Historic Newspapers: Battles of the Civil War

NEW HAMPSHIRE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, Manchester, 1861  The title reflects the theme of this issue, being primarily a farming-related newspaper with agricultural concerns taking much of the front page and some inside space as well. However Civil War reporting is found on page two with a review of the week's battle events and military concerns. Of added significance is the large and very decorative masthead engraving which includes a central pastoral scene bordered by two women, one with a…

NEW HAMPSHIRE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, Manchester, 1861  The title reflects the theme of this issue, being primarily a farming-related newspaper with agricultural concerns taking much of the front page and some inside space as well. However Civil War reporting is found on page two with a review of the week's battle events and military concerns. Of added significance is the large and very decorative masthead engraving (see photo) which includes a central pastoral scene bordered by two women, one…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1861  Much of front page is taken up with a print of: "Major Anderson, U.S.A., Commanding At Ft. Sumter" with a biography of him. Also in this issue is a dramatic full page: "The Battle of New Orleans, Fought Jan. 8, 1815" & "Sketches of Ft. Moultrie" which has 5 prints; "Senator Seward's Arabian Horses--Maanake Hedroge and Siklauy-Gidran" "Occupation of Castle Pickney by the Charleston Militia" and "Entry of Anderson's Command into Ft. Sumter on Christmas…

THE PALMETTO FLAG, Philadelphia, March 30, 1861 

* Very rare pre-Confederate Northern publication
* Pro Southern secession - Civil War about to start

An exceedingly rare newspaper as only three issues were published, this being issue #1. This is just the second issue of this title we have encountered in our 50+ years.
As the title might hint, this was a newspaper that sympathized with the Southern cause of the war which was just then beginning (Fort Sumter battle was April 12). It's…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 30, 1861  The full front page is a print titled: "April Fool's Day In New York, Opposite the Astor House". Inside has a page with prints of New Orleans: "View In French Quarter" & "The Crescent City" from the docks; and "The Levee" and 2 scenes of: "Lafayette Square". Also inside are a two-thirds print: "Map of the Coast Line From the Mouths of the Mississippi to Pensacola"; a print of: "Peter Cooper, Esq. Aged 71" and a print of: "The Cooper Union for the…

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" "…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 20, 1861  The front page shows: "Hon. Charles F. Adams, U.S. Minister to England" as well as a view of: "The Confederate Batteries Opposite Fort Pickens, Florida". Inside has a full page 5 panel print of: "Commander Dahlgren, U.S.N. and the Dahlgren Gun", and a full page of: "The Washington Navy-Yard With Shad Fisheries In the Foreground".
The doublepage centerfold shows: "The United States Fleet Off Fort Pickens, Florida".A halfpg: "Shipment of Military…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 4, 1861  The full front page is taken up with a famous print: "The House-Tops in Charleston During the Bombardment of Sumter" showing men & women viewing the battle in the harbor.
Inside has a full page: "Map of Part of Maryland and Virginia Showing the Probable Theatre of the War", and "The Great Meeting In Union Square, New York, to Support the Government". Also a fullpg: "The Boston Regiments Embarking for Washington the Jersey City Cars" and another: "The…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 11, 1861  The front page has prints of: "Colonel Ellsworth of the Fire Zouaves" and "Colonel Wilson of Wilson's Brigade" with related text.
Inside has many war-related prints including: "View of Fort McHenry, Baltimore" "The Burning of the Bridge at Canton, Maryland, by the Mob" "The Rendezvous of the Virginians at Halltown, Virginia...to March on Harper's Ferry", "The Burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry" "The March of the Virginians on…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 25, 1861  The full front page is a dramatic print: 'Willard's Hotel, Washington, Saved by the N.Y. Fire Zouaves' showing fireman battling the blaze.
Other prints within including a full page with 2 view of: "Camp Cameron, Georgetown, D.C.", a three-quarter page print: "Evening Parade at Fort Pickens--Col. Brown Announcing to His Men Major Anderson's Gallant Defense at Fort Sumter", a half page: "Cooking & Eating Arrangement's in the Court Yard of the Treasury…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, June 1, 1861  

* Battle of Aquia Creek Civil War map
* Union Navy gunboats vs. Confederate batteries
* One of the first battles of the war

