fearful proximity of Gen. Brannan and his forces, render the 'Southern Rights' precarious."
A very scarce newspaper with a fascinating history. This title is not listed in Gregory, nor can additional information be found online.
Complete as a single sheet, 9 3/4 by 12 inches, printed on the front only, nice condition.

Item from our most recent catalog - #368 - released for July, 2026

Category: Confederate
Price
$2,695
100% Authentic: Original printing, never a reproduction.