Scarce and Important Lincoln and Slavery Engravings Published in 1863

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012

Bound Volume of 52 weekly issues of “Punch, or the London Chariari,” London, January 3, 1863 through December 26, 1863, 9” x 11,” in gold embossed boards which are tight but show wear at spine, interior pages VG. Punch was widely read in America during the War as England had considerable trade relations with the United States, including a large trade in Southern cotton; the United States was a significant military and economic power; and the moral and economic issue of slavery was important particularly as the British had abolished slavery. There are several important Lincoln and Slavery engavings presented in this volume. Each of the engravings are printed on one side only. We mention several which include; January 24, 1863 "SCENE FROM THE AMERICAN 'TEMPEST,” depicts President Lincoln, clad in the uniform of a Union soldier, handing a copy of his Emancipation Proclamation to a grinning negro, who points to a glowering Confederate in his rear and says: “You beat him nough, massa! Berry little time, I’ll beat him too.” This is the only period engraving that we are aware of in which Lincoln is shown presenting freedom to a slave. It is accompanied on a facing page by a poem “Old Abe in a Fix.” ... plus, May 9, 1863 "THE GREAT 'CANNON GAME” depicts Abraham Lincoln dressed as Uncle Sam playing pool with Jefferson Davis who is getting the better of him. Lincoln comments, “Darn’d if he ain’t scored ag’in - Wish I could make a few winning hazzards for a change.” ... plus, August 8, 1863 "'ROWDY' NOTIONS OF EMANCIPATION" which was prompted by the New York Draft Riots. It depicts a contemplative Lincoln with the riots in full chaos and brutality. The theme of the cartoon is that even emancipation of the slaves did not assure civil treatment even in the Union states. ...plus, September 26, 1863, "THE BLACK CONSCRIPTION, When Black Meets Black Then Comes The End (?) Of War." This cartoon depicts a joyous reunion of Black troops from the North and South with the Union soldier on the left saying "Dat you Sambo? Yeah, Yeah!" and the Confederate soldier stepping high with a big smile saying "Bress by heart how am you Jim?"

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