Harper’s Weekly September 19, 1863 – Siege of Charleston, Fort Wagner & Ruins of Lawrence, Kansas

Harper’s Weekly September 19, 1863 – Siege of Charleston, Fort Wagner & Ruins of Lawrence, Kansas



Description
📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published September 19, 1863, featuring some of the most emotionally powerful and wide-ranging illustrated reporting of the war—from the Siege of Charleston and Fort Wagner, to the destruction of Lawrence, Kansas, and the displacement of Southern civilians.
This issue stands out for its dramatic Thomas Nast double-page centerfold, strong coverage of African American troops, and stark documentation of wartime devastation on the American frontier.
Highlights of This Issue
🏛️ Front Page – Diplomacy During Wartime
Full front-page illustration:
“The Secretary of State and the Diplomatic Corps at Trenton Falls”
A rare look at international diplomacy occurring alongside the Civil War
⚓ Siege of Charleston & Fort Wagner
Interior full-page illustrations include:
“The Siege of Charleston — The Morning Call to the Rebels”
A full page with three related images:
“The Swamp Angel” (the famous Union siege gun)
Diagram showing a torpedo buried in the sand
“The Rebels’ Last Device in the Torpedo Line”
📖 A related article discusses Fort Wagner and African American troops, including specific reference to a Black corporal, providing important contemporary documentation of Black soldiers in combat.
🎨 Major Double-Page Centerfold – Thomas Nast
Large, dramatic Nast centerfold:
“Southern Exiles on Their Way North”
A powerful image of displacement, refugee life, and the civilian cost of war
Highly displayable and one of Nast’s most emotionally resonant wartime compositions
🔥 The Ruin of Lawrence, Kansas
Full-page illustration:
“The Ruins of Lawrence, Kansas”
Stark visual documentation of the aftermath of Quantrill’s raid
One of the most important illustrated records of guerrilla warfare and civilian suffering in the West
🏕️ Army of the Potomac
Full page with three scenes:
“General Birney’s Camp at Warrenton Sulphur Springs, Virginia”
Provides insight into Union encampments and daily military life
🗞️ Back Page Political Cartoons
Two cartoons titled “Professional Reciprocity”, reflecting wartime political and social tensions



Condition
📌 Complete in 16 pages
📸 I photograph every single page, so please review all images carefully and ask any questions before purchasing.
closed tear on title page
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
⭐ Extensive Siege of Charleston & Fort Wagner coverage
⭐ Rare illustrated discussion of African American soldiers
⭐ Powerful Thomas Nast double-page centerfold
⭐ Full-page documentation of the ruins of Lawrence, Kansas
⭐ Broad appeal across Eastern Theater, Western frontier, and Civilian-impact collectors
This is a content-rich, emotionally compelling Harper’s Weekly, ideal for collectors focused on Charleston, Fort Wagner, Civil War refugees, and guerrilla warfare in Kansas.




Framing & Display
🖼️ Optional archival framing available
Acid-free matting
UV-protective acrylic (not glass)
Clean, museum-style presentation
Excellent for:
Civil War collections
Libraries and research spaces
Educational or institutional display



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




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