2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
An early reprint of the July 2, 1863 issue of the Vicksburg, Mississippi newspaper, 2pp, 12” x 20”, "The Daily Citizen," probably dating from the Reconstruction-era. The four-column newspaper is printed on the reverse of a sheet of block-printed floral wallpaper. Expected wear including flattened folds. Reprints of the celebrated "wallpaper editions" began as early as the 1870s, mostly in conjunction with Grand Army of the Republic or other veterans' commemorations. 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."
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