A group of eleven (11) issues of the Daily Dispatch, a Richmond-based newspaper heavily documented pro-Confederate sympathies throughout the Civil War. This attitude remained during their editorial resurgence in the Reconstruction Era. 

The Daily Dispatch.  11 issues (incomplete run). Vol. XXIV, No. 104-114. Richmond, Virginia: Cowardine & Hammersley, 1-13 May 1863. (No issues on 3 & 10 May, else daily). Each 2 pages, folio. 

VERY RARE. War-time issues of the Daily Dispatch are very scarce. We have rarely seen more than 1 issue offered, much less such an important run of 11 issues. 

This collection of issues from the Daily Dispatch document the Battle of Chancellorsville, including the death of famed Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863). Fought between 30 April and 6 May 1863, the battle is considered one of General Robert E. Lee’s (1807-1870) greatest military victories. In an audacious decision, General Lee decided to confront the Army of the Potomac, despite the Union army having more than double the men of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Despite the odds, the Battle of Chancellorsville served as an impressive feat for the South. Yet in the thrill of victory, Lee lost one of his most trusted generals when Stonewall Jackson was mistaken for a Union cavalryman and became the victim of friendly fire. 

Announced in bold titles on 5 May 1863, the Daily Dispatch reports a “Great Victory at Chancellorsville” with subsequent headlines from an official dispatch provided by General Lee, stating “Enemy retreating across the Rappahannock/ Gen. Paxton Killed-Gen Jackson, Heth and Ap.O. Hill, Wounded” (No. 107). While the report marks a victory, it rather intriguingly notes the injury obtained by Jackson, which inevitably led to his demise. The battle is recounted in stark detail: “Our men are in good condition. Our loss is heavy. All seems quiet in front. No enemy in Culpepper” (No. 107).

On 7 May 1863, more reports of the Confederate victory were conveyed: “The manoenvres [sic] and achievements of our army during the powerful contest are of the most brilliant character. The enemy, in his own efforts to retrieve his fortunes, has added immensely to the splendor of the triumph…Saturday and Sunday are amongst the most brilliant in the annals of the Southern Confederacy, already illuminated with triumphs which, for numbers and magnitude, are not surpassed in history. This terrible defeat is a sad finale for thousands of men in the Yankee army whose terms of service were on the eve of expiring. Hooker could not afford to wait till they were at liberty to leave him. He felt the necessity of bringing all the men he could against the brave army of Gen. Lee, and they were led to slaughter” (No. 110). Such a feat over the Army of the Potomac was certainly a moment of triumph for the Confederate Army. 

In the days following the conflict, the Daily Dispatch would report on the Northern perspective of the battle’s outcome: The New York Herald publishes a long and very circumspect account of the crossing of the Rappahannock by the Yankee army…The Chronicle contains not one word about the defeat of the Yankee army at Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, but though silent under official orders has found courage enough to publish the fact that the nation is in “her great agony.” It says Lincoln has issued a call for 500,000 men, and adds: ‘This call of the nation in her great agony should reach every heart” (112). 

In the final two issues of this collection, the ceremonies and tributes to General Stonewall are recorded, following his death on 10 May 1863. On 12 May 1863, it was recorded that “Last evening Gen. Jackson’s remains were received in this city at 4 o’clock, from Guinea’s Depot, in Caroline co. The announcement that they would arrive at 12 o’clock caused an entire suspension of all business in the city, and a turn out at the depot of nearly all the inhabitants of the city, who were anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed chieftain” (No. 113). Further details are disclosed, such as members in attendance, the procession, and details involving his casket: “It was enveloped in the flag of the Confederacy. On the flag was placed wreaths of evergreen and rare flowers.” (No. 113). Additionally, his last moments are recorded, noting that “About 11 o’clock on Sunday it became known to his attending physician that there was no hope for Gen. Jackson’s life. The General was informed of the fact, and was offered stimulants to prolong his existence.--These he refused to take and a short time after his mind commenced to wander. Among his last words was a reference to his men. He said, speaking of his Commissary ‘Tell Maj. Hawkes to send forward provisions to men” (No. 113).  

Jackson’s coffin was placed on display for his large procession, with “thousands continued to crowd in and around the Capitol, awaiting their turn for a last look at the features fixed in death…All the incidents connected with these interesting, but melancholy ceremonies, were marked by a deeply feeling of sorrow. Eyes unused to weep were suffused with tears, and the great popular heart pulsated with emotions of grief too deep for utterance” (No. 114). This account provides an eloquent and impassioned account of the fallen general’s funeral and insight into Confederate ceremonies. 

The Daily Dispatch was first published on 19 October 1850 by James A. Cowardin and William H. Davis. Cementing itself as the first penny paper south of Baltimore, it originally prided itself on its non-partisan reporting, providing the people of Richmond with local, state, and national news. As the war drew closer to the city of Richmond, and it was cemented as southern territory, The Daily Dispatch shifted its perspective, serving as a mouthpiece for Confederate patriotism. In March 1865, the offices of the Daily Dispatch were destroyed by fire upon the retreat of Confederate forces out of Richmond. The paper would be revived in the proceeding years, but would never again regain its independent dominance of the editorial scene within Richmond.  

A fine and very rare collection documenting the Confederate victory at Chancellorsville as well as the death and funeral of Stonewall Jackson. 

 
[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Broadsides, Ephemera, Printing, Posters, Handbills, Documents, Newspapers] 
 

These issues of the Daily Dispatch are folded and show little wear and aging, each print clear and legible. Minimal tearing on certain editions.