Chicago, Saturday, October 21, 1871. Vol. 42, No. 42. Printed newspaper. Bifolium, 22 1/4 x 16 1/4 in. (565 x 413 mm). "Jno Francis" and "Harriet Francis owner" penciled above masthead, possibly John (1843-1913) and Harriet Francis (1845-?), farmers of New Lenox, Illinois. Wear along edges; foxing; creasing from when folded.

Very early--if not first the issue--post-Chicago Fire. A large front-page woodcut vignette titled "An Accurate View of Some of the Ruins of Burned Chicago." The first story is the newspaper's appeal for aid as "being situated in the very heart of the business district of the city, of course The Prairie Farmer Building, with all its offices and effects was speedily swept from existence." The text continues with such articles as "How Farmers Can Help", "Responding Nobly-to Agents and Friends", and "Delay in Mailing".