Harper’s Weekly October 17, 1863 – Lincoln Proclaims First National Thanksgiving & Russian Fleet in New York

Harper’s Weekly October 17, 1863 – Lincoln Proclaims First National Thanksgiving & Russian Fleet in New York
Description


📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published October 17, 1863, containing one of the most historically important presidential proclamations in U.S. history: Abraham Lincoln’s establishment of the first national Thanksgiving.
This landmark issue pairs that proclamation with spectacular illustrated coverage of the Russian Fleet’s arrival in New York Harbor, rare interior views of Libby Prison, and naval reporting tied to Confederate commerce raiders.


Highlights of This Issue
🦃 Abraham Lincoln Establishes Thanksgiving
Includes “A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America”, officially establishing the first national Thanksgiving
Signed in type: Abraham Lincoln
Issued October 3, 1863, at the height of the Civil War
A foundational American document still celebrated annually today
⚓ Front Page – Russian–American Alliance
Full front-page illustration:
“Reception of the Common Council Committee by Admiral Lisovski on Board the Flag-Ship ‘Alexander Nevski’”
Reflects the strong diplomatic ties between Russia and the Union during the Civil War
🎉 Broadway Celebration
Full-page illustration:
“The Grand Procession of Our Russian Visitors Through Broadway, Under Escort of the Militia and Police”
A lively, patriotic street scene celebrating international support for the Union
🚢 Major Double-Page Centerfold – Naval Spectacle
Large double-page illustration:
“The Russian Fleet, Commanded by Admiral Lisovski, Now in the Harbor of New York”
One of the most impressive naval centerfolds of the war era
Highly displayable and very desirable for collectors
🏴‍☠️ Confederate Commerce Raiders
Illustrations of Anglo-Confederate shipbuilding in Britain:
Steam Rams building for the Rebels in the Clyde, Scotland
One of Laird’s Steam Rams
Highlights international tension surrounding Confederate naval activity
🏛️ Libby Prison – Rare Interior Views
Interior view of Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia
Exterior view of Libby Prison
Encampment of Union Prisoners at Belle Isle
Powerful documentation of Union prisoners of war
🗞️ Back Page Political Cartoon
Cartoon titled “The Perplexed Pirates”, commenting on Confederate naval frustrations
Condition
📌 Complete in 16 pages
📸 I photograph every page, so please review all images carefully and feel free to ask questions.
Original 1863 issue
Typical age-related toning and light edge wear
Strong impressions throughout
No facsimiles or trimmed pages
Why This Issue Is Especially Desirable
⭐ Contains Lincoln’s original Thanksgiving proclamation
⭐ Spectacular Russian Fleet double-page centerfold
⭐ Strong naval and international Civil War content
⭐ Rare illustrated coverage of Libby Prison
⭐ Excellent crossover appeal: Thanksgiving, Lincoln, Civil War, naval history
This is a museum-level Harper’s Weekly, ideal for collectors of Lincoln, Americana, Thanksgiving history, and Civil War naval imagery.



Framing & Display
🖼️ Optional archival framing available
Acid-free matting
UV-protective acrylic (not glass)
Clean, museum-style presentation
Perfect for:
Thanksgiving displays
Libraries and studies
Civil War or Lincoln collections
Institutional or educational settings


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


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