The format of this title at this time was advertisements on the front page with the wealth of Civil War reporting on inside pages. 
The back page includes a Civil War map headed: "Acquia Creek and Its Environs" with a lengthy caption. Page 5 has columns heads including: "THE WAR FOR THE UNION" "Stampede of Slaves from Maryland &…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, June 15, 1861 

* Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
* Confederates evacuation 
* Prelude to Battle of Bull's Run

The format of this title at this time was advertisements on the front page with the wealth of Civil War reporting on inside pages. 
A feature of this issue is the nice & detailed back page map headed: "Harper's Ferry And The Region Round About." Column heads includes: "Harper's Ferry Evacuated" "The Rebels March Towards Manassas" "The War for the Union" "More…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 20, 1861  

* Battle of Boonville, Missouri

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "HIGHLY IMPORTANT NEWS" "The Particulars of the Battle of Booneville, Mo." "Utter Rout of the Rebel Forces" "Important From Western Virginia" "Another Fight At Phillippa Expected" "Important From Missouri" "Unsuccessful Attempt of the Rebels to Cross the Potomac" and more.
Eight pages, good condition.

Background: The 1861 Battle of Boonville, Missouri, carries immense historical…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, June 21, 1861

* Piedmont, West Virginia
* Savannah, Missouri 
* Early in the Civil War

This genuine newspaper has a wealth of Civil War reporting from during Abraham Lincoln's administration. Among the one column headlines on the Civil War are: "THE REBELLION" "Advance of the Outposts of the Hostile Armies" "Active Preparations for an Engagement" "A Grand Battle Hourly Expected" "Reported Fight At Piedmont, VA." "Skirmish at Savannah, Mo., and Defeat of the…

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, June 22, 1861  

* Very nice full front page map of Virginia 
* Early months of the American Civil War

The entire front page is taken up with a huge Civil War map, headed: "THE SEAT OF WAR IN VIRGINIA - Position of the Rebel Forces, Batteries, Entrenchments and Encampments in Virginia -- The Fortifications for the Protection of Richmond."
Various war reporting on the inside pages.
Eight pages, a few small, older tape stains, good condition.

Background: In June…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 27, 1861  Among the front page one column heads on the Civil War are: "THE GREAT REVOLT" "Conflicts With the Rebels" "The United States Forces Victorious" "General Scott's Plans for the Campaign" "Movements of the Rebels at Various Points" "Appropriations of the Confederates for Carrying on the Rebellion" "The Camp at Cairo" "From Tennessee" "Affairs at Camp Hamilton" and more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 29, 1861  The entire front page is taken up with a Winslow Homer print titled: "The War--Marking Havelocks For the Volunteers". Among the full page prints inside are: "Camp Slifer" which has 3 images including: "March of Troops" and "From Chambersburgh". Also: "The Battle of Great Bethel" "Charge of Duryee's Zouaves (Fifth Regiment New York Volunteers) at the Battle of Great Bethel" and: "Our Army Of The Potomac" which as 4 scenes.
Other smaller prints,…

STEAMER BULLETIN--FOR THE ATLANTIC STATES AND EUROPE, San Francisco, California, July 1, 1861

* Rare steamship - steamer publication 
* First year of the American Civil War

"Steamer editions" are rarely found today. They were special editions meant for East Coast consumption--in this case Europe as well.
This is an edition of the San Francisco Bulletin. As noted on page 4, the Daily Bulletin published every evening except Sunday. The "Steamer Bulletin, Double sheet of eight pages,…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 4, 1861  Among the first column heads on the Civil War are: "The Engagement Near Martinsburgh" "Official Report of Maj.-Gen. Patterson" "10,000 Rebels Routed" "Preparations for the Advance Towards Manassas Junction" "Gen. Fremont to Command the Great Western Movement' & more.
Eight pages, minor rubbing at the central fold, mostly good condition.

