Civil War Contemporary Engraving Union Army Staff Meeting Massaponax Grant 1864

Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA This press cutting from the French weekly Le Monde Illustré, (July 30, 1864) is an engraving that depicts a Union Army War Council at Massaponax, VA, planning after the Battle of Spotsylvania, with the cigar-smoking General U.S. Grant and MGen George Meade and their staffs. There exists a famous series of photographs of that same staff meeting (May 21, 1864). European journalists and illustrators had exceptional access on the ground during the Civil War (with both sides eager to get their story out to European audiences). The accompanying text notes that recent reports have been so contradictory that one can’t tell what is going on. France was happy to see the war continue, as that gave it a free hand to support the French-backed Emperor Maximilian in Mexico. The Battle of Spotsylvania (May 8-21, 1864) between the Union Army of the Potomac led by Gen. U.S. Grant and MGen George Meade and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by Gen. Robert E. Lee, was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War. Grant's objective was to pursue Lee and wear down his army with a view to eventually taking Richmond. As Grant had directed Meade: "Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also." Casualties on both sides were high. Although tactically inconclusive, Spotsylvania was an operational defeat for the South, as Lee could not easily replace his losses, with his army being degraded and driven back, and he was eventually besieged in Petersburg, ending with his surrender at Appomattox in April 1865. This is a contemporary original item, NOT/NOT a copy or later edition, and is a valuable piece of American history. Its condition is very good; 14.5 in x 10 in. Ready for framing, as a gift, or as an illustration in a publication or exhibit. Mailed in a tube.

Price: 22 USD

Location: Vienna, Virginia

End Time: 2024-02-16T18:00:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.5 USD