African-Americans

: A king for the south.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African American man dressed in a C.S.A. uniform with epaulettes, a sword, and a frying pan for a hat. He is barefoot and holds a bottle. White envelope with brown ink. Image on left. Printed at right of image: 'A King for the South. / They want a King down South - King Daho- / mey sends Prince Sauce-pan of the royal blood / - this is nigger-otype - from life.-' Printed vertically at left of envelope: 'D. Murphy's Son, Print. 65 Fulton & 372 Pearl-sts. N. Y.', About the Creator: D. Murphy's Son first appears in the Trow's New York City Directory of 1847. The business last appears in Trow's New York City Directory of 1900-1901. Among other items, D. Murphy's Son printed shelf and wall clock labels.

: Black drop.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Head of an African-American man coming out through the top of a bottle labeled 'BLACK / DROP.' Pink envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'A popular medicine used by the C. S. A. aris- / tocracy, that cannot be obtained in any / Northern apothecary shop, being / com-pound-ed exclusively on / the sacred soil.' Printed to left of image: 'S. H. Zahm, & Co., Publishers, Lancaster, Pa.', About the Creator: Samuel Hensel Zahm (March 9, 1840 - February 5, 1893) was the main proprietor of S. H. Zahm & Co., booksellers &c., along with his business partner Samuel Auxer. The following is excerpted from The American Stationer, vol. 33: 'He was active in municipal affair, having been a member of the common council and the board of health... a charter member of the Lancaster County Historical Society and of the Pennsylvania German Society... well versed in archaeology, his collection of stone impliments and relics of American aborigines being a remarkably fine one... Mr. Zahm was twice married, his first wife and their two children having died several years ago. His second wife survives him.'

: Bress de Lor, we am contraban.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. American-American man and woman dancing. Beige envelope with brown ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'Bress de Lor, we am Contraban.' Printed vertically at left of image: 'D. Murphy's Son, Print. 65 Fulton & 372 Pearl Street. N. Y.', About the Creator: D. Murphy's Son first appears in the Trow's New York City Directory of 1847. The business last appears in Trow's New York City Directory of 1900-1901. Among other items, D. Murphy's Son printed shelf and wall clock labels.

: By golly massa Butler, I like dis better dan workin' in de field for ole Sesesh massa.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man polishing a pair of boots. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'By golly Massa Butler. I like dis better dan workin' in de field for ole Seseh massa.', Benjamin Franklin Butler (November 5, 1818-January 11, 1893) was a member of the Massachusetts's Senate, a Congressman from Massachusetts's 5th, 6th, and 7th congressional districts, and the 33rd Governor of Massachusetts. He also served in the Massachusetts State Militia during the American Civil War.

: Come back you black rascal.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Caucasian man holding a whip and shackles calling after an African-American family as they flee toward Fort Monroe. White envelope with blue ink. Image on top-left. Printed in speech bubbles: 'COME BACK YOU BLACK RASCAL: / OH! NO - I CAN'T COME BACK / 'ISE CONTRABAN.', About the Creator: Magee was likely James Magee, a seller of stationery and envelopes at 316 Chestnut Street, and living at 750 Florida Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.

: Contraband barricade.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Battle between Union and Confederate soldiers. Some Union soldiers using tools as weapons. Beige envelope with red and blue ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'Contraband barricade. / Come and get your property.'

: Contraband of war; or, volunteer sappers and miners from the 'f. f. v.'; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African American men with mining tools in-hand, volunteering to join the Union Army. White envelope with colored ink. Image on left. Printed above image: 'Contraband of war; / OR, / VOLUNTEER SAPPERS AND / MINERS / FROM THE 'F.F.V.' Printed below image: 'Massa Butler, we's jest seceed from de / 'Meen-asses Junction,' and wants to 'list in the counter- / band rigiment. We's no great hands at fightin', but we kin / run 'most as fast as our old massas did toder night, Now, / ef you wants any trenches or forti'cations made, WE'S de / niggers to call upon in dat ar line.' / We borro'd des yer tools at de Junction, and / gwine to carry em back at de close ob horsetilities.', Benjamin Franklin Butler (November 5, 1818-January 11, 1893) was a member of the Massachusetts's Senate, a Congressman from Massachusetts's 5th, 6th, and 7th congressional districts, and the 33rd Governor of Massachusetts. He also served in the Massachusetts State Militia during the American Civil War.

