Beschreibung:

Remarkable collection of approx. 565 patriotic covers. The majority are unused and bear illustrations of flags, numerous patriotic symbols, slogans, and cartoons representing both the Union and the Confederacy, dating approximately 1861-1865. Accompanied by The Catalog of Union Civil War Patriotic Covers, by William R. Weiss, Jr. Themes include preservation of the Union, slavery, and secession, as well as personalities such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, U.S. Grant, Benjamin F. Butler, George B. McClellan, and Ambrose Burnside. At least 35 covers feature Lincoln's portrait or are Lincoln themed, including: cabinet, liberty, and fence builder; Lincoln with Generals Burnside and McClellan; Lincoln with Vice Presidents Hamlin and Johnson, as well as preceding presidents; the comet of 1861; kicking Jefferson Davis; series of 5 covering fighting Jefferson Davis in five rounds; and mourning envelopes with black borders. More than 25 covers involve the first Union officer to die during the war, Elmer Ellsworth, including memorial scenes and Francis Brownell, his avenger. The collection also features dozens of covers for and against Jefferson Davis, including scenes showing Davis as beaten and hung, and a skull and crossbones used to represent Davis; 50+ covers repudiating secession, such as depictions of "King Cotton" and "Secession Whiskey," as well as the devil having his way with the Southern states (SC, FL, MS, AL, TX, AR, VA, NC, TN, GA, LA); approx. 22 covers with Cotton Diplomacy and blockade running themes; 25+ covers involving slavery and General Butler's contraband; 10+ renderings of animals, including dogs and birds representing General Winfield Scott vs. Jefferson Davis; and 20+ Zouave-themed covers. The work of Charles Magnus is also represented in at least 65 covers, with subject matter ranging from battle scenes and camp life, such as a group captioned "US Naval Expedition," to views of military forts, headquarters, hospitals, and city scenes. Many are multi-colored, but the group does include several printed in bronze ink. Approx. 26 "For the Union" covers by Magnus are offered in the collection, which recognize individual states accompanied by renderings of state seals. Personalized examples include a regimental cover from the 19th Massachusetts Volunteers, signed by Chaplain, E.D. Winslow; examples of "Soldier's Letters." By act of the Confederate Congress, soldiers were authorized to send "DUE" letters with postage collected from the addressee; an embossed cover from the US Sanitary Commission. Some mail was fumigated to prevent the spread of disease; cover with imprint of the US Christian Commission. Envelopes and paper with this logo were provided free to convalescing soldiers; envelope stamped "Examined Prisoner's Letter"; envelope with written address and inscription below that reads, "By Wells & Fargo's Express," with additional envelope affixed on reverse side bearing imprint of "Paid Wells, Fargo & Co."; Confederate and Union folded examples; Confederate adversity covers, such as a paper bag cover; Confederate and Union turned covers; rare CSA triple used cover; and more. Condition: Overall very fine to near excellent condition.