Civil War Broadsides
May 1, 1861 Civil War Naval Battle Between Ships "Harriet Lane" & The "Carlisle" - "The United States Triumphant!!"
May 1, 1861-Dated Civil War Period, Exceedingly rare Broadside style Handbill issued just over two weeks after the Surrender of Fort Sumter, titled, "By Submarine Telegraph From The Seat Of War! - A Naval Engagement! - The United States Triumphant!!" New York, About Very Fine.
A fascinating exceedingly rare and important, early Civil War "breaking news" printed Handbill, measuring about 7.5" x 5" (by sight), framed to 11.5" x 8.75". It was issued just over two weeks after the Surrender of Fort Sumter, giving news of a Naval Engagement between the Union Steamer Harriet Lane and the Confederate vessel Carlisle. This Broadside style handbill claims to have its information "by submarine telegraph" and describes the engagement, reading in small part:
"...The Harriet Lane... vigorously returned the fire of the Carlisle, which, after a spirited contest of a few minutes, ceased firing; its gun having been dismounted and flag lowered. When the action was over the Carlisle had not a spar standing.... It is feared that the Harriet Lane is injured more than was at first supposed...."
The Harriet Lane was initially one of the premier vessels of the Union blockade fleet and had been sent to reprovision Fort Sumter immediately before it was fired upon, thus witnessing the opening engagement of the Civil War. It would be captured by the Confederates in December of 1862 while participating in the attack on Galveston. Some faint expected tone; archival tape reinforcements on the blank verso, now framed. An exceedingly rare small Broadside handbill, the only example we have offered from our EAHA Auction October 13, 2001 Lot 554 where it sold for $1,553 currently modern matted and framed, viewed under special UV Plexiglas, ready to hang on display, certainly lacking in virtually all collections.