Price
$175.00
Condition
used
Product Condition
Very fine, bright colors, folded
Size
5.5" x 4.5" approximately
Civil War Patriotic Letter Sheet “Onward to Victory” 1861, 25th Regt Camp Hicks Annapolis, Soldier Letter w/ Zouave Reference.
Outstanding Civil War patriotic illustrated letter sheet featuring the bold slogan “Onward to Victory” flanked by the dates 1776 and 1861, with a classic allegorical female figure (Columbia/Liberty) advancing forward bearing the American flag.
This approximately 5" x 4.4" printed sheet was used by a Union soldier and is fully written on the reverse, adding significant historical and collectible value beyond the already striking design.
At the bottom of the front is a period inscription identifying the origin of the letter as:
“Headquarters 25th Reg’t Co. D Camp Hicks, M.D. 1861 / Annapolis Dec 22”
The handwritten letter provides a vivid glimpse into early Civil War camp life, describing daily routines including morning drill, brigade exercises lasting several hours, dress parade, and the challenges of cold winter conditions. Of particular interest is the mention of a large military assembly including 13 regiments, cavalry, and Zouave units, the latter always of special interest to collectors due to their distinctive uniforms and elite reputation.
The combination of an attractive patriotic graphic, early-war date (December 1861), identified regiment and location, and substantive soldier-written content makes this a highly desirable and well-rounded Civil War artifact. Original, of course.
Includes a faint blind embossed paper maker’s mark is visible in the upper corner, likely a period paper mill device, adding another authentic production detail.
Patriotic letter sheets were widely used during the early years of the Civil War, allowing soldiers to combine correspondence with visual expressions of Union sentiment. This example, originating from Camp Hicks near Annapolis, Maryland, reflects the initial organization and training of Union forces following the outbreak of war. The optimistic slogan “Onward to Victory” captures the early-war confidence, while the letter itself provides an authentic account of the daily realities faced by soldiers in camp.
$175.00
used
Very fine, bright colors, folded
5.5" x 4.5" approximately