South Carolina Regiment

South Carolina Regiment in Manassas

You are viewing an original 1861 print of the Fourth South Carolina Regiment working in the trenches at night at Manassas Junction. It is an original leaf from the August 10, 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular illustrated newspaper of the day. Note that this is not a reprint, and I absolutely guarantee its authenticity. The date August 10, 1861 is clearly marked on the front of the leaf. On the day this leaf was printed, the Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States, and the Civil War was raging on.

Manassas Junction was one of the most strategically important areas in the early days of the Civil War. It was a small settlement where two railroads joined. This area was about seventy-five miles north of Richmond which was now the Confederate Capitol. Manassas Junction was now a central point in the defense of Richmond. The lower half of this print shows the Fourth South Carolina Regiment still working in the trenches late into the night in an effort to build a defense between the North and their capitol. Campfires are burning but the main light seems to be coming from the glow of the moon as you see men still digging and hauling dirt. The artist has truly captured the mood of this historical night.

The upper portion of the page shows Federal officers: The Late Colonel Cameron, Colonel Hunter and Colonel Corcoran. Below this is the obituary of Colonel Cameron who was killed at the battle of Bull Run. Of special interest his brother was the Secretary of War. "In his first charge he fell--fell like a hero with his face to the foe. At the head of his valiant Highlandmen he dashed into the thickest of the fray, and shouting the inspirited war-cry 'Scots! follow me!' he passed from the gory battlefield to Paradise"

What a magnificent page from history this is! It is rare to be able to view a Southern camp in a Northern publishing. The page will really stand out when framed and is well balanced with the various images. Don't miss your chance to own these views from the past. When you read the captivating obituary of Colonel Cameron you will be holding the same paper in your hands that the first person who read it did over 130 years ago.

Unlike newsprint of this century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart. The reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process. Remnant acid in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate. A different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150 years. Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops. If you have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to email me. The print is approximately 10 3/4 X 16 inches. I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 10 years. It is a fascinating hobby, and I assure you this piece will get noticed!

The leaf is in very good condition, and has the rich sepia tone that you expect in original material from this period. It has a few spots of light foxing, and a few finger smudges in the margins from folks handling the print over the last 130 years.