The Famous Wallpaper Edition of "The Daily Citizen"

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024

An authentic and complete issue of the "The Daily Citizen", Vicksburg, Miss, July 2, 1863. 1p, 11-1/4" x 19-1/2". An original printing of the famous "Wallpaper Edition" of the Daily Citizen, produced by Union forces after taking the city. Vicksburg had been surrounded for over three weeks at the time of surrender and had exhausted its supply of food and nearly everything else, including paper. There are breaks at the concentric folds, expertly and imperceptibly repaired. Publisher J.M. Swords was determined to keep the Daily Citizen in circulation -- if only to boost the morale of Vicksburg's beleaguered citizens and soldiers -- so he turned to wallpaper. The final edition was dated July 2, but when Union soldiers found the press on the 4th they reissued the July 2 paper with a small note at the bottom of the fourth column reading: "Two days bring about great changes, The banner of the Union floats over Vicksburg. Gen. Grant has 'caught the rabbit;' he has dined in Vicksburg, and he did bring his dinner with him. The 'Citizen' lives to see it. For the last time it appears on 'Wall-paper.' No more will it eulogize the luxury of mule-meat and fricasseed kitten--urge Southern warriors to such diet never more, This is the last wall-paper edition, and is, excepting this note, from the types as we found them. It will be valuable hereafter as a curiosity."

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).