: Farewell to the good old times.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Horse-drawn cart carrying bales of cotton with one African-American male walking beside, two others riding on the cart. White envelope with black ink. Image on top-left. Printed below image: 'Farewell to the Good Old Times.' Printed at bottom-left corner of envelope: 'Young, Lockwood & Co. Prs. 165 Main St. Buffalo.'

: Him fader's hope, him moder's joy, him darling little contraband boy.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American baby being held up by Caucasian man. White envelope with red ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'Him fader's hope, / Him moder's joy, / Him darling little / Contraband Boy.'

: I wouldn't pull down dat flag, Massa George.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man attempting to stop a Caucasian man (possibly George Washington) from removing the American flag from a flagpole. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left. Printed at rigjht of image: 'I wouldn't pull down dat Flag, Massa George; youwill neb- / ber forgib yerself as long as you lib, if you do. Dem stars were / intended to be 'fixed,' and not moved around. I recollect the time / when it had only thirteen, and hab watched it grow jus like my / chile. Your father honored and respected it, and would hab / died protecting it: derfore, Massa, if you hab any respeck for de / memory ob your fader, who is dead an' gone, run up dat Flag / agin, give tree cheers for de Union, and let's keep up next Fourth / of July in de ole fashioned way.' Printed below image: 'Entered according to act of Congress, by John G. Wells, / in 1861, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court, / for the Southern District of New York.', About the Creator: John Gaylord Wells (1821-1880) was the copyright holder of the image that appears on this envelope. He is likely also the author of 'Every Man His Own Lawyer and Business Form Book: A Complete Guide in All Matters of Law and Business Negotiations, for Every State in the Union' (New York: Robert Macoy, 1875).

: I'm glad I'm not in Dixie!; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man wearing a tattered version of Uncle Sam's costume and dancing. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'I'm glad I'm not Dixie! / Hooray! Hooray!', Uncle Sam is the personification of the United States of America. First given its unique name in 1813 by a meat packer from Troy, New York named Samuel Wilson, it was popularized in the 1860s and 1870s by the cartoonist Thomas Nast.

: I'se contraband.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 2 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. Head of an African-American man at the center of a ten-pointed star. The names of ten confederate states are inscribed on the points of the star. Pink envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'I'SE CONTRABAND.'

: I'se just 'seceshed' from Ole Massa, Yah, Yah, Yah!; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man dancing happily. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left. Printed below image: I'se just 'seceshed' from / Ole Massa, Yah, Yah, Yah!'

: Judas vile betrayed his master, I betrayed fair liberty.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man with knapsack walking away from a Caucasian man lynched from a tree branch. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left. Printed above image: 'Judas ville betrayed his Master, / I betrayed fair liberty. / We meet the same end of high Treason / And dangle from the same high Tree.' Printed below image: 'Massa Davis, what a figure, / You will cut upon dat Swing. / I'd sooner be the Poorest Nigger, / Den the whitest 'Cotton King.', Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808 - December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He led the Confederate army and navy during the American Civil War. About the Creator: Magee was likely James Magee, a seller of stationery and envelopes at 316 Chestnut Street, and living at 750 Florida Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. Magee was the copyright holder of the image on this envelope.

: Map of the seat of war.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African American man at left, map depicting Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the border of Pennsylvania at right. Key of locations in upper left corner. Printed below image of African American man: 'Ise De INNOCENT CAUSE / Ob All Dis WAR TRUBBLE.' Printed below title of image, at right: 'Published by JAMES GATES, Cincinnati O.', About the Creator: James Gates was a publisher in Cincinnati, Ohio during the American Civil War.

