American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

14 x 20 1/4 in. (sight) recruitment broadside for the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, framed to 17 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (creasing at folds, light soil, minor losses at edges and folds, unexamined outside frame).  Undersigned in type by C. Tower. Top center features large, bold type "ATTENTION!!" below which appears an illustration of a spread-winged eagle with a riband in its beak bearing the text "The Union / Forever!!" Below the eagle text reads: "AID FOR THE GOVERNMENT! / The undersigned proposes to unite with his fellow citizens in sustaining the / Government of the country and putting down rebellion. He therefore invites / those who are willing to join him in forming a Company of / SIXTY TO A HUNDRED MEN!"

Printed just four days after the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, this broadside is indicative of the immediate and patriotic response generated to the commencement of hostilities between the Northern and Southern states. The 6th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment was recruited for three months service under Colonel James Nagle. The regiment served along the Pittsburg, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, then moved to Chambersburg, Greencastle, Williamsport, Downsville, Martinsburg, and Charleston before mustering out. The regiment's most notable engagement was at Falling Waters in July 1861. Undertaking recruitment for the regiment at this very early stage of the war was "C. Tower." HDS indicates that Charlemagne Tower (1809-1889) was a 52-year old lawyer when he enlisted on 4/22/1861 at Pottsville, PA as a captain and was commissioned into Co. H, PA 6th Infantry. Within ten days of the start of the war, he had recruited approximately 270 Schuykill County men to enter the Union army in a regiment that would also be known as the "Tower Guards." Tower, also a prominent landowner and successful businessman, provided uniforms and arms for the troops at his own expense. He mustered out on 7/27/1861 at Harrisburg. The printer of this broadside, Benjamin Bannan (1807-1875), was a well-known journalist of his day, who at times stirred controversy with an anti-Irish immigrant stance.