1861 Winslow Homer Havelocks Harper's Weekly June 29 Big Bethel Zouaves

This June 29, 1861, issue of Harper's Weekly is a paramount collector's item, anchored by a rare Winslow Homer cover and featuring the first major land engagement of the war, the Battle of Big Bethel. It provides a vivid look at the early mobilization of Union and Confederate forces in Virginia and the Western theater.

​Title: 1861 Winslow Homer Havelocks Harper's Weekly June 29 Big Bethel Zouaves


​📜 ABOUT THIS PIECE OF HISTORY 📜
​📜 Winslow Homer’s Front Page: The entire front page is a celebrated original wood engraving by Winslow Homer titled "The War—Marking Havelocks For the Volunteers." It captures a domestic scene of women preparing white linen head-covers (Havelocks) for the troops to protect them from the Southern sun—a poignant look at the home front's contribution to the war effort.
​📜 The Battle of Big Bethel: This issue contains definitive early reporting on the Battle of Great (Big) Bethel, one of the war's first set-piece battles. It includes a dramatic full-page illustration of the "Charge of Duryee's Zouaves" (5th New York Volunteers), capturing the flamboyant uniforms and raw courage of these elite troops in their baptism by fire.
​🌟 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
​⚔️ Military Life & Fortifications:
​Fortress Monroe: Multiple prints including "Moat and Seward Face of Fortress Monroe" and "Shot & Shell Piled Under the Walls."
​Camp Slifer: A full page with three images documenting the troop movements through Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania.
​Army of the Potomac: Four scenes providing a comprehensive look at the buildup of the Union’s primary eastern fighting force.
​📍 Virginia Operations:
​"Leesburg Bridge on the Potomac" and "Rebel Troops at Martinsburg" — Documenting the strategic points held by the Virginians near Harper's Ferry.
​"John Tyler's Residence, Hampton, Virginia" — A view of the former U.S. President's home during the occupation.
​⚓ Naval & Western Action:
​Cairo, Illinois: Three prints showing the 7th and 12th Regiments landing and the batteries on the Ohio Levee used to control river traffic.
​The Privateer Savannah: A print of the first Confederate privateer captured by the Union Brig Perry.
​🏛️ Fallen Heroes & Contraband:
​Lieutenant Greble: A portrait of the first U.S. Army regular officer to die in the Civil War.
​"Contraband of War": A significant back-page cartoon depicting enslaved people seeking refuge with the Union army, referencing the "Contraband" policy established at Fortress Monroe.
​🗞️ LITERARY & SATIRICAL CONTENT 🗞️
​Charles Dickens: This issue continues the original serialized publication of "Great Expectations," one of the crown jewels of Victorian literature.
​Political Satire: Three cartoons on the back page provide a sharp, contemporary perspective on the military crisis.
​🔍 CONDITION & TRANSPARENCY 🔍
​Completeness: This is the complete 16-page issue, including the Winslow Homer front page and the full-page Big Bethel battle scene.
​Authenticity: Guaranteed original woodblock printing from June 29, 1861, not a modern reproduction.
​Condition Study: I take pictures of the entire sheet so you can study the condition personally. The Winslow Homer cover is particularly well-preserved, showcasing the fine line-work of his early career.
​🥂 WHY IT IS A MUST-HAVE 🥂
​Winslow Homer Collectors: A cornerstone piece of Homer's war-time portfolio.
​Zouave & Big Bethel Historians: Features the definitive contemporary image of Duryee’s Zouaves in action.
​Fortress Monroe & Hampton VA Buffs: Extensive architectural and military views of this critical "freedom fort."
​Custom Framing: I offer professional framing for any item in my shop. The Homer front page or the Duryee's Zouave charge would make a museum-quality historical focal point!
​📦 SHIPPING & PRESERVATION 📦
​Safe Storage: Housed in an acid-free archival folder with a Mylar overlay to protect the 165-year-old newsprint.
​Flat Shipping: Shipped with heavy-duty reinforcement to ensure the issue and its centerfold arrive safely.
​Tracked: All orders include tracking for your peace of mind.
​🏷️ TAGS (SEO) 🏷️
​1861 Harpers Weekly, Winslow Homer The War, Battle of Big Bethel, Duryee's Zouaves, Fortress Monroe, John Tyler Residence, Cairo Illinois, Contraband of War, Great Expectations Dickens, June 29 1861.
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