Historic Newspapers: Battle of Fort Sumter

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 26, 1861  The front page shows: "The Prayer at Sumter". Other prints inside include: "Firing on the 'Star of the West' from the South Carolina Battery on Morris Island" "Group of Guns & Gun Carriages Dismantled by Major Anderson at Fort Moultrie" "Battery at Fort Moultrie, Bearing on Fort Sumter", a full page: "Fort Sumter, Seen from the Rear, at Low Water" and also: "Main Battery at Fort Sumter, Bearing on Fort Moultrie and the Channel". Also: "Fort Sumter--The…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 27, 1861  The front page shows: "General Thomas Swearing In the Volunteers Called Into the Service of the United States at Washington, D.C." plus there is also text on: "The Bombardment of Fort Sumter".
Inside includes a dramatic full pg: "The Interior of Fort Sumter During the Bombardment" and also a full page: "Map of Charleston Harbor, Showing Fort Sumter & the Confederate Batteries". The doublepage centerfold is another dramatic print of the: "Bombardment…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 26, 1861  The front page shows: "The Prayer at Sumter".
Other prints inside include: "Firing on the 'Star of the West' from the South Carolina Battery on Morris Island" "Group of Guns & Gun Carriages Dismantled by Major Anderson at Fort Moultrie" "Battery at Fort Moultrie, Bearing on Fort Sumter", a full page: "Fort Sumter, Seen from the Rear, at Low Water" and also: "Main Battery at Fort Sumter, Bearing on Fort Moultrie and the Channel". Also: "Fort…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 2, 1861  The full front page is a very nice illustration captioned: "Abraham Lincoln, The President Elect, Addressing The People From the Astor House Balcony". Inside has a full page with 3 scenes: "Fort Moultrie, As Seen From Fort Sumter" "Morris Island, As Seen From Fort Sumter" and "Fort Johnson, As Seen From Fort Sumter". Other prints include: "The Ironclad Battery on Cumming's Point as Seen from Fort Sumter"; and a full page of: "Fort Taylor, Key West,…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, March 22, 1861  

* History about to be made
* Focus on Fort Sumter 

Much of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the coming Civil War, with first column heads: "THE SOUTHERN FORTS" "Sumter Not Yet Evacuated" "Formidable Works Behind the Fort" and also: "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion".
Page 2 begins with: "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion" "From South Carolina" "The Evacuation of Sumter" and more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to a single…

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 PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Feb. 22, 1865  The front page features a very nice graphic headed: "FORT SUMTER--THE OLD FAG WAVING ABOVE ITS RUINS".
The many first column heads relate to the taking of Charleston: "CHARLESTON!!" "Details Of The Evacuation" "Our Forces Occupy the City" "The Place Fired by the Rebels" "Hundreds of Citizens Killed" "Pursuit of the Rebels" and many more.
Eight pages, very nice condition. This would be great for display.

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Nov. 5, 1863  Among the front page column heads are: "Late News From Rebel Sources" "Rebel Account of the Bombardment of Fort Sumter" "Thirteen Soldiers Killed" "3000 Union Prisoners to be Sent to Lynchburg" "The War In Tennessee " and much more.
Eight pages, very nice condition.

NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 25, 1863  Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "SIEGE OF FORT SUMTER" "Interesting Correspondence Between General Gilmore and General Beauregard" "Details of the Bombardment of the 18th Inst." "Important From Tennessee" "General Rosecrsans' Army in Front of Chattanooga" "Fire Opened on the City..." "General Joe Johnston in Command at Chattanooga" "The Rebel Army Demoralized".
Eight pages, one ink spot on the front page, very nice condition.

NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 25, 1863  Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "SIEGE OF FORT SUMTER" "Interesting Correspondence Between General Gilmore and General Beauregard" "Details of the Bombardment of the 18th Inst." "Important From Tennessee" "General Rosecrsans' Army in Front of Chattanooga" "Fire Opened on the City..." "General Joe Johnston in Command at Chattanooga" "The Rebel Army Demoralized".
Eight pages, very nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 19, 1870  The front cover of the issue features a two-third illustration of "The Sheikh." One page consist of a 1/3 pg. illustration. of "The Recent Accident on the Mississippi Central Railroad"; a three small portraits including "Lieut. Commander W. L. Stewart," "Commander E. H. Williams," and "Lieut. Commander A. W. Muldaur" and a half-page illustration of "The Sinking of the "Oneida" by the "Bombay." (Sailboat). Another page consist of 1/3 page illustration…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 12, 1863  The front page illustration shows: "Murder of Lieutenant Beaver by the Sioux Indians". Inside has a full page with two prints: "Gen. Sibley's Indian Expedition--Pursuing the Sioux Over the Coteau Du Missouri, Dacotah Territory, After the Battle of the Big HIlls, July 24, 1863" and: "Sibley's Indian Expedition Crossing the James River, Dacotah Territory". A nice full page shows: "View of the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee, From the North Side of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 23, 1861  The front page is taken up with: "Chantrey's Statue of Washington, Now in the State House at Boston, Massachusetts". Prints within include: "Officers' Quarters at Fort Sumter", "Good-by to Sumter", and a quarter page print by famed artist Winslow Homer: "The Late Rev. Dr. Murray", plus a great full page map: "Map Showing the Comparative Area of the Northern and Southern States East of the Rocky Mountains, 1861" which would be nice for display.
Of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 23, 1861  The front page is taken up with: "Major Anderson's Command at Fort Sumter" which includes 9 officers, one of whom is "Capt. A. Doubleday".
Other prints inside include: "Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina" "Surrender of Ex-General Twiggs, Late of the United States Army, to the Texan Troops in the Gran Plaza, San Antonio, Texas" Fort Brown, Texas" "Fort Lancaster, Texas" "The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, Late Headquarters of Ex-General…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 18, 1861  The front page shows: "The 'Lady Davis', Two Guns, Captain Enger, Ship of War of the Southern Confederacy" and "Rhode Island Artillery Landing from the Steamer 'Bienville' at Washington Arsenal...".
Inside has several full page prints including: "Colonel Ellsworth's New York Fire Zouaves", "Colonel William Wilson & His Staff (Wilson's Fighting Brigade)",  "The Battery or Park Promenade at Charleston, South Carolina, During the Bombardment of Fort…

NEW YORK TIMES, April 5, 1861  

* The Civil War about to begin
* Fort Sumter to be attacked
* History about to be made

This was printed just a week before the formal outbreak of the Civil War.
Among the front page column headlines on the Civil War are: "THE CRISIS APPROACHING" "Meaning of the Extensive Military and Naval Preparations" "Important News From Charleston" "A Schooner Fired Into from Morris Island" "Maj. Anderson Demands An Explanation" "Preparations For An Attack Upon The…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 22, 1876  Full front page Thomas Nast political cartoon 'Cur-Tail-Phobia' shows Uncle Sam, and more. Another full page Nast political cartoon shows the 'Democratic Tiger in the Manger.' A full page illustration entitled 'Centennial Views' is comprised of two half-page illustrations. The doublepage centerfold is a 3/4 size entitled 'The Bay of Galata, Constantinople.' An article on "Mount Vernon" on the decaying state of the estate.
The Supplement features an…

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, April 11, 1861

* Eve of the civil war beginning
* Fort Sumter about to be attacked
* History about to be made

From just one day before the outbreak of Civil War at Fort Sumter with page 2 & 4 items relating to the advent of war: "Warlike Movements and Rumors" "What Has the South Gained?" "The Wheel Moves" "Movement of Forces to the South" "Plans for Aiding Fort Sumter" "Strengthening the Washington Defenses" "Fixing Up for a Big Fight" & more.…

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 City,  April 8, 1911

There is a full color cover page on this issue. The front page of this issue is an illustration of "Revenge is Sweet" by Kemble.

This issue has a photo of "New York's Democratic Senator" and an illustration of "Champ Clark and His Friends." There is a photo of "The Burning of New York's State Capitol" and a full page illustration of "The Joy-Riders" by W. L. Jacobs plus much more.