Background: This historic eight-page Independence Day edition of The New York Times from July 4, 1861, serves as a remarkable time…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 6, 1861  The full front page is a print: "Constituent Convention of Virginia Assembled in the Custom House at Wheeling, Ohio Co." Among the full page prints within are: "Birds-Eye View of the Mississippi River & the Adjacent Country From St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico"; "Scenes of Camp &  Army Life in General Williams's Brigade" which includes 9 scenes; "Tennessee Riflemen Entering Winchester from Strasburg..." and: "Harper's Ferry, As Evacuated by the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 13, 1861 The front page features: "Battle of Boonville, Missouri" and smaller illustrations of: "Brigadier-General Lyon, U.S.A." and "The late Captain Ward".
Inside prints include a full page: "The Cabinet at Washington" showing Abraham Lincoln and the others. Also featured is a full page Winslow Homer print: "Crew of U.S. Steam-Sloop Colorado"; a full page: "How Volunteers Are Treated in Philadelphia" showing four scenes; a full page: "A Slave Auction at the…

NEW YORK ILLUSTRATED NEWS, July 15, 1861  Formatted much like the popular Harper's Weekly, but a much scarcer title.
The full front page shows: "Capture of a Picket After Heroically Defending Himself Against About 50 Assailants, near Cloud's Mill, Virginia". Other prints include a dramatic double page centerfold: "Indian Massacre on the Frontier. Descent On a Settler's Cabin In Arizona" (small binding holes at the fold); "Arsenal at St. Louis" "The Rebel Major-Gen era Robert E. Lee, of…

NEW YORK HERALD, July 15, 1861  Among the lengthy stack of front page column heads on the Civil War: "THE REBELLION" "Unwonted Activity in the War Dept." "The Effect of Gen. McClellan's Victory at Rich Mountain" "Surrender of Col. Pegram with 600 Rebels" "The Rebel Lss About 150" "The Beginning of the End" "Rebel Troops Anxious to Return to Their Allegiance to the Union" "News From Fortress Monroe" "The Battle at Rich Mountain" "General McClellan's Report of Lt. General Scott" sand much…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 17, 1861  The front page has great coverage on the days just before the historic Battle of Bull Run, with first column heads: "THE GREAT REBELLION" Advance of the Grand Army under Gen. McDowell" "The Rebels at Fairfax & Manassas to be Overwhelmed" "Full Details of the Battle of Cartrick's Ford" "Measures for the Suppression of Southern Piracy" and more. War coverage continues inside as well.
Eight pages, nice condition.

Background: This July 17, 1861 issue of The New…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 17, 1861 

* Battle of Bull Run nears 
* General Irvin McDowell movements 
* Battle of Rich Mountain 

The front page has great coverage on the days just before the historic Battle of Bull Run, with first column heads: "THE GREAT REBELLION" Advance of the Grand Army under Gen. McDowell", "The Rebels at Fairfax & Manassas to be Overwhelmed", "Full Details of the Battle of Cartrick's Ford", "Measures for the Suppression of Southern Piracy" and more. War coverage…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 19, 1861 The front page has some great column heads on the Civil War including some just preceding the historic Battle of Bull Run: "THE INSURRECTION" "Progress Of The Grande Army" "Details of the Movements of the National Troops" "Scenes at Fairfax Court-House" "Important Rumor from Pensacola" "Insurgents Landing at Sewell's Point" "Skirmishing in Missouri" "Movements of the Rebels" "The Advance on Fairfax' "A Secession Outbreak in Illinois" and more.
Eight pages, very…

Here is a unique opportunity for a pair of issues--one Yankee and the other Confederate--of the identical date of July 22, 1861 both reporting on the First Battle of Bull Run, one from the New York Tribune and the other from the Confederate capital of Richmond, titled the Daily Dispatch, providing a perspective of how the news was reported with all the "spin" & biases that were rampant on both sides of the border. As you see, both sides claimed victory:

TRIBUNE:  The top of page 5 begins…

WESTERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 24, 1861  

* 1st Battle of Bull Run - Manassas, Virginia
* 1st major land battle of the American Civil War

The front page begins with a lengthy editorial report on the Battle of Bull Run, the first notable battle of the Civil War. Also on the front page: "Civil War vs. Rebellion".
Reports inside include: "The Battle of Cheat River' "Iron-Clad Ships" "The War For the Union" "Current Events" and other items.
Eight pages, good…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 24, 1861 

* 1st Battle of Bull Run - Manassas, Virginia
* 1st major land battle of the Civil War (historic)

