115

$100 Reward: A Few Good Men Wanted to Join the Excelsior Guards.

[Philadelphia]: McFarland & Thomson, circa August 1861
Letterpress broadside, 18¾ x 11½ inches; minor foxing, minimal dampstaining, light conservation includes modern repair near right edge with restoration of three letters. 

  • Notes: This broadside promises "Pay, Rations & Clothing at Once . . . $100 Bounty when Honorably Discharged. Remember! Good Officers, Good Pay, Good Rations, and Fair and Honest Treatment." Recruiting was done at the Cohocksink Hose fire station. 

    We find no other mention of this company under the "Excelsior Guards" name, but the career of Colonel George Potts McLean (1817-1900) is well known. He was recruiting for what became the 88th Pennsylvania in August 1861, with several other known broadsides for the Cameron Light Guards, including one printed at the same ephemeral printer at 311 Walnut Street. The 88th would see service at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and straight on through to Appomattox. 

    No other examples traced in OCLC or at auction.
  • Condition:
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