American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

Lot comprised of 5 CDVs of "Old Abe," one in which he is shown with his handler who is dressed in uniform, most with detailed information printed on verso about the "Live Wisconsin War Eagle." One example indicates that the image was sold for the benefit of C.E. Hine, Co. G, 8th Wisconsin, who lost an arm at the Second Battle of Corinth. Four were published in 1876 by W.W. Barrett, Washington, DC. -- 4 CDV-sized portraits of "Old Abe" printed in color, each with different information printed on verso, including an example that was sold to benefit the Permanent Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, and another example entitled "The New Picture of the Eagle," which was sold to benefit the Great Sanitary Fair in Chicago. -- Stereoview of "Old Abe," published in 1876 by W.W. Barrett, Washington, DC (some spotting to print, edge and corner wear to mount). -- BARRETT, J.O. The Soldier Bird. "Old Abe!" The Live War-Eagle of Wisconsin. Madison, WI: Atwood & Culver, 1876. 128pp booklet (paper wrappers worn, with some staining, loss near spine, text very good).

The 8th Wisconsin organized in late August to early September 1861, mustering into Federal service September 13. A month later, it left the state for the lower Mississippi. It fought in battles such as Greenville, Island No. 10, Farmington, Iuka, Corinth, Jackson, Vicksburg, Nashville, and many more. Known as the "Eagle Regiment," its mascot, "Old Abe," traveled with the unit for its entire three-year service. When the 8th veteranized, they decided Abe had seen enough conflict and decided to send him home for the remainder of the war, which, fortunately, was not long. While the re-enlisting men were on furlough, Abe acquired his adult plumage, with the white head and tail feathers characteristic of bald eagles. This may be part of the reference on verso of one of the CDVs to the "New Old Abe" engraving made from a photo taken 30 March 1865. The explanation goes on to say that the CDVs were being sold to benefit the Sanitary Fair in Chicago in May of that year. Funds raised at these fairs supported soldiers and their families. From the very beginning of the war, letters home from the soldiers complained of unsanitary conditions in the camps (and some were unhappy with the diet, while others wrote that they were getting fat). Even though disease transmission and causation was little understood at the time, it did become clear that the more filth in camp, the higher the illness rate. Hence the focus of these benevolent fairs as Sanitary Fairs.