Early Civil War Broadside
Jun 6th, 2017 by bachmann
This early Civil War Era broadside from 1861 entitled: “Comparison of Products, Population and Resources of the Free and Slave States” was compiled by John M Batchelder, most likely from 1850s data. At the top of the chart is an illustration of former New York Policeman, Peter Hart, whose heroic attempt to keep the flag flying over Fort Sumter during the bombardment of April 12-13, 1861 became iconic. The Hart image signals that the broadside was likely printed soon after the fall of Fort Sumter. Further evidence on this being an early Civil War document is the use of the term “seven Seceding States”, indicating it was printed before news spread of Virginia’s secession, the eighth state to leave the Union on April 17th. The graph appears to be a striking visual argument as to why the North was superior to the South, having a decisive advantage in population, schools, education, libraries, wealth, and infrastructure. The South was accredited with an edge in cotton production, annual mean temperature, and illiteracy. By using the terms, “Free” and “Slave” States, the compiler made his sympathies known and his allegiance with the abolitionist movement and a free labor economy. Where this was posted and who was the targeted audience is not entirely clear.
John M. Batchelder (1811-1892) was a Boston civil engineer with a particular interest in telegraphy and submarine cables. He corresponded with Samuel F.B. Morse for the advancement of the telegraph system. Batchelder and his family were involved in a number of social causes, including petitions against slavery and fugitive laws, as well as prevention of cruelty to animals.
- Description:
- Batchelder, John Montgomery 1811-1892 author. Comparison of products, population and resources of the free and slave states. Cambridge: Printed by Welch, Bigelow, c1861.
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:29921910
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University