Civil War Envelopes
(GLC 06627.03, various)
The outbreak of the Civil War created an outbreak of patriotism across the country. In its wake, support for both armies appeared in many forms including artwork printed on envelopes. This form of medium was often referred to as "war envelopes," "pictorial envelopes" or "patriotic envelopes." Production of these envelopes dwindled towards the war's end, most likely due to the fact that many didn't believe the hostilities would last as long as they did.
"Lincoln and Rails"
This envelope was probably created around the time of the election. In it, the author uses a creative poem to illustrate Lincoln's humble beginnings and strong and honest spirit. He was often referred to as the Rail Splitter and Honest Abe.
"Whiskey"
In this cartoon, the artist suggests that whiskey and evil, represented by a skeleton, crossbones, and serpents, are behind the secessionist movement.
"Fortress Monroe"
Fort Monroe, located in Virginia on the north point of the James River, was one of the strongest forts in the United States. After the firing of Fort Sumter, the federal government took extreme measures to fortify this fort. It was never surrendered to the Confederates.
"Bloodletting"
In this cartoon, General-in-Chief Winfield Scott is portrayed as a doctor about to perform a procedure known as bloodletting on Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy.
Bloodletting was based on an ancient system of medicine in which blood and other bodily fluid were considered to be "humors" whose proper balance maintained health. Sick patients were thought to have an imbalance of their humors, which bloodletting was thought to restore.
"Flag and Union"
In this cartoon, the artist uses a handshake, a flag, and a gun to emphasize the relationship between the Union, the war and the Constitution.
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