Volume LXXXIV—Number 12,070.  2 pp., 16.25 x 22”, six columns. Exhibits fold-marks, slight yellowing & four tiny holes at the lower right margin. Else VG, and entirely legible. In protective sleeve w/white card backing.

The Front page features war news exclusively:  “Brilliant Exploit in Florida” [The capture of 56 union pickets on the St. John’s River by the 21st Florida Cavalry]—"From the Georgia Front”—"The Enemy Declines Battle [Referring to Sherman’s Atlanta campaign  tactic of flank movements to avoid battle, while pushing  Joe Johnston slowly south.

“The Battle of the Wilderness” coverage consists of a “Letter From P.W.A.” To wit:

“Again it becomes my grateful task to chronicle another Confederate victory. While it cannot be regarded in its military aspects as a decisive battle, since the enemy was neither routed or driven back across the Rapidan, yet when we consider circumstances under which it was fought…we cannot but regard it as one of the most important battles of the war…

Grant advanced with heavy forces this morning at half past ten o’clock…He was driven back with ease, and now at sunset is cowering behind his entrenchments in the  Wilderness. His troops have not done so well as they have done under McClellan, Burnside, or even Hooker. The Confederates on the other hand have never fought better. [despite the wounding of Longstreet by “friendly forces”]  General Lee had caused it to be circulated among them some days ago that they must not think of defeat as possible; it was not a thing to be even dreamed of. Nobly have his invincible legions responded to the call of their great chief. Oh, that we may ever have such a chief and such an army.”

On the issue of the exchange of prisoners, The Mercury quotes the following excerpt from the Wilmington [NC] Journal:

“The Yankees decline to carrying out the cartel for the exchange of prisoners, alleging various pretexts…but being in reality influenced by one overriding consideration. The prisoners in Yankee hands are in for  the war, and their return would only cause them to be returned to their regiments, which would be tantamount reinforcing Confederate armies to the extent of the number exchanged. On the other hand, the times of service for a great majority of Yankees have expired or will soon, and few or none of  the veterans re-enlist...It is true that good faith or humanity alike call for the continuance of the exchange, but what care Lincoln and Company for their own, much less ours. Their own men may rot in prison since they will not re-enlist. They care for them only as soldiers, especially as so many of them are Foreigners.”

And much more. In all, a fine Charleston Mercury war-time collectible.  [jp]

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