Winslow Homer: Pay Day

Winslow Homer Civil War Art:

Pay Day in the Army of the Potomac

The February 28, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly featured this uncharacteristically upbeat Winslow Homer Civil War Illustration.  The leaf is captioned, "Pay-Day in the Army of the Potomac [Drawn by Mr. Homer]." The illustration also features a distinct Homer signature in the lower left corner.  This is a fascinating image showing scenes around camp associated with pay day.

February 28, 1863 - Pay Day in the Army of the Potomac

The upper center image shows soldiers in line to receive their pay.  On the upper left, we see men putting money in envelopes and writing letters.  This inset is labeled, "Sending Money Home". The upper right shows a woman and small boy.  Apparently showing the letter and needed money showing up at the soldier's family. The lower illustration is a stunning image of the soldiers descending on the Sutler's tent. Every one is crowding around the sutler, eager to buy the various pleasures he offers. Bread, cheese, eggs, and milk can all be seen behind the counter, and there would no doubt also be plenty of coffee and tobacco.

A Note to our Readers

We acquired the images above for the purpose of digitally persevering them on this site for all to enjoy.  With the digital archive complete, we are making the original, 140 year old illustrations available for purchase.  By selling these original illustrations, we are able to acquire more material to archive on this site.  If you are interested in purchasing one of the original Harper's Weekly leafs on this page, contact paul@sonofthesouth.net The leafs are available for a price of $250 a piece, and the proceeds will go to continue to expand the resources on this site.