1860s Massachusetts “We Seek Peace by the Sword” Civil War Patriotic Cover – State Seal

In stock
SKU
USA5365-K

“A Peace We Cannot Agree Upon” — Confederate / Secession Satirical Civil War Cover.  

A striking Civil War patriotic cover featuring an elaborate rendering of the Massachusetts State Seal, including the Native American figure, raised sword and the Latin motto Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem. Beneath appears the particularly forceful wartime caption, “We seek peace by the Sword.”

The imagery was especially appropriate during the Civil War, when Massachusetts was among the strongest supporters of the Union cause and one of the first states to answer Lincoln's call for troops. An attractive state-themed patriotic cover with an unusually direct martial message. A not often seen cover. 

Unused and original. 

From a huge collection of 1860s patriotic civil war covers in very fine condition that we recently acquired. 

$28.95

Details

The Massachusetts motto, Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, is generally translated as “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” Adopted long before the Civil War, the sentiment took on renewed significance after 1861. Massachusetts played a prominent role in the Union war effort, and its troops were among the first to reach Washington following the outbreak of hostilities.

More Information

Price

$28.95

Condition

used

Product Condition

Very fine

Size

5." x 2 7/8"

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