: Music by the 'Contra-Band.'; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Three African-Americans playing instruments. White envelope with black ink. Image on top-left. Below image is printed: 'Sold by S. C. Upham, 310 Chestnut St.', About the Creator: Samuel Curtis Upham (February 1819-1885) was a small producer of stationery and toiletry supplies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is widely known for having printed tens of thousands of pieces of Confederate currency during the American Civil War, yet he likely had little or no intention of defrauding the Confederate authorities. He estimated that he sold approximately $50,000 of counterfeit money, actions which he attributed to having helped the Union war effort.

: Oh! Massa Jeff, dis sesesh fever will kill de nigger.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. An African American man visiting two others who are in bed ill. On the wall are advertisements for things including 'Dr. Jeffy's concentrated bond plasters,' and 'The great southern remedy.' White envelope with black ink. Image on top-left. Printed below image: 'Oh! Massa Jeff. dis Sesesh Fever will kill de Nigger."", Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808-December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He led the Confederate army and navy during the American Civil War.

: One of the F. F. V.'s after his Contraband [1].; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American boy clings to the leg of General Butler. Butler extends his sword to fend-off slave owner with whip and dog. Beige envelope with red and blue ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'One of the F. F. V's after his Contraband. / General Butler 'can't see it.' Printed vertically at left of image: 'D. Murphy's Son, Print. 65 Fulton & 372 Pearl Sts. N. Y.', Benjamin Franklin Butler (November 5, 1818-January 11, 1893) was a member of the Massachusetts's Senate, a Congressman from Massachusetts's 5th, 6th, and 7th congressional districts, and the 33rd Governor of Massachusetts. He also served in the Massachusetts State Militia during the American Civil War. About the Creator: D. Murphy's Son first appears in the Trow's New York City Directory of 1847. The business last appears in Trow's New York City Directory of 1900-1901. Among other items, D. Murphy's Son printed shelf and wall clock labels.

: Sam, where's massa Jeff's sogers dis morning?; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Two African-American men holding hoes, talking to one another. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left. Printed in speech bubble at left: 'SAM WHAR MASSA / JEFF'S SOGERS DIS / MORNING.' Printed in speech bubble at right: 'WHY DEY LOST DE FERRY / & NOW DEY HAS GONE TO / WIN-CHES-ter.', Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808 - December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He led the Confederate army and navy during the American Civil War. About the Creator: Likely James Magee, a seller of stationery and envelopes at 316 Chestnut Street, and living at 750 Florida Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.

: Southern currency.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-Americans, carrying knapsacks, being called by the North Star. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed in speech bubble from North Star: 'Come along / colored pussons.' North Star labeled 'NORTH STAR' below image. 'SOUTHERN CURRENCY' printed at bottom left, below image of African-Americans.

: Taking an observation from a dark point.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African American man with Caucasian boy on his shoulders who looks through a spyglass and holds a bayonet. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'Taking an Observation from a Dark / Point. / Negro - Dis Child is a real Union / niggur, and no mistake.' Printed vertically at left of image: 'Magee. Chestnut St. Philada.', About the Creator: Magee was likely James Magee, a seller of stationery and envelopes at 316 Chestnut Street, and living at 750 Florida Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.

: The 'peculiar institution.'; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. The feet of an African-American. Yellow envelope with black ink. Image of left. Printed above image: 'THE 'PECULIAR INSTITUTION.' Printed below image: 'Secession's Moving / Foundation. / Tendancy due North - via 'Monroe.' / Harpel, 3rd & Vine Sts. Cincinnati.', About the Creator: Oscar Henry Harpel was a prominent post-Civil War printer working in Cincinnati. He rose to fame after producing Harpel's Typograph, which was then was used often for commercial promotion purposes.

: The cause of all our troubles.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Bust of African American man with image of a plantation in background. White envelope with blue ink and applied color. Image at top, center. Printed below image: 'The cause of all our troubles.'

: The innocent cause of the war.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man seated with hoe and loaf of bread. White envelope with black ink and applied color. Image on left. Printed below image: 'THE INNOCENT CAUSE OF THE WAR.'

