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Rare newspaper, with an engraving of Jeff. Davis when captured...
Rare newspaper, with an engraving of Jeff. Davis when captured...
Item # 609899
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May 25, 1864
BROWNLOW’S KNOXVILLE WHIG, AND REBEL VENTILATOR, Tennessee, May 24, 1865
* Very rare Civil War title - closing events
* Jefferson Davis capture w/ print in dress
* William Gannaway "Parson" Brownlow
W. G. Brownlow, or Parson Brownlow, was a fascinating personality to say the least. He regarded anyone who disagreed with him about religion or politics as an enemy. The circuit-riding Methodist parson turned to the press to spread his harsh anti-Presbyterian, anti-Calvinist rhetoric, and to spread his fervently held views on the inferiority of blacks & his unalterable opposition to secession. In 1861 Brownlow’s criticism of the Confederacy led the government to shut down his newspapers for 2 years. In December, 1861, Brownlow was arrested on a charge of high treason against the Confederacy. He spent much of 1862 touring the North giving pro-Union lectures & when he returned to Knoxville in 1863 the federal government provided him with a press, some type, $1500, & a government printing contract (credit Wikipedia).
His first issue under the title noted was dated Nov. 11, 1863 but after just 2 issues it would be suspended until January 9, 1864, and then it would only last until February, 1866.
Note that at the time of this printing Brownlow was also governor of Tennessee.
Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is the very interesting page 2 woodcut headed: "Jefferson Davis" & beneath which is: "We present herewith a splendid likeness of Jefferson Davis as he appeared when captured by Federal soldiers. ...the ex-President of the defunct Confederacy attempted to make his escape in womans' attire. In fact he had on when captured his wife's petticoats, dress and bonnet. The dress of Jeff.'s wife was not long enough for the 'christian President and Hero', and this exhibited very plainly his large feet and boots. It is fortunate for Jeff. that his large feet and boots revealed his sex under a woman's garb, otherwise his vandal Yankee captors might have made a horrible attempt upon is virtue...".
Other items include on the front page: "Details of the Capture of Jeff. Davis - Jeff. Attempts His Escape Disguised in One of His Wife's Dresses". Inside includes: "Prentice on Jeff. Davis" "Letter of General Stoneman" "The Latest News--Rebel Governor Captured..."Rebel General Forrest Killed" and more.
Complete in 4 pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine, various foxing, generally nice condition.
Category: Yankee
No Longer Available
