Sep 28, 2023 - Sale 2646

Sale 2646 - Lot 96

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800
(CIVIL WAR--CONFEDERATE.) A late issue of the Daily Constitutionalist, one of the last Confederate newspapers in the east. 4 pages, 20 1/2 x 13 1/4 inches, on one folding sheet; lightly disbound, toned, minor foxing. Augusta, GA, 28 April 1865

Additional Details

Sherman's march bypassed inland Augusta, Georgia, and Lee's surrender in Virginia also had no immediate effect. Augusta was thus one of the last Confederate cities under nominal Confederate control, other than in Texas. Union troops entered Augusta on 3 May 1865, 5 days after this newspaper was issued. Jefferson Davis was captured in Georgia on the 10th, and the last Confederate troops in Georgia surrendered on the 12th.

The editors of the Daily Constitutionalist certainly saw the writing on the wall. The evacuation of Richmond, Lee's surrender, and Lincoln's assassination were all noted. An editorial from the Charlotte Democrat concluded that despite the justice of their cause, "we must make the best terms we can." A local officer was gathering clothes for the paroled soldiers who were already streaming back into town. On the other hand, official notices from the Confederate government continued to appear, and advertisements offered to take Confederate money in payment.

Some of the latest slave sale advertisements you are likely to see are posted on pages 3 and 4: "I wish to purchase one hundred Negroes to fill an order for investment . . . for which liberal prices will be paid." "Negroes at Private Sale. H.F. Russell & Co. will sell at private sale 3 likely young negroes. Hagar, a girl 17 years old. Good house servant, nurse, &c. Jacob, a boy, 14 years old, good plough boy. Sarah, their mother, cook, washer and field hand, sound and healthy."