: The latest contraband of war.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man standing with a hoe in his hand. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed above and below image: 'Whar is Massa Jeff now, / dat's what's de matter. / The latest Contraband of war--United States.', Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808-December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He led the Confederate army and navy during the American Civil War.

: The peculiar institution.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man, seated outdoors surrounded by foliage. White envelope with black ink and applied color. Image on top-left. Printed below image: 'The peculiar institution.'

: The persuasive eloquence of the sunny south.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American man bound to a pole being whipped. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'The persuasive eloquence of the Sunny South / KING & BAIRD. PRS. GANSOM ST. PHILADA.', About the Creator: King & Baird was a printer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.

: The result of secession [dialogue].; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Two African-American males having a conversation. One poorly dressed, the other in a top hat and fine clothes. Cream envelope with brown ink. Image on left. Printed right of image: 'The Result of Secession. / JULIUS. - 'Is your massa Union of Session? / SAM. - 'Why he's Session.' / JULIUS. - Den I pitys yer - you was as good a leben hundred dollar nigga as eber I see - an' / now yer aint wuf wun cent!' Printed vertically to left of image: D. Murphy's Son, Print. 65 Fulton & 372 Pearl Sts. N. Y.', About the Creator: D. Murphy's Son first appears in the Trow's New York City Directory of 1847. The business last appears in Trow's New York City Directory of 1900-1901. Among other items, D. Murphy's Son printed shelf and wall clock labels. Gift of Daniel Parish Jr.

: Uncle Sam sends his bird after traitor Jeff.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Three African-Americans watch as Jefferson Davis is carried off by an eagle. Davis holds flag bearing skull and cross bones. Yellow envelope with black ink. Image on left. Says Jefferson Davis: 'O! Lord! / Let me alone.' Says the African American woman (at center): 'Golly, Mas'a Jeff; / You's in a bad fix / sure enough.' Printed below image: Uncle Sam sends his Bird after / Traitor Jeff.', Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808 - December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He led the Confederate army and navy during the American Civil War. Uncle Sam is the personification of the United States of America. First given its unique name in 1813 by a meat packer from Troy, New York named Samuel Wilson, it was popularized in the 1860s and 1870s by the cartoonist Thomas Nast.

: Wanted: a $15,000,000 loan for the C. S. A.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American boy looking at large sign seeking funds for the Confederate States of America. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'HOYT.'

: Whar's Jeff Davis?; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American male crawling on his bare feet and hands, wearing striped clothing, and holding a whip. White envelope with brown ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'WHAR'S JEFF DAVIS?' Printed at bottom of envelope: at center: 'KING & BAIRD, PRS. BANSOM ST. PHILADA.', Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808-December 6, 1889) was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. About the Creator: King & Baird was a printer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.

: What is you gwing to fite' for?; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African-American woman doing laundry with African-American man, standing beside her while smoking a pipe. White envelope with black ink. Image on left. Printed below image: 'Dinah. 'What is you bwing to fite' / for?' / Pompey. 'Dat's what dis chile can't / find out, Massa says he don't know.'

: You had better get out dere, Massa Jeff.; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. African American man taunts Jefferson Davis who is in a box labeled 'REFRIGERATOR.' Yellow envelope with black ink. Image on left (vertical orientation.) Printed in speech bubble: 'You had better get out dere, Massa Jeff, / and go Norf, dey soon cool you or any / oder man.'

: [Man in chains being whipped].; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Man in chains on his knees, his arms held by another man who is raising a whip over his head. White envelope with blue ink. Image on left.

: [Slave escaping at Fort Monroe].; Pictorial Envelope: 1 envelope; 3 x 5 1/2 in. Caucasian man with whip calling out to an African American man who flees toward Fort Monroe. White envelope with black ink. Image on top. Inscription printed at top: 'Come back here, you black rascal. / Can't come back now, massa; dis chile's contraban'.' 'FORT MONROE' printed at right.

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