Vol. V.—No.227. 16 pp. [273-288], 4 columns, with numerous illustrations. This issue, the first Harper’s Weekly issue containing Civil War battle coverage, features a superb full cover illustration of “The House-Tops in Charleston During the Bombardment of Sumter.” The scene depicts Civilians lining roofs while observing the smoke and fire across the Bay. The Harper’s Weekly editorial page puts the Union case in its first war-time editorial, as follows—[and makes a prediction as to the war’s duration]

“The War has now begun in earnest. The secession of Virginia, and the attempts of rebels to seize the Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry and the Navy-yard at Norfolk; the bombardment of Fort Sumter and the Navy Yard at Norfolk; the bombardment of Ft. Sumter; the investment of Ft. Pickens, the seizure of the Star of the West by a Southern privateer; the threatened seizure of the Federal Capital by the Rebels the Murder of Massachusetts men in Baltimore, and the refusal of Maryland to permit Northern troops to pass through that city to defend the capital—these facts explain the situation without further comment.

It is now not a question of slavery or anti-slavery. It is not even a question of Union or disunion. The question is simply whether northern men will fight. Southerners have rebelled and dragged our flag in the dirt, in the belief that because we don’t fight duels or engage in street brawls, therefore we are cowards. The question is now whether or no they are right.

If they are wrong and Abraham Lincoln is equal to the position he fills, this war will be over by January 1, 1862….”

Other Illustrations feature the 6^th Massachusetts Infantry marching out of Boston, and then again fighting their way through Baltimore. Also the 7^th New York Regiment marching down Broadway en route to Washington. [These two regiments, the 6^th Mass. & 7^th New York, were the first Union regiment to reach Washington in late April].

Near fine condition, with mounting dot marks & two slight tears along left margin. The first Harper’s Weekly issue with Sumter war-time coverage , with its Fort Sumter cover, makes for a fine display piece. In protective sleeve, with white card backing.

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