Most of the front page is taken up with excellent coverage and detail on the Battle of Bull Run with first column heads including: "THE GREAT REBELLION", "The Victory of Sunday & How it Was Lost", "Exaggerations of the First Reports Corrected", "The National Army Not Routed", "The Rebel Loss Estimated at 3000", "Shocking Barbarities Perpetrated by the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 27, 1861  The front page is taken up with prints of "General Prentis" "Brigadier-General Williams" and a scene of: "Departure of General Lyon & His Command from Boonville, Missouri, for the Arkansas Border."
Other prints inside include: "The Battle of Rich Mountain" & another full page of "Wilson's Zouaves in the Ditch & Covered Way on the Land Front of Fort Pickens". A displayable full page includes 4 vignettes headed: "Fourth of July at Camp Hamilton Near…

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…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 3, 1861  The front page features two prints on the Civil War, captioned: "The Death of the Rebel General Garnett, at the Battle of Laurel Hill" and "Bringing in the Misses Scott as Prisoners to Fall's Church, Va." with a related article.
Inside includes a print of "Major-General McClellan", a nearly half pg: "Presentation of a Flag to the Webster Regiment, Boston...", a nearly half pg: "The Attack on the Second Mate" which includes an African-American; small…

STOCKTON DAILY INDEPENDENT, Stockton, California, Aug. 5, 1861

* Battle of Bull Run
* Civil War

Page 2 has a lengthy editorial: "The Late Battle--It's Moral Effects" which is nearly a column. Page 3 has: "Details of The Great Battle which takes nearly 2 1/2 columns. The top of the front page has reports headed: "Arrival of the Pony Express"
Four pages, a bit irregular at the spine, nice condition.

WESTERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1861  

* Rebel president Jefferson Davis
* Battle of Bull Run - Manassas 

Although the title would suggest mostly religious content, there is also much reporting on the on-going Civil War.
From the beginning months of the Civil War, items include: "Davis's Report of the Battle" being the Battle of Bull Run. 
Reports inside include: "Enlistments & Re-enlistments" "Current Events" "The War For the Union" "Rebel Atrocities" and…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 9, 1861 

* Battle of Athens MO Missouri
* Post Bull Run casualties

Among the front page one column heads on the Civil War are: "THE REBELLION" "The Rebels Throwing Up Entrenchments at Fairfax Court House" "Movements of Troops in Gen. McClellan's Army" "Sharp Action & Defeat of the Rebels at Athens" "The Rebels Again Retreat Before General Lyon" & more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

 HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 10, 1861  The front page includes a print of "Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton". Inside has a full page: "Retreat of Our Troops from Bull Run, by Moonlight, Colonel Blenker's Brigade Covering" and a very dramatic full page: "Charge of the Black Horse Cavalry Upon the Fire Zouaves at the Battle of Bull Run"; a full page map: "...of the Seat of War In Virginia" and a full page: "Balloon View of Fortress Monroe & the Mouth of the Chesapeake", & yet another full page:…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 17, 1861  The front page shows: "The Wounded Zouave In the Hospital at Washington--The Hospital for the Wounded at Washington." Inside has individual prints of: "General McDowell" "General Mansfield" "Colonel Blair" and "Flag-Officer Stringham". Also a full page of: "A New Regiment of Mass. Volunteers Passing Faneuil Hall, Boston On Their Way to the War."
Other prints include: "Rescue of Col. Smith's Command at Monroe, Missouri, by Governor Wood of Illinois"…

HARPER'S WEEKLY dated August 17. 1861 (print only)

This is a single-page print. The page contains two engravings entitled "A Fire Zouave Relating His Experience of the Battle of Bull Run in the Street at Washington" and "Recapture of the Schooner 'Enchantress' by the Gun-Boat 'Albatross'".

The print size is approximately 11 x 15.75 inches.

THE WORLD, New York, Aug. 17, 1861  

* Abraham Lincoln presidential proclamation (86)
* "Prohibiting Commercial Trade with States in Rebellion"

Among the first column heads on the Civil War are: "LATEST NEWS" "The Southern Rebellion" "A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT" "No More Commerce With the Rebels" "Reported Battle Near Leesburg" and more.
The first column also has: "A Proclamation" which is signed in type by the President: Abraham Lincoln, in which he prohibits commercial trade…

