Post Civil War
c. 1865 FIVE Civil War Reconstruction & "American Union Commission" Circulars Seeking Help in Aiding the South
c. 1865 Civil War Reconstruction Period, Archive Collection of (5) different Printed Circulars (4) from the "American Union Commission" and (1) from the "American Christian Commission," Seeking Contributions to Aid in Rebuilding the Desolated South and Provide Relief to its Destitute People, all Choice Very Fine.
This scarce Archive Collection consists of (4) printed "American Union Commission" circulars, each c. 1865, ranging in size from 8" x 10" to 5" x 8". One issue includes the founding "Constitution" of the American Union Commission. These imprints were issued from New York City and Baltimore, seeking contributions to fulfill its stated mission:
"of aiding and co-operating with the people of those portions of the United States which have been desolated and impoverished by the Civil War, in the restoration of their civil and social condition, upon the basis of industry, education, freedom and Christian morality",and noting that:
"In its origin it had the sanction of President Lincoln; it now enjoys the cordial approbation of President Johnson. Fervent appeals to the people of the North to aid those of the South after "the work of the war is ended" and "the work of peace begins", noting that "We have but one country. In the welfare of every part of the United States all Americans possess an equal interest. The nation cannot enjoy prosperity while one half the land remains crippled, desolated..."
There are reports from the South of the conditions under which the people are suffering, facing starvation, homeless wandering, etc. Also includes a circular dated Nov. 27, 1865 from the American Christian Commission in Philadelphia, seeking contributions "from every man, woman and child in our land" to be "appropriated to religious and charitable labors in the South and Southwest". (5 items)