Home > Back to Search Results > One of the more rare titles from the Civil War we have offered...
Click image to enlarge 676627
Show image list »

One of the more rare titles from the Civil War we have offered...



Item # 676627

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.



April 05, 1865

GRANT'S PETERSBURG PROGRESS, Petersburg, Virginia, April 5, 1865 

* Extremely rare military title
* General Ulysses S. Grant
* The Siege of Petersburg ending
* Civil War coming to an end


An exceedingly rare newspaper and the first we have had the opportunity to offer. This newspaper lasted but four issues, printing on April 3, 5, 7 and 10 of 1865 by officers of the 37th Wisconsin Volunteers and the 8th Michigan Veteran Volunteers. As the title suggests, its purpose was to report the closing days of the Confederacy as Grant's Army of the Potomac was advancing upon Petersburg and Richmond.
The content is simply terrific. The editorial near the top of page 1 begins: "Never has this veteran army been in such splendid spirits as at the present time. The cheering news of great victories won by Sherman, Sheridan, and Thomas have made the men desirous to acquit themselves as brave soldiers..." and much more. This is followed by a letter which details the actual possession of Petersburg by the Yankee forces, taking just over a full column. Still on the ftpg. is an article: "Richmond" which begins: "This nest of traitors is in Federal hands. The details of the occupation of the city have not yet reached us. We learn it was taken possession of at 8 o'clock Monday Morning..." with more (see). There is also a very interesting letter: "To Our Patrons" by the printers, stating how this newspaper came into existence (records show they occupied the press of the "Daily Express" newspaper), and how they gather their news, and intend to keep printing tri-weekly. Note one bit mentioning: "...We shall have spies constantly on the watch to pick up items of interest including several contrabands of more than average stupidity...". This is followed by: "The Situation" which begins: "The closing scenes of the rebellion are at hand..." with more. Another article: "Dirge" begins: "Farewell! to Secession! Its death knell is now tolling. Palsied, exhausted it stands trembling on the verge of an abyss of oblivion and turpitude. It is dying, lingeringly and in agony..." with much more, including: "...The Confederacy is dead--dead to all intents and purposes--though its convulsive death-throes may last yet a little longer...".
There is a tongue-in-cheek article: "How Are You Jeff!" followed with an article headed: "Failure Of Grant's Campaign!!!!" beginning: "The above is the caption of an article in the Richmond Whig and will take its place along with the unfulfilled prophecies of history...". Under: "Auction Sales" is: "To be sold very cheap...all that singularly, ineligible and worthless property known as THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. For particulars apply to Jefferson Davis, Richmond, Va."
The back page is mostly taken up with: "Petersburg and Its History" but also has the: "Oath Of Parole" for Petersburg residents who want to travel outside the city.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper, 12 by 19 inches, two folds, some foxing more so to the bottom quadrant of the ftpg., generally in very nice condition with no wear, loss, tears or other disfigurements to speak of. 

Category: Yankee