Other advertisements of the day are included as well,…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 19, 1861  The front page has 4 prints: "Hon. Francis W. Pickens, Governor of South Carolina" "Hon. Judge Magrath, Sec. of State of South Carolina" "Rev. Dr. Bachman Who Asked a Blessing on the Secession Ordinance" and "The Charleston Zouaves". Prints inside include: "Mr. Rarey and Cruiser (horse)"; a: "Map Showing the Forts, Islands, etc. of the Harbor of Charleston, South Carolina";  and "Fort Johnson, Opposite Fort Sumter, Harbor of Charleston, South…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 16, 1861  The entire front page shows: "The Inaugural Procession at Washington Passing the Gate of the Capitol Grounds" which shows Abraham Lincoln & James Buchanan in the carriage.
Inside has a nearly half page print showing: "Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln Entering the Senate Chamber Before The Inauguration" with related text headed: "The Inauguration". Plus there is a large and dramatic doublepage centerfold done by Winslow Homer captioned: "The…

NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 14, 1863

* Second Battle of Charleston Harbor
* Fort Sumter & more bombardment

 Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "Important From Charleston" "Preparations for the Grand Bombardment" "The Fall of Forts Wagner, Cummings' Point, and Sumter Considered Certain" "The Rebels Anticipate the Capture of Sumter" "Removal of the Principal Guns from the Fort to James Island" and more. 
War reporting inside as well.
Eight pages, very nice condition.

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, September 5, 1863  The full front page shows: "Moseby's Guerrillas Destroying Sutlers' Train". Inside prints include a dramatic fullpg: "The Destruction of the City of Lawrence, Kansas and the Massacre of its Inhabitants by the Rebel Guerrillas"; a full page with 4 prints: "Morris Island Sketches"; a three-quarter page map shows: "...That Part of Tennessee Through Which General Rosecrans Advanced From Murfreesboro to Tullahoma and Chattanooga".
A nice doublepage…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 2, 1863  The full front page shows: "Collecting Confiscated Anglo-Rebel Cotton in the Southwest" with several vignettes. Inside has a half page: "Iron-clad 'Keokuk' Sinking on the Morning After the Battle of Charleston, South Carolina" and a nice halfpg. view of: "Suffolk, Virginia". Fullpg: "The President, General Hooker and Their Staffs at a Review in the Army of the Potomac" showing Lincoln on horseback, which is unusual. Also a full page with 2 prints:…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 18, 1865  The entire front page is taken up with a very nice engraving captioned: "President Lincoln Taking the Oath At His Second Inauguration, March 4, 1865" showing just that. A great display issue as such.
An inside page has an article: "The President's Inaugural" which includes the text of his second inaugural address, which includes in part: "...so still it must be said, 'The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.' With malice toward…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 22, 1865  The full front page is a print captioned: "A British Midshipman Restoring the American Eagle in Front of the United States Legation at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands".
But the prime content in this issue is the somber full page print captioned: "Execution of the Conspirators at Washington" which shows four of them hanging from the gallows. The facing page has seven related prints including those captioned: "Execution of the Conspirators--Clergymen…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 29, 1863  The front page features an illustration of: "Rear-Admiral David G. Farragut, U.S.N." and an article on him as well. Inside has 4 halfpg. prints: "The 'Hartford,' Admiral Farragut's Flag-Ship, Arriving at New York and Returning the Salutes of Foreign Frigates", "Explosion of a Torpedo Under the Bow of the United States Gun-Boat 'Commodore Barney,' in the James River", "Funeral of the Late Captain Cailloux, First Louisiana Volunteers (Colored)" and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 23, 1861  The front page is taken up with: "Major Anderson's Command at Fort Sumter" which includes 9 officers, one of whom is "Capt. A. Doubleday".
Other prints inside include: "Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina" "Surrender of Ex-General Twiggs, Late of the United States Army, to the Texan Troops in the Gran Plaza, San Antonio, Texas" Fort Brown, Texas" "Fort Lancaster, Texas" "The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, Late Headquarters of Ex-General…

NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 19, 1861 

* Southern secession
* Fort Sumter tensions
* Prelude to the Civil War

Among the one column heads on the ftpg. are: "The National Troubles" "Animated Debate on the Kansas Bill" "Passage of the Army Bill in Committee of the Whole" "Latest Dispatches from the South" "Declaration of the Georgia Convention in Favor of Secession" "Condition of Affairs at Fort Sumter" and more. Page 2 has: "The Slave Trade" and pg. 5 has: "Later From the Pacific - Arrival of…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, New York, February 9, 1861  The ftpg. includes: "Our National Troubles" "the Trip of the Steam Frigate Brooklyn to Florida" "will fort Sumter Be Taken? " "The Correspondence Between Col. Hayne & the President" "Surrender of the Pensacola Navy Yard & the Cutter Lewis Cass" Condition of Things at the South" and more. Also: "Will Fort Sumter Be Attacked?"

Complete in 12 pages, never bound nor trimmed, little margin wear.

NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 22, 1865   

* Fall of Charleston, South Carolina 
* Fort Sumter flying the U.S. flag

Among the front page column headlines on the Civil War are: "CHARLESTON" "The Rebel Garrison Leave Under Cover of Night" "The City Surrendered by Mayor Macbeth" "ITS OCCUPATION BY OUR FORCES" "The Stars and Stripes Wave Over Sumter" "Over Two Hundred Pieces of Artillery Captured" and more.
Eight pages, very nice condition.

background: On February 21, 1865, during the closing months of the…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 11, 1861  

* Start of the Civil War ?
* Star of the West attacked

From just 4 months before the outbreak of the Civil War, it is not surprising that much content within related to the brewing troubles.
Some column heads include: "Highly Important From Charleston" "The Firing Into the Star of the West" "She is Driven Out of the Harbor" "Patriotic Letter From Maj. Anderson" "War Upon the United States" "Seizure of Forts In Louisiana" "Departure of State Troops"…

THE WORLD, New York City, March 11, 1861 

* Start of the Civil War close (Fort Sumter)
* Tensions at a boiling point in the South
* Southern slavery and the Confederacy
* History about to be made

From just weeks before the outbreak of the Civil War, this issue has some reports on the impending conflict.
The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "STATE OF THE NATION" with various subheads. (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, uncut and untrimmed, light creasing with toning and a little wear at the…

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…

NEW YORK HERALD, Jan. 15, 1861  

* Abraham Lincoln about to change America
* Rise of Southern tensions w/ secession talks

The front page has a nice stack of column heads on the coming Civil War including: "THE REVOLUTION" "Arrival of Messengers from South Carolina & Fort Sumter at Washington" "The Fort Not to be Reinforced" "The Sale of Arms to Secessionists Declared Treasonable" "The Crisis Regarded as a Divine Judgment" and more.
Page 5 has most of a column taken up with: "The…

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT from Boston MA and dated September 15, 1863. This 4 page newspaper is in nice condition due to the use of cotton and rag paper during this very historic time in U.S. history. This issue is loaded with advertisements and Civil War reports throughout from the day it was first reported which includes reports on: Fort Moultrie, James Island, Fort Sumter, Charleston South Carolina SC, Gunboats, Chattanooga Tennessee TN, Deserters and much more. Several interesting…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 9, 1861  The full front page is a print of: "The Seceding Alabama Delegation In Congress" showing nine men. Text on the men takes over half of page 2.
Other prints within include: "Captain J. G. Foster, Engineer Corps U.S.A., On Duty at Fort Sumter" "Arrival of the United States Steam Sloop 'Niagara' At Jeddo, Japan, with the Japanese Ambassadors on Board..." "The Old Indian Agency at Des Moines, Iowa"; a half page map of: "The Harbor of Pensacola, Florida,…

NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 28, 1863

* Second Battle of Fort Sumter
* Charleston Harbor, South Carolina
* Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard

 The front page has a nice print of: "THE REBEL TORPEDOES" with 3 views of it.
First column heads include: "CHARLESTON" "Sumter a Mass of Rubbish" "Shelling of Charleston & Forts Moultrie, Gregg and Beauregard" "The City In Flames" "Indignation of Beauregard" "Application for a Truce..." "General Gilmore Refuses It & Demands an Unconditional…

