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Binding the Nation : A Nation Divided : Patriotic Covers

Patriotic Covers

Illustrated stationery reveals the strong emotions generated by the Civil War. In the North envelopes bearing patriotic illustrations appeared even before hostilities broke out. Soon after the war began, Southern stationers quickly marketed patriotic envelopes picturing flags, cannons, political leaders, slogans, soldiers, and caricatures, among other war-related themes.



Examples of Union Patriotic Envelopes


Envelope addressed to Washington, DC featuring a union soldier, tent and flag on the left side
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Unused envelope featuring caricatures of Confederate leaders on the left side, along with text indicating that pro-union feeling was increasing in the south
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Unused envelope featuring a flag
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Examples of Confederate Patriotic Envelopes


Unused envelope featuring a flag with the words "Now or Never"
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Unused envelope featuring a flag on which the names of Jefferson Davis and his vice-president, Alexander Stephens, are written
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Unused envelope framed on the left side by an image of George Washington and on the right side by a soldier, both holding flags.
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