Harper’s Weekly March 21, 1863 – Rebel Prisoners at New Orleans & Gold Panic on Wall Street

Harper’s Weekly March 21, 1863 – Rebel Prisoners at New Orleans & Gold Panic on Wall Street


Description
📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published March 21, 1863, featuring a powerful mix of home-front economic crisis, Mississippi River operations, and one of the most expansive visual records of Confederate prisoners in New Orleans.
This issue is especially notable for its large double-page centerfold of paroled Rebel prisoners, rare illustrated coverage of the 1863 gold panic on Wall Street, and detailed views of levee and canal engineering along the Mississippi.
Highlights of This Issue
🏛️ Front Page – Political Figures
Portraits of John Van Buren and James T. Brady, prominent political and legal figures of the era
Reflects the intersection of politics, law, and wartime public life
🌊 Mississippi River & Levee Operations
Full page with five illustrations: “Cutting the Levees at Providence”, including a view of
“The Canal at Lake Providence, Mississippi”
Half-page illustration: “Repairing the Levee at New Orleans at the Expense of the U.S. Government”
Important visual documentation of Union efforts to control flooding, navigation, and supply routes
⚓ Naval & River Warfare
Half-page illustration: “The Loss of the ‘Queen of the West’”, the famous Union ram captured and destroyed
Full-page illustration: “Destruction of the Clipper Ship ‘Jacob Bell’ by the British Pirate ‘Florida’”, highlighting Confederate commerce raiding and international tensions
💰 Financial Crisis – Wall Street
Full-page illustration:
“The Gold Panic in Wall Street — Entrance of the Public Board”
A rare and dramatic visual record of wartime financial speculation and economic instability in New York City
🎨 Major Double-Page Centerfold – New Orleans
Expansive double-page illustration:
“On the Levee at New Orleans on the Departure of the Paroled Rebel Prisoners, February 20, 1863”
Shows thousands of figures gathered along the levee
One of the most detailed illustrated depictions of Confederate prisoners and civilian interaction during the war
Highly displayable and a centerpiece image for this issue
🗞️ Back Page Political Cartoon
Cartoon titled “Rappahannock Mud”, commenting on military conditions and leadership challenges


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



Why This Issue Is Especially Desirable
⭐ Large double-page scene of paroled Rebel prisoners at New Orleans
⭐ Rare illustrated coverage of the 1863 gold panic on Wall Street
⭐ Strong Mississippi River & levee engineering content
⭐ Naval warfare and Confederate commerce raiders
⭐ Excellent blend of military, economic, and civilian wartime history
This is a content-rich Harper’s Weekly, ideal for collectors of Civil War economics, New Orleans history, Mississippi River operations, and large displayable centerfolds.
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
Office or gallery display


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



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