First Federal Occupation of Winchester Broadside

Description

First Federal Occupation of Winchester Broadside
Broadside describing the first occupation of Winchester, Virginia, during the Civil War.
[CIVIL WAR].
Broadside, signed in type by Colonel William D. Lewis, Winchester, Virginia, April 17, 1862, 1 p. 12½ x 11 in.
Inventory #22128
Partial Transcript
“HEAD QUARTERS,
Commander of the Post,
Winchester, Va., April 17, 1862.
CITIZENS OF WINCHESTER:
Upon me has devolved the duty of commanding this Post. My wish and my duty is to afford you all the
liberty
and
protection,
due to
fellow citizens.
The
Government
I represent, is
the same our forefathers established
to form a more perfect
Union...
promote the
general welfare
and secure to
us and our posterity,
the blessing of
Liberty.
We mean truly to represent its impartial
Justice.
But no one can expect the privileges of a
citizen
and behave as an
enemy.
No one can expect kindness...who does not extend it to others.
Citizens are reminded that the troops now stationed here, are those of
their own Government,
and are
lawfully
here on their
country’s soil...
they are here for the
protection
of their fellow citizens and for the prosecution of their Country’s Enemies the ‘Rebels.’ Those persons Male or Female engaged in circulating flying rumors and creating false excitements are particularly warned.
Our soldiers are to support the
Rights of all,
and were I to permit flying reports and insulting remarks to be made the means of mischief, annoyance and insult to the service or its servants, they would provoke retaliations and lead to much useless suffering.
I trust, Fellow Citizens, you will understand and appreciate the justice of these principles, and by your conduct obviate the necessity for harsh measures”
Historical Background
Colonel William D. Lewis issues a warning to the citizens of Winchester, Virginia, imploring them to submit to his occupation or face
“harsh measures.”
This was the first official occupation of a town that would change hands nearly seventy times during the war. Union General Nathaniel Banks entered the Shenandoah Valley in March 1862, occupied Winchester on March 12 and defeated the Confederates at the battle of Kernstown on March 23. On May 25 Union forces were defeated by Stonewall Jackson at the first battle of Winchester and forced to withdraw from the town towards Harper’s Ferry, thus ending the first Federal occupation of Winchester.
Condition
Very good.
SETH KALLER, INC.
Historic Documents and Legacy Collections
For over 20 years, Seth Kaller has been one of the country’s largest buyers of important historic documents and artifacts. More than 10,000 rare  manuscripts, documents, maps, and books handled by Kaller are now in  institutional and private collections including working drafts of the  United States Constitution, Lincoln-signed copies of the 13th Amendment  and Emancipation Proclamation, and rare prints and broadsides of the  Declaration of Independence.
Kaller is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America  (ABAA), the Professional Autograph Dealers Association (PADA), the  American Antiquarian Society, the Manuscript Society, the New-York  Historical Society’s Chairman’s Council, and the Papers of Abraham  Lincoln Advisory Board.
Authenticity Guaranteed
Everything we sell comes with our absolute guarantee that it is original and  authentic. If this is ever proven not to be authentic it may be returned for a full refund.
History You Can Own
Whether you’re interested in the Founding Fathers, Documents of Freedom,  Battles and Leaders, the Civil War, African-Americana, World History,  Science, or a particular hero or villain, we can help you explore  opportunities to take ownership of history.
Build Your Own Collection
We can coordinate every aspect of the process for you, from searching for  individual items to building entire world-class collections for your  home, business, foundation, or favorite museum. We can handle the  pre-acquisition research, physical inspection and purchasing, auction  representation, authentication, inventory, accounting reports, framing,  and display.
Help Your Favorite Institution
Build a legacy by preserving history for generations to come. Through  donations and loans to your favorite museum, library, or university, you ensure the survival of these important documents and act as a steward  for personalities and ideas that shaped the world. We handle all the  arrangements including insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgement  for you. Donating can also bring substantial tax benefits. We have  considerable experience working with tax attorneys and accountants to  help maximize your benefit or minimize your cost as you promote your  passion for history.