General James Archer... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...

Item # 582655

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April 18, 1863

SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, April 18, 1863 A very rare publication from the Confederacy which seldom comes to the collector market. Although much of the content was literary in nature, there are news reports and a few illustrations.
The front page is entirely taken up by a print of: "Brigadier-General James J. Archer". A biography of him is found on page 2. Also on page 2 is a column headed: "The Times" which reports the latest events in the Civil War. Among the reports are: "...Col. Wm. Tabb...dashed into Williamsburg...drove out the Yankee garrison, which greatly outnumbered his won force, cut down several of the fugitives, took a few prisoners, secured a Yankee mail...and retired leisurely without loss...The Yankee journals...say the Yazoo expedition is a complete failure & that the whole programme for the capture of Port Hudson has been deranged...Skirmishing between the armies of Bragg & Rosecranz are of daily occurrence...General Morgan met with a repulse at Liberty...The Yankees at Corinth are preparing for either a raid or an evacuation...the long expected attack on Charleston commenced..." with much, much more (see).
The back page has a letter datelined: "Camp on the Blackwater, March 28th, 1863" in which the writer expresses his frustration with changing the Confederate flag (see). the back page also features a bigoted cartoon featuring two slaves (see).
Begun on September 13, 1862 the "Southern Illustrated News" sought to fill the void left when the Southern States lost access to Harper’s Weekly and other illustrated newspapers from the North. In its “Salutatory,” in the first issue the editors state: "...We propose to issue an Illustrated Family Newspaper…devoted to literature, to public instruction and amusement, to general news, and to the cause of our country in this trying hour when she is engaged in a terrible, but resolute and hopeful struggle for her liberty and independence..." Although it could be argued it never lived up to all of these goals as reports from the war were very limited, it was an important publication nonetheless. At its peak boasting as many subscribers as the largest daily paper in Richmond. As with all Southern publications it suffered from lack of supplies, reporters, artists and engravers as many had been drafted either into the military or into the service of the Confederate administration to engrave paper money and stamps. The engravings were crude when compared to Yankee publications.
Eight pages, in very nice condition.

Category: Confederate