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One of the more fascinating publishers from the Civil War...
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One of the more fascinating publishers from the Civil War...

Item # 716761 ·
BROWNLOW’S KNOXVILLE WHIG, AND REBEL VENTILATOR, Tennessee, Oct. 26, 1864  W. G. Brownlow, or  Parson Brownlow, was a fascinating personality to say the least. He regarded anyone who disagreed with him about religion or politics as an enemy. The circuit-riding Methodist parson turned to the press to spread his harsh anti-Presbyterian, anti-Calvinist rhetoric, and to spread his fervently held views on the inferiority of blacks & his unalterable opposition to secession. In 1861 Brownlow’s criticism of the Confederacy led the government to shut down his newspapers for 2 years. In December, 1861, Brownlow was arrested on a charge of high treason against the Confederacy. He spent much of 1862 touring the North giving pro-Union lectures & when he returned to Knoxville in 1863 the federal government provided him with a press, some type, $1500, & a government printing contract (credit Wikipedia). 
His first issue under the title noted was dated Nov. 11, 1863 but after just 2 issues it would be suspended until January 9, 1864, and then it would only last until February, 1866.
Among the great wealth of fascinating articles are: "Our Appeal to the People" "Letter from Alexander H. Stephens - His Views of Peace!! - States rights Advocated!!" "Who Support McClellan and Pendleton" "The Exodus from Richmond" "Letter from A Baltimore Rebel" "Bad Repute of Union Men" "Brilliant Victory of the Colored Troops Near Fort Donelson - 250 of Forrest's Cavalry Whipped by 83 Negroes - Rebels Leave Their Killed on the Field" "The Graveyards of Atlanta" "The Battle of Impostors" and more.
The top of page two has a nice political notice supporting: "For President, ABRAHAM  LINCOLN of Illinois...". The back page has nearly half a column taken up with the: "Prospectus of Brownlow's Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator". Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.
An opportunity for one of the more fascinating newspapers of the Civil War.

Item from our most recent catalog - #370 - released for September, 2026

Category: Yankee
Price
$175
100% Authentic: Original printing, never a reproduction.