(Civil War) An unusual broadside, 18 1/4 x 12 in. (sight) titled “GLORIOUS PATRIOTISM – Unbounded Liberality! – Generosity and Humanity UNPARALLELED!” (Camp Banks [Springfield, Mass.], 29 October [1862]).

The broadside protests alleged shoddy overcoats provided to members of the 46th Massachusetts that was raised in September 1862 in response to Lincoln’s call for additional troops. Appealing to the pervasive racism of the day, the broadside asks: “Are Soldiers dogs, that they should be clothed in Rags that the ‘Darkest colored black person’ from the dismal swamp would to scorn to look at? Are Men, White Men, who leave their Homes, friends and loved ones, to lay down their lives if need be to go forth with $1,87 1-2 Cents Worth of SHODDY to protect them from Winter storms in a hostile country?” Placing matters into perspective, the next line compares the bounty of $150 paid to new recruits to the $1.87 price tag of their shoddy overcoats and sarcastically closes with a slogan:“‘GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH.’ And common $1,87 1-2 Cent Overcoats.” We do not know if the 46th, a nine-month regiment which departed Springfield on 5 November to North Carolina via Boston, ever received better clothing.

Highly unusual. This is the only example of this broadside we have ever encountered.

Loss at bottom right night obscuring text, usual folds, else very good. Housed in a simple black wood frame.

(EXA 4274) $3,000