Home >
Very rare wallpaper newspaper...
Very rare wallpaper newspaper...
Item # 556589
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
May 09, 1863
THE WEEKLY JUNIOR REGISTER, Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, May 9, 1863 Although the "Vicksburg Daily Citizen" is the most famous newspaper from the Civil War which used wallpaper as newsprint, there were a few other titles which did so as well. This was one of them, and is--by our experience--considerably more rare than the Vicksburg editions, of which there were several.
Since most paper mills were located in the North, some Southern towns, particularly when under siege, had no source for newsprint and became creative in finding something upon which to print. Wallpaper seemed a logical choice as it was made of paper and was blank on one side. Such issues are exceedingly rare and are highly prized today. We have had this title just once or twice in our 33 years of existence.
Of added significance is that this is a four page wallpaper issue, with news on two pages. Most wallpaper editions were just single-sheet with news on one page. Uncommonly wide top and bottom margins, as wallpaper did not conform to typical newspaper format.
There is nice content in this issue as well. This issue was published not long after the the battle of Irish Bend, near Franklin, led by General Banks. This victory, despite considerable losses, assured the success of the Yankee expedition into Western Louisiana.
There are several "General Orders" By General Banks, including one which noted: "Pillage and depredations upon private property are forbidden and must be suppressed....The loss of property applied to the use of the rebels, or destroyed by fire, will fall upon the owners and the people. If they ask reparation for their losses, the preservation of their property, or a return to peace, prosperity, and power, let them restore the government of the United States!".
There is also a congratulatory order on the successes of the Yankee forces in the battle of Irish Bend (see).
There are other war-related reports in this issue, several of which can be seen in the photos.
I strongly suspect this issue was once owned by an institution as there are some professional archival repairs to the outer edges and the folds (see photos) causing minimal loss of text. Otherwise this issue is in very nice condition. The reverse features a vibrant floral print with other embellishments. Note that wallpaper lot or stock numbers are noted at the margins of the wallpaper side, being "1927". Rest assured this is not a date.
A very rare title and a great example of a curious piece of American history, from shortly after the Confederacy fell in this part of Louisiana.
Category: Yankee
No Longer Available
