Loyal Publication Society, No. 20: Military Despotism! Suspension of the Habeas Corpus! New York, 1863.
Loyal Publication Society, No. 20: Military Despotism! Suspension of the Habeas Corpus! Wm. C. Bryant & Co., Printers, New York, 1863. First Edition.
Binding: Softcover. Book Condition: Very Good+ Condition. Size: 8"-9" - Octavo (8vo). 16 pages.
Although the title would suggest this pamphlet is an attack on Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus, the various articles and quotations pulled together in it seek instead to support it. One section draws an approving parallel with a similar action taken by Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. Another argues the Copperheads were hypocritical in their protests against the jailing of publishers such as Clement Vallandigham since they had failed to protest "the practical suspension of the habeas corpus throughout the entire South before this war broke out."
Text block is tight and unmarked, though the pages have toned with age. Very Good+ softcover in original wrapper. The edges of the wrapper are a bit darkened from being handled or from exposure and there is a 3/8" closed tear at the foot of the spine, but the book is holding together well. No foxing in this copy. There are penciled numbers on the front and back covers.
The Loyal Publication Society was organized by a group of some of the most prominent citizens in New York City. Its purpose was to counteract propaganda efforts to undermine the Union cause, particularly coming from the northern Copperheads. In his 1939 journal article on the group, Frank Freidel wrote: "Worried by the persistent efforts being made to disseminate 'disloyal' journals and documents among the northern troops, a group of pro-Union men" in New York launched the "most significant" of the pro-Union propaganda agencies. In the words of the Society's organizing resolution (printed on the inside front cover), "the object of this organization is, and shall be confined to the distribution of Journals and Documents of unquestionable and unconditional loyalty throughout the United States and particularly in the Armies now engaged in the suppression of the Rebellion, and to counteract, as far as practicable, the efforts now being made by the enemies of the Government and the advocates of a disgraceful peace to circulate journals and documents of a disloyal character." Each pamphlet had a run of about 10,000 copies.
Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 0 lbs 1 oz. Category: History; Civil War Period (1850-1877); ISBN: No ISBN. Inventory No: 1126.
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