Civil War from Seth Kaller, Inc.

"The American revolution was begun and fought through for an idea—to establish that man is a man—to vindicate the right of every man to equal rights and to equal citizenship…. Every boy imbibes the genius of our free institutions. The poor friendless rail splitter rises to the proudest pinnacle of human power. [Cheers] The poor tailor… Read more about this item

"The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract…" Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is on page 2, along with Edward Everett's entire speech, and a report on the ceremonies. Printed in an important newspaper owned by John Forney, this version is in some ways more accurate than… Read more about this item

Court reporter records the impassioned defense, before the U.S. Supreme Court, by David Dudley Field of Lambdin P. Milligan and others, who were tried by military commission in Indiana during the Civil War and sentenced to death for disloyal activities. The court's landmark decision agreed with Field's reasoning that the federal government could not employ… Read more about this item

"Sherridan has been doing some good work. 1400 prisoners passed here a few days ago that he captured And Report says he has captured 1000 more. A couple of officers stopped here last night, that had just been exchanged. They were captured last August and gave me a good account of their trials & tribulations down… Read more about this item

When enslaved African Americans fled to the ships of the Union blockading fleet, officers often sent them to "contraband" camps such as those at Port Royal, South Carolina, or Fortress Monroe, Virginia, or shipped them north. However, the Union Navy, short on manpower, also encouraged able-bodied male contrabands to enlist. In September 1861, Secretary of… Read more about this item

The USS Western World served in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from 1861-1862. In November 1862, it went to New York for an extensive overhaul. Once complete, by this order Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles transferred the ship to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron for service in the Chesapeake Bay. The… Read more about this item

"with the same determination to divide the country unless they can secure universal abolition, we are exposed to the same dangers every day, and God only knows in what unlucky hour our ruin may be consummated... Compare his policy with McClellan's expression of readiness to receive any State when its people offer to submit to the… Read more about this item

"Thus it is that though the subject of Slavery is constantly agitating the minds of the people, and their opinions are wholly at variance, yet there are many important elements which tend to bind them together. And we are all hoping for a time when these elements shall so combine as to form one universal sentiment… Read more about this item

Frank Leslie published this print as a premium for his new family magazine, Frank Leslie's Chimney Corner, and copyrighted it on April 8, 1865, just a week before Lincoln's death. The image, created by engraver Henry B. Major and lithographer Joseph Knapp, portrays Lincoln, flanked by the First Lady and Vice President Andrew Johnson, greeting Julia… Read more about this item

Assistant Adjutant General Seth Williams writes to Provost Marshal M. R. Patrick that he will ask Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to establish regulations to govern political agents in the camps prior to the 1864 elections. SETH WILLIAMS. Manuscript Letter Signed, to Marsena R. Patrick, October 4, 1864. 1 p. Complete Transcript … Read more about this item

"in the expansion of our system we seek no conquest, subjugate no people, impose our laws on no unwilling subjects. When new territory is brought under our jurisdiction, the inhabitants are admitted to all the rights of self-government." In a speech in the United States Senate, Benjamin supports the annexation of Cuba with no hint of irony… Read more about this item

When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah! / We'll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah! Hurrah!... [PATRICK GILMORE]. Broadside, "When Johnny comes marching home." Philadelphia, Johnson & Co., Song Publishers. [1863-65]. 6 x 9 in., 1 p. Noting that the music was published by Tolman & Co., Boston, and sung to the tune, 'Johnny… Read more about this item

"this place is to be evacuated all the troops and the gunboats leave with us there is a general move of the darkeys they all want to go with us they do not dare to stay here after we leave for fear of the guerrillas I believe we are to take every thing with us that can… Read more about this item

"…the woods was ful of ded rebs" SAMUEL HYDE. Fragment of an Autograph Letter Signed, to his parents, no date [1861-1865], with his drawing of a "Suthern lady." 2 pp. Complete Transcript the rebel los i dont know but we got fifteen prisenrs and thay sed that the woods was ful of ded rebs the next morning our boys went… Read more about this item

"We, the members of the Loyal League, do hereby pledge ourselves, by words and acts, whenever practicable, to use our influence in support of the Government in all its measures for the suppression of the present unholy rebellion; and we will use our influence to discountenance and oppose all efforts in opposition to the Government … Read more about this item

1864. No binding. Condition: Fine. Manuscript Pen and Ink Folk Art Song Book, ca. 1864. 24 pp., 6 5/8 x 8 in. This hand-sewn booklet contains eight songs popular during the Civil War era, with music and lyrics in calligraphy. Songs include "On a Green Grassy Noll" by J. D. Canning, with music by Ira Odell;… Read more about this item

An order from Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to Captain John A. Winslow in Boston, directing that he is relieved of his command. GIDEON WELLES. Document Signed by Gideon Welles, November 23, 1864, 8 x 10 in., 1 p. Full Transcript Forwarded Nov. 28 S.H. [Silas] Stringham Commandant. … Read more about this item

1865. Hardcover. Very Good. Book. Bound collection of separately printed General Orders from the Adjutant General's office for 1865. Containing 168 of 175 consecutive orders, and a 94-page index at front. Bound for Major General William Scott Ketchum, with his name in gilt on the spine and his markings or wartime notes on numerous pages. 4 3/4 x… Read more about this item

1865. No binding. Fine. Broadside. The Nation's Loss. A Poem on the Life and Death of the Hon. Abraham Lincoln. 1865. 1 p., 9 3/4 x 15 1/4 in. 1/2 inch loss at top not affecting text. Headed by an engraving of Lincoln, Reverend Peter W. Brister's mourning poem occupies the first two columns, and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation… Read more about this item

JOHN A. ANDREW, GOVERNOR. Autograph Manuscript Signed. Boston, Massachusetts, November, 1863. 1p., 7¾ x 9⅞ in. Excerpt "We must forget our feelings save the one, We must resign all passions save our purpose, We must behold no object save our Country, And only look on death as beautiful So that the sacrifice ascend to Heaven, And draw down Freedom on her Evermore." On… Read more about this item