DAILY DISPATCH, Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 21, 1861 

* From the Confederate capital

A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy. Much of the front page is taken up with: "Finances Of Confederate Government" taking over 2 1/2 columns. Also on the ftpg: "The Call for Militia", "Hessian Deviltry at Harper's Ferry, Va." and "A Call Upon the Ladies of Richmond". The front page also has two illustrated runaway reward ads and many recruiting ads as well.
The war news continues on the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 24, 1861  Half of front page shows: "Presentation of Prince Napoleon by Secretary Seward to the President", which shows Abraham Lincoln. Other prints within include a full page: "General McClellan & His Staff" & fullpg: "Splendid Charge of U.S. Cavalry at the Battle of Dug Spring, Missouri" & "Scenes in the Brooklyn Navy Yard" including a print of a gun boat under construction.
Perhaps the most dramatic print in this issue is the doublepage centerfold of: "The…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, August 28, 1861 

* Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes 

Among the front page one column heads on the Civil War are: "THE REBELLION", "Important From the Upper Potomac", "Rumored Engagement Near Edwards' Ferry", "Reported Defeat of Gen. Tyler's Forces by the Rebels in Western Virginia", "Departure of a Formidable Naval Expedition Under Gen. Butler & Com. Stringham" & more.

Eight pages, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 30, 1861  Among the first column heads on the Civil War are: "The Rebellion Record" "The Department Being Purified of Traitors" "Rebel Post-Routes Cut Off" "Further Details of the Skirmishes in Virginia" "Affairs In Missouri" "News From the Rebels at Manassas" "They are Sick & Badly Supplied, but Eager for a Battle" and more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 31, 1861 Nice full front page print of: "General Lyons At the Battle of Springfield" showing him on horseback. Full pg: "Lt. General Scott & the Major Generals of the United States Army" showing McClellan, Dix, Scott, Fremont, and Banks. Halfpg: "The 14th Massachusetts Regiment Marching up Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, in a Storm" and half pg: "General Siegel Forcing His Prisoners to Draw Off his Cannon at the Battle of Springfield". Half pg: The Burning of…

ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, August 31, 1861 

* The Surrey eleven cricket team portrait
* Battle of Bull Run - Manassas (in America)

Inside has: "The Surrey Eleven" with a full page portrait of the cricket team.
Another full-page print has: "The Civil War In America: Engagement Between The 71st New York And An Alabama Regiment At The Battle Of Bull Run".
Other prints include: "Regatta at Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia" "General View of Sydney, New South Wales" and more.
Complete in…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, Sept. 5, 1861  Among the various front page column heads on the Civil War are: "THE REBELLION" "Confirmatory Reports of the Death of Jefferson Davis" "Unfounded Rumors of Conflicts in Virginia" "Eagerness of the Hostile Armies for Battle" "Particulars of the Attack & Repulse of the Rebels at Lexington" "Death of Jefferson Davis" "Strong Confirmatory Evidence of the Truth of the Report--The Rebel Flags at Half mast & the Confederate Officers in Mourning..." "Fight at…

NEW YORK HERALD, Sept. 6, 1861  The front page first column has some nice heads: "THE REBELLION" "Confirmation of the Reported Death of Jefferson Davis" (obviously wrong); "The Flags of the Rebels Flying at Half-Staff" "Intense Excitement at Washington" "A General Engagement of the Hostile Armies Expected" "A Great Battle Probable To-Day" "The Union Army Prepared for the Conflict" "North Carolina Troops Withdrawn from Virginia" "Tennessee Rebel Troops at Hickman, Kentucky" and more.
The last…

NEW YORK HERALD, Sept. 12, 1861  

* Rare full front page map
* Battle of Carnifex Ferry

The entire front page is taken up with a huge and very detailed map headed: "THE NATIONAL BATTLE GROUND. The Armies of the Potomac--Encampments of Over 300,000 Armed Men--Scene of the Coming Decisive Conflict" which shows from Washington, D.C. & Alexandria, northwest to Buckeystown, Point of Rocks, and Leesburg, with the Bull Run battlefield to the southwest.
Very rare to find an entire front page taken up with…

DAVENPORT DAILY GAZETTE, Iowa, September 16, 1861

* Rare title from the Civil War
* Battle of Cheat Mountain - West Virginia

This rare title from the Midwestern United States has some Civil War reporting and several interesting advertisements of the day.
This issue measures 25 x 18 inches, not fragile as newsprint from this era was made of cotton and linen rags, allowing them to remain very pliable and easy to handle. Complete in 4 pages, light staining along spine, nice condition.