Price
$34.95
Condition
used
Product Condition
Very good
Size
5.5" x 3"
Civil War Patriotic Cover “Col. Ellsworth” | “The Warren of ’61” Mourning Design | Union Martyr Tribute.
Offered here is a scarce and unusual original Civil War patriotic cover honoring Union martyr Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, featuring a notable design variation seldom encountered.
The multicolor patriotic illustration depicts crossed American flags surrounding an oval portrait of Ellsworth above the slogan:
“THE WARREN OF ’61.”
The design references Joseph Warren, the famed Revolutionary War martyr killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, comparing Ellsworth to one of America’s earliest patriotic heroes.
Beneath the portrait appears the quotation attributed to Ellsworth’s final letter:
“Whatever may happen, cherish the consolation that I was engaged in the performance of a sacred duty.”
Unlike the more commonly encountered version of this patriotic cover, this example does not include the red “COL. ELLSWORTH” identification above the design. The absence of the printed name appears intentional rather than the result of trimming or misalignment and likely represents an early, alternate, or transitional printing variety.
The omission creates a more symbolic presentation, relying upon the public’s recognition of Ellsworth’s image and martyrdom during the emotional early weeks of the Civil War.
Ellsworth’s death in Alexandria, Virginia in May 1861 transformed him into one of the Union’s first great wartime martyrs and inspired an enormous outpouring of patriotic memorial material throughout the North.
An outstanding and historically fascinating Civil War patriotic cover variety that would display beautifully alongside the named version of the design. Original and unused.
From an amazing collection of patriotic Civil War historical covers we recently acquired and will be offering in the weeks to come.
Northern newspapers transformed Ellsworth into an instant national hero and martyr. His death was frequently compared to that of Revolutionary patriot Joseph Warren, leading to patriotic slogans such as “The Warren of ’61.” Publishers quickly produced mourning ribbons, sheet music, prints, patriotic covers, and memorial stationery celebrating his sacrifice and encouraging Union loyalty.
$34.95
used
Very good
5.5" x 3"