An impassioned plea to quell unrest and not incite further rioting

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Issued only two days following the height and suppression of the infamous New York City DRAFT RIOTS during the Civil War dated "Saturday, July 18, 1863." Nothing can better portray the unease which citizens of New York felt in those moments then this extremely rare poster intended to reason with them and urge calm in those explosive days. 12 x 19 (blank verso). In bold multi-size typefaces, addressed "TO THE LABORING MEN OF NEW YORK…IT IS CHEAPER AND BETTER TO STAND BY THE LAW…[AND AGAIN] STOP AND THINK !" A plea for common sense, cool heads and practicality: "The property destroyed by a riot must be paid for by the city…every act of disorder, violence and house-burning, is only laying heavier taxes on your own shoulders. Every disorderly act done only calls for greater expenses on the part of the city government. The United States does not pay the damages, but the city of New York alone. Of course all the disturbances, losses and damages only FALL UPON OUR OWN HEADS…stand by good order and good sense and you will find it good policy…do not listen to bad men who are only leading you to your ruin…the politicians and businessmen of New York must stand by the law…it is cheaper and better to stand by the law…comrades !...in the name of God…in the name of our wives and children…in the name of every thing that is dear to us…STOP AND THINK !...stand up as Democratic Workingmen…and show the traitors of the South and the friends of Tyranny all over the world that the Workingmen of New York are able to govern themselves…KEEP HONESTLY AT YOUR WORK ! GIVE NO HEED TO BAD ADVICE !...any man that advises you to break the law is your enemy and the enemy of your wives and children. These troubles will make the times only worse for us all. High prices, heavy rents and heavier taxes. Comrades ! keep the peace and all will be well." With bold printed signature "A Democratic Workingman." Full original wide margins. The narrow outer edge of those margins show a different shading of aging as the poster had once been framed under glass. Mounted many years ago on heavy paperboard on which still affixed. Normal aging. Completely authentic and a most remarkably powerful relic of those frenzied days.

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