[CIVIL WAR]. A group of Civil War-era newspapers, comprising:

The South. Vol. I, No. 49. Baltimore, Maryland. 17 June 1861. 4pp, 16 x 23 in. (light toning, chipping at edges, small tears and minor losses along fold lines). A scarce pro-Southern newspaper published by lawyer and editor Thomas W. Hall (ca 1833-1901) prior to his arrest for sedition in September 1861 on Union military orders.

Front page with headlines including "Graphic Account of the Battle of Great Bethel" and "Stirring Events Expected in Western Virginia." Page four with nearly three columns of quotes from prominent Revolutionaries and founding documents associated with civil liberties and the struggle for freedom. Page 2 with a passionate plea to the citizens of Baltimore: "...Citizens of Baltimore and Maryland - you and your republican institutions are thus beset - your personal dignity, the sanctity of your homes and the freedom of your opinions, are thus sought to be overshadowed by the appliances of military terrorism...There can be no treason in having and maintaining any constitutional theory. Have your opinions, then - utter your opinions - maintain your opinion - and defy all the despotism of military mobs...."

The outbreak of the Civil War changed the editorial landscape for publishers such as Thomas W. Hall, as Lincoln's administration increasingly reigned in pro-Southern and pro-Secession newspapers such as The South. The first issue of the paper was published on 22 April 1861, and from its outset the editorial pages contained printed extracts from the U.S. Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Declaration of Rights of the People of Maryland which emphasized civil liberties, First Amendment rights including freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as well as the subordination of military forces to civil authorities. Hall was arrested by General John A. Dix along with other Baltimore secessionists on 12-13 September 1861 on orders signed by Secretary of War Simon Cameron at the request of Major General George B. McClellan. The arrests were deemed a "military precautionary measure" to prevent the spread of secession sentiment. Hall would remain imprisoned until 26 November 1862. Upon release, he enlisted rising to the rank of major in the Confederate Army.

[With:] The Crisis. Columbus, Ohio. 11 January 1865. 8pp. A paper of the "Peace Democrats" or "Copperheads," the publication was critical of the Federal government and its war effort. This issue contains a reprint of Ohio Governor John Brough's speech, with the editor noting that "We scarcely have the temerity to invite our readers to peruse it...he [Brough] considers it 'disloyal' to believe in anything but Federal victories." The last page of the paper features a glowing reflection upon the life and career of Confederate General Patrick R. Cleburne. --The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia. 16 July 1864. 8pp. Featuring headline "Sherman's Victorious Advance" and a map showing Sherman's progress through Georgia towards "Atlanta, the Goal, In View."

[Also with:] Three additional newspapers: Charleston Daily Courier. Vol. LX, No. 19,347. Charleston, South Carolina. 22 December 1862. 4pp. -- The New-York Tribune. Vol. XXX, No. 2,099. New-York. 7 July 1865. 8pp. -- The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia. 15 July 1861. 8pp. --

Together, 6 newspapers.