A group of eight issues of the Daily Dispatch, a Richmond newspaper that prominently reflected pro-Confederate sympathies throughout the Civil War. That editorial posture appears to have persisted during the paper’s resurgence in the Reconstruction era.

The Daily Progress. Richmond, Virginia: Cowardine & Hammersley. 

The group includes:

1. Vol. XXV, No. 2, 2 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

2. Vol. XXV, No. 3, 3 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

3. Vol. XXV, No. 5, 6 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

4. Vol. XXV, No. 6, 7 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

5. Vol. XXV, No. 7, 8 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

6. Vol. XXV, No. 8, 9 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

7. Vol. XXV, No. 9, 10 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

8. Vol. XXV, No. 10, 11 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

9. Vol. XXV, No. 11, 13 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

10. Vol. XXV, No. 12, 14 July 1863. 2 pages, folio. 

A collection of editions from the Daily Dispatch during the two major points of victory for the Union Army, which would mark a shift in favor of outcome: the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Vicksburg which took place respectively on 1-3 July 1863 and 4 July 1863. The Battle of Gettysburg would henceforth be known as the bloodiest single-battle battle of the War, ending the ambitions of General Lee to invade the North and bring the Civil War to an end. The Battle of Vicksburg would also be a victory for the Union Army, resulting in a Confederate surrender which would ensure Union control of the Mississippi River, forcing the Confederacy in two. With devastating casualties weakening Southern forces, the results of these two battles would ultimately dash all hopes of the Confederacy becoming an independent nation. 

On the morning of July 6, the Dispatch mournfully regards the Battle of Gettysburg, which despite having been a massive loss to the Confederacy, was being regarded as a success: “it is evident to us, at any rate, that our troops have gained a great victory…the Yankees say the affair is ‘indecisive,’ which is proof enough that they have been badly beaten” (No. 5). While the Battle of Gettysburg would finalize the fate of the Confederate Army, the reports being spread throughout Richmond strongly countered that idea “That affair was anything but indecisive, McClellan was beaten with immense slaughter” (No. 5). The results of the battle are continually doubted in the next few days, by reports filtering in from the battlefields, heavily debated by any account which could indicate a Confederate loss. By July 8, the Dispatch can only report that “We feel as well assured that Gen. Lee, if he has met the enemy in a pitch battle, has inflicted a terrible defeat upon them, as we do that we are living, breathing, sentient beings” (No. 7). 

While reports of Gettysburg were continually written to reject the defeat of the Confederacy, it seems the Battle of Vicksburg was inevitable: “suppose we abandon Port Hudson and Vicksburg, what benefit would the Federal Government derive–what injury would it entail upon the Confederacy?” (No.8.) On the morning of 10 July 1863, it was undeniable: “We have lost Vicksburg. That no longer admits of a doubt, We have lost Vicksburg, and Grant is rapidly advancing upon Johnston and Jackson, with forces which are represented as irresistibly superior…The fall of VIckburg is a heavy blow, but it is by no means such a character as ought to render us despondents (No. 9). 

While the war would not be concluded for several more years, the tides had changed, and the Union Army would maintain its advantage, securing its victory.  

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

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]

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