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General Godeon Johnson Pillow... Gettysburg... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...
General Godeon Johnson Pillow... Gettysburg... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...
Item # 583611
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August 15, 1863
SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, August 15, 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 includes a print of: "Maj. Gen. Gideon J. Pillow". A biography of him takes up most of the front page and includes his involvement in the Mexican War as well as the Civil War, including: "...His brigade comprised a portion of the command engaged in the memorable fight at Fort Donelson, which was the most bloody & desperate ever witnessed on the American continent..." with more (see).
Inside includes a serialized literary item themed on the Civil War, headed "Outlines From The Outpost" which focuses on: "Captain Moseby's Raid Into Fairfax". Also included is a General Order signed in type by: J.E.B. Stuart, concerning Capt. John Mosby, followed by further war-related reports and another letter signed by J.E.B. Stuart. Elsewhere is a lengthy editorial on the Civil War, beginning: "It is extremely difficult to conceive the extent of the emergency which is now involved in the situation of the Confederacy..." with much more, & reference to the recent Battle of Gettysburg with: "...The failure of the campaign in Pennsylvania, occurring almost simultaneously with the Mississippi disasters...This combination of events has forced back our armies from the Potomac to the Gulf..." and much more (see). The back page features a cartoon captioned: "The Smoking Mania" (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, scattered foxing, generally very nice condition.
Category: Confederate
No Longer Available
