The Daily Citizen. Vicksburg, Mississippi: J.S. Swords, 2 [& 4] July 1863. Folio, 9 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., on printed wallpaper. 

An original issue of the famous and highly collectible Vicksburg Daily Citizen. Instantly popular with collectors, reprints, facsimiles, and forgeries were concocted nearly immediately. This issue conforms to all the first edition points as outlined by the Library of Congress (Reference Department, Serials Division, Information Circular 3), and is printed on recognized floral wallpaper. 

This copy is enhanced further by William Blatt's ownership inscription to the upper margin. William Blatt (1843-1929) was a German immigrant who enlisted with the 58th Ohio Infantry on 17 December 1861 shortly after arriving in America. After training at Camp Chase, he fought with the regiment at the Battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and the Seige of Corinth. He was promoted to corporal (4 July 1862) and then sergeant (1 January 1863) before joining the land forces in the Siege of Vicksburg. He stayed with the regiment through 1864 on provost duty at Vicksburg. He was mustered out on 14 January 1865 due to "disease of lungs & piles contracted at Vicksburg Miss in 64." He almost certainly acquired this newspaper in the immediate aftermath of the Siege or during the occupation of the city during 1864. 

Due to a lack of supplies after a lengthy siege of Vicksburg by General U.S Grant, the newspaper is printed on wallpaper that was sourced locally. Notably, the "July 4th" column was placed there by Union troops who found the rest of the type still set in proprietor J.M Swords's office when the city was taken. They proudly boast in that column: "Two days bring about great changes, the banner of the Union floats over Vicksburg, Gen. Grant has 'caught the rabbit;' he has dined in Vicksburg, and he did bring his dinner with him. The 'Citizen' lives to see it. For the last time it appears on 'Wall-paper.' No more will it eulogize the luxury of mule-meat and fricasseed kitten—urge Southern warriors to such diet never-more."

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