Harper’s Weekly, December 5, 1863 – The President’s Hymn, Thanksgiving Issue, Union Allegory, Civil War Newspaper

Harper’s Weekly December 5, 1863 – Gettysburg Address Coverage & Thomas Nast Thanksgiving Centerfold



Description
📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published December 5, 1863, containing one of the earliest and most emotionally significant contemporary discussions of the Gettysburg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln just weeks earlier.
While Lincoln’s address is not reprinted verbatim, this issue includes a lengthy and remarkable editorial reflection on the Gettysburg ceremony—widely regarded by historians and collectors as one of the earliest interpretive responses recognizing the speech’s lasting importance.
Highlights of This Issue
🙏 Front Page – Thanksgiving & National Reflection
Entire front page illustration:
“The President’s Hymn — Give Thanks, All Ye People”
A powerful symbolic image reflecting national grief, gratitude, and unity late in 1863
🗣️ Early Commentary on the Gettysburg Address
Extensive article discussing the dedication of the Gettysburg cemetery and Lincoln’s remarks
Describes the ceremony as “one of the most striking events of the war”
Explicitly contrasts Edward Everett’s long oration with Lincoln’s brief remarks, stating:
“The few words of the President were from the heart to the heart… It was as simple and felicitous and earnest a word as was ever spoken.”
This passage is considered an early recognition of the Gettysburg Address’s historic power, written within weeks of its delivery
⚔️ Civil War Battle Coverage
Full page with two illustrations:
Fight at Kelly’s Ford — Sleeper’s Massachusetts Battery in the Foreground
Charge of General Ward’s Troops Through Kelly’s Ford Upon the Rebel Rifle-Pits
🎈 Early Aviation & Technology
Full page with two illustrations:
The French balloon “Le Géant” sweeping along the earth near Nienburg
The balloon caught in a forest — attempts of the aeronauts to escape
Fascinating early depictions of balloon flight and aeronautical mishap
🎨 Major Double-Page Centerfold – Thomas Nast
Large, highly displayable centerfold by Thomas Nast:
“Thanksgiving-Day”
Features seven vignette scenes, blending home-front life, soldiers, and national unity
One of Nast’s most evocative holiday-themed wartime compositions
🏛️ Additional Civil War Content
Union prisoners at Belle Isle, Richmond
The steamer “Chattanooga,” built by soldiers
Portrait of General Gordon Granger, Army of the Cumberland
🗞️ Back Page
Political cartoon titled “In the Country”



Condition
📌 Complete in 16 pages
📸 I photograph every single page, so please review all images carefully and feel free to ask questions before purchasing.
Original 1863 issue
Typical age-related toning and light edge wear
Strong impressions throughout, including the Nast centerfold
No facsimiles or trimmed pages



Why This Issue Is Especially Desirable
⭐ Early and perceptive commentary on the Gettysburg Address
⭐ Entire front page devoted to Thanksgiving and national reflection
⭐ Large Thomas Nast Thanksgiving double-page centerfold
⭐ Mix of battlefield action, prisoners of war, and home-front imagery
⭐ Strong crossover appeal: Lincoln, Gettysburg, Thanksgiving, Nast
This is a museum-level Harper’s Weekly, especially appealing to collectors of Lincoln, Gettysburg history, American memory, and Civil War journalism.



Framing & Display
🖼️ Optional archival framing available
Acid-free matting
UV-protective acrylic (not glass)
Clean, museum-style presentation
Ideal for:
Thanksgiving or Lincoln displays
Libraries and research collections
Educational or institutional settings



Shipping
📦 Ships flat (never rolled)
📦 Carefully protected for transit
📦 Tracking included


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