Item No. 5304284

This nicely framed broadside poster advertises a war meeting. It states, “I will meet the People for the purpose of Recruiting for the War,” and is dated “Waukegan, July 28th, 1862.” The listed officer is Isaac L. Clarke, who was then recruiting a company that would form part of the 96th Illinois Volunteers, of which Clarke would be appointed lieutenant colonel. The 96th Illinois would earn a good record of service, fighting in a number of battles including Chicakamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Nashville. At Chickamauga, the regiment formed part of the defense of the critical “Horseshoe Ridge” position. Colonel Clarke was reportedly shot through the chest in the rebels’ opening attack and died a few hours later. The regiment would muster out in June 1865.

The broadside measures 11 3/4” x 8 3/4”. Overall framed measurements are 15” x 12”. The paper is lightly toned with minor foxing. Creased at the original folds, with the addition of many smaller creases throughout.