New and Enlarged Edition of the Patriotic Song Book. New York: Horace Waters, 1862. Oblong 8vo. 6 1/4 x 4 3/4 in. Original wrappers.

A charming, rare songster printed during the Civil War. The compilation includes patriotic and religious hymns, as well as screeds and Biblical texts decrying traitors. 

This copy features "Union League" written on the front wrapper in a period ink inscription, connecting this copy to the quasi-secretive clubs formed in 1862 to support the Union and President Lincoln. First formed in Pekin, Illinois, the clubs became widespread, the most prominent in Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, and they engaged in supporting the United States Sanitary Commission. During the 1864 Presidential election, they formed an unwavering bloc of support for Lincoln and the Republicans, actively combating Copperheads and other anti-war and anti-Black movements. 

An excellent Civil War songster. 

VERY RARE. OCLC locates only 2 copies of the expanded 1862 edition. Only 6 copis of the 1861 first edition are located.