1861 Balloon View of Washington Harper's Weekly July 27 Louisiana Zouaves Lincoln
$74.47
Skip to product information
This July 27, 1861, issue of Harper's Weekly was published just six days after the Battle of Bull Run. While the news of that disaster was just reaching the editors, this issue captures the peak of Union mobilization in Washington, D.C., and features rare views of Confederate prisoners and innovative "balloon" reconnaissance.
Title: 1861 Balloon View of Washington Harper's Weekly July 27 Louisiana Zouaves Lincoln
📜 ABOUT THIS PIECE OF HISTORY 📜
📜 Balloon View of Washington: This issue features a stunning and "terrific" full-page "Balloon View of Washington, D.C." It provides a unique perspective of the capital during the war, most notably showing the United States Capitol dome only partially completed. It is a premier display piece for historians of the capital and early aerial technology.
📜 Louisiana Zouave Prisoners: Featured is a significant half-page print of "Louisiana Zouave Prisoners in the Guard House at Fortress Monroe." These "Tiger" Zouaves were among the most feared Confederate troops, and this print captures some of the earliest images of Southern prisoners of war being held by federal forces.
🌟 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
🏛️ Presidential & Military Reviews:
Full-Page: "Review of the New York Troops at Washington by General Sandford." This expansive scene shows Abraham Lincoln and his Cabinet observing the troops just before they marched toward the front lines.
Front-Page Portraits: Featuring General Prentiss, Brigadier-General Williams, and the departure of General Lyon's command from Boonville, Missouri.
⚔️ Battle Scenes & Skirmishes:
"The Battle of Rich Mountain" — A key early Union victory in what would become West Virginia.
"Battle of Hoke's Run" — Showing Colonel Starkweather and his Wisconsin Regiment deploying as skirmishers.
"Wilson's Zouaves" — A full page showing the 6th New York Volunteers in the defensive ditches at Fort Pickens, Florida.
⛺ Camp Life & Holiday Observance:
Full-Page: "Fourth of July at Camp Hamilton Near Fortress Monroe." Four vignettes documenting how the soldiers celebrated Independence Day amidst the looming conflict.
Full-Page: "Camp Life with General Williams" — A detailed collection of 9 scenes illustrating the daily routines of the volunteer soldier.
💣 Naval Curiosities:
"Infernal Machine Picked up on the Potomac" — A fascinating look at an early Confederate naval mine (torpedo) recovered by the U.S. Steamer Pawnee.
🗞️ LITERARY & SATIRICAL CONTENT 🗞️
Charles Dickens: This issue includes a serialized portion of "Great Expectations," maintaining its run through the summer of 1861.
Political Satire: Includes a sharp caricature of "Right Reverend Major-General Bishop Polk," the Episcopal Bishop who famously took up a sword for the Confederacy.
War Cartoons: The back page is filled with satirical prints regarding the progress of the "Rebellion."
🔍 CONDITION & TRANSPARENCY 🔍
Completeness: This is the complete 16-page issue, including the Washington Balloon View and the Lincoln review page.
Authenticity: Guaranteed original woodblock printing from July 27, 1861, not a modern reproduction.
Condition Report: This issue is in excellent historical condition. The Balloon View and the Louisiana Zouave prints are particularly crisp and ready for display.
🥂 WHY IT IS A MUST-HAVE 🥂
D.C. & Architectural Collectors: The "unfinished dome" balloon view is one of the most iconic prints of the 1861 volume.
Zouave Enthusiasts: Rare coverage of both Union (Wilson's) and Confederate (Louisiana) Zouaves.
Wisconsin & New York Historians: Essential regimental prints for Starkweather's and Sandford's troops.
Custom Framing: I offer professional framing for any item in my shop. The Balloon View of D.C. or the Lincoln Review would make a museum-quality historical focal point!
📦 SHIPPING & PRESERVATION 📦
Safe Storage: Housed in an acid-free archival folder with a Mylar overlay to protect the 165-year-old newsprint.
Flat Shipping: Shipped with heavy-duty reinforcement to ensure the issue and its full-page prints arrive safely.
Tracked: All orders include tracking for your peace of mind.
🏷️ TAGS (SEO) 🏷️
1861 Harpers Weekly, Balloon View Washington DC, Louisiana Zouave Prisoners, Abraham Lincoln Review, Battle of Rich Mountain, Wisconsin Regiment 1861, Fortress Monroe, Great Expectations Dickens, July 27 1861.
1861 Balloon View of Washington Harper's Weekly July 27 Louisiana Zouaves Lincoln
$74.47