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…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 9, 1864  Most of the front page is a print: "Longstreet's Sharpshooters Firing On A Federal Supply Train" with some text on it as well. Also ftpg. text on: "The Siege of Charleston". Pages 2 and 3 have much reporting on the Civil War including "Our Men At Richmond" "Soldier's Pay" "First In the Field" "The New Year" "Army & Navy Items" and more. Prints include a full page: "Headquarters of General Thomas--the Captured Cannon" and half pages: "Charge of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 4, 1865  The full front page is a print: "Sherman's March Through South Carolina--Road at the Swamp Crossings." which also has a nice page 2 editorial: "Sherman's True Victory.
Other prints inside include: "Camp Ford, Texas" "The Double-ender 'Pontiac' Descending the Savannah River" "Charleston & Savannah Railroad Through the Swamps" "Map Illustrating the Field of Operations in Virginia & the Carolinas" "Miss Mary Harris" "Plan of Columbia, South Carolina"…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 1, 1865  The front page has a nice print showing: "General Sherman's Entry Into Columbia, South Carolina". Pages 2 and 3 have some interesting war-related articles including: "Davis Asks to be Dictator" "Davis and Lee" "Trade With Rebels" and more.
Other prints within include: "14th and 20th Corps Crossing the Savannah at Sister's Ferry" "The 20th Corps Entering Blackville, South Carolina" "Hanging Rock, South Carolina" "Old Gold Mine Near Cliburne's Store,…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Dec. 1, 1860  The front page shows: "Charleston Scenes" includes "Palmetto Tree & Old Custom House at Charleston" & "Fort Sumter From Sullivan's Is.".
Inside has a print of: "Entrance to Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Ga." & "Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah" "The New State House at Columbia, S.C."
Also a nice Winslow Homer doublepage centerfold: "Thanksgiving Day, 1860, the Two Great Classes of Society" which is a handsome print.   This issue also contains a serialized…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 10, 1876  Nice full front page Thomas Nast: 'Columbia, Beware Of Harboring A Viper In Your Bosom'. Great doublepage centerfold: 'Philadelphia - From the West End Of Callowhill St. Bridge' is displayable. Full page on the 'Centennial' in Philadelphia.' Full page of 6 scenes and text: 'The Andes & The Amazon'.  1/4 page portrait of 'The Hon. Edwards Pierrepont.'
Complete in 16 pages and contains additional prints and related text.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 16, 1861  A very nice display issue for Valentine's Day as the entire front page is a handsome print titled: "Saint Valentine's Day" showing 6 vignettes (see).
Inside pages include a fullpg: "A ten-inch Mounted as a Mortar at Ft. Sumter"; a smaller print: "The Sally Port at Sumter--Interior"; a doublepage centerfold of: "Paris Fashions for February" showing women in fancy dresses; a half page with 4 prints of "The Custom House--St. Charles Hotel--The…

Harper's Weekly, March 30, 1861 through May 4, 1861. This is a six-issue set (part 4) of Harper's Weekly containing the Charles Dickens "Great Expectations" in serialization format. The set provides more than a 10% discount over purchasing the issues individually.

This set would look great displayed in one of our 17 inch by 14 inch display cases which can be viewed at www.rarenewspapers.com/folders.aspx (or by returning to the home page and selecting "storage and display options".

The…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Dec. 21, 1860 

* South Carolina Ordinance of Secession
* Abraham Lincoln as president-elect
* Pre American Civil War Southern tensions 

 With Lincoln's election determined, much national focus is on the slavery issue and the secession of Southern states. 
Certainly the most notable content is the detailed report from the South Carolina convention on seceding from the Union, ultimately approved on December 20.
The page 4 and 5 reporting is headed: "THE SECESSION…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 9, 1861 

* Alabama delegation in U.S. Congress prints
* Secession from the Union - pre-Civil War

The full front page is a print of: "The Seceding Alabama Delegation In Congress" showing nine men. Text on the men takes over half of page 2.
Other prints within include: "Captain J. G. Foster, Engineer Corps U.S.A., On Duty at Fort Sumter" "Arrival of the United States Steam Sloop 'Niagara' At Jeddo, Japan, with the Japanese Ambassadors on Board..." "The Old…