?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(CIVIL WAR--MARYLAND.) Pair of broadsides by General John A. Dix of the Department of Maryland (one satirical). Two items, as described below. Baltimore, MD, 1861
John Adams Dix (1798-1879) had served as a senator and then Secretary of Treasury at the outbreak of secession, famously ordering his treasury agents "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." As military commander of the Department of Maryland, his heavy-handed tactics played a major role in preventing Maryland's secession.
Letterpress broadside, 9 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches; folds, moderate foxing, mount remnants on verso. An open letter "to the U.S. Marshal of Maryland, and the Provost Marshal of the City of Baltimore." "Information has come to my knowledge that certain individuals, who formerly resided in this State . . . have returned to their former homes, with the intention of taking part in the election of the 6th of November inst., thus carrying out at the polls the treason they have committed in the field." He orders the arrest at the polls "all persons in rebellion against the United States . . . to prevent the ballot boxes from being polluted by treasonable votes." None traced in OCLC. Baltimore, MD, 1 November 1861.
"Gen. Dix's Proclamation." illustrated broadside, 8 3/4 x 5 3/4; minor wear. A satirical broadside depicting Dix with a clownish nose and two faces, ordering on behalf of "His Majesty Abraham 1st" to punish anyone exhibiting the rebel colors of red, white and red, including babies. Watermelons "must be painted blue on the rind" and "all white persons having red hair and moustaches or whiskers are hereby warned to have one or the other dyed blue." 5 in OCLC. Baltimore, 4 September [1861].
Provenance: collection of Arthur G. "Gil" Barrett.
