Harper’s Weekly April 11, 1863 – Prince of Wales Royal Wedding, Vicksburg Naval Ruse & New Bern BattleDescription
📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published April 11, 1863, combining dramatic Union military action with lavish coverage of the British royal wedding, a hallmark example of Harper’s uniquely global perspective during the American Civil War.
This issue is visually rich, highly displayable, and especially appealing to collectors of Civil War history, British royalty, and 19th-century illustrated journalism.
Highlights of This Issue
🚤 Front Page – Southern Waterways & the Civil War
Entire front page features three illustrations titled:
“Bayou Navigation in Dixie”
Vivid depictions of Southern bayous, waterways, and transport routes vital to Confederate supply lines and Union strategy
👑 British Royalty & the Victorian World (Exceptional Content)
Full-page illustration: The Prince & Princess of Wales
Three-quarter-page illustration: Queen Victoria & the Princess Beatrice
Half-page illustration: The Princess Alexandra Alighting from Her Carriage
Magnificent double-page centerfold:
“Marriage of the Prince of Wales at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor”
A grand ceremonial scene depicting the 1863 royal wedding of the future King Edward VII
One of the most decorative and sought-after royal-event illustrations of the period
⚔️ Civil War Action – North Carolina & the Mississippi
Full-page illustration:
“The Battle at New Bern — Repulse of the Rebels”
Depicts Union forces holding the strategic North Carolina town
Half-page naval illustration:
“Admiral Porter’s Second Dummy Frightening the Rebels at Vicksburg”
Shows Union naval deception tactics used to confuse Confederate defenders during the Vicksburg campaign
🗞️ Back Page Political Cartoon
“Mr. Seward & the Frenchman”
Satirical commentary on Union diplomacy and foreign relations during the war
Condition
📌 Complete in 16 pages
📸 I photograph every page — please review all images carefully and ask any questions before purchase.
Original 1863 issue
Expected age-related toning and light wear
Strong, clean impressions throughout
No facsimiles, no trimming
Why This Issue Is Desirable
⭐ Full royal wedding double-page centerfold
⭐ Rare Civil War naval deception at Vicksburg
⭐ Strong British monarchy and Queen Victoria content
⭐ Battle coverage from New Bern, North Carolina
⭐ Excellent balance of war, diplomacy, and world affairs
This is an especially attractive issue for collectors who want both history and visual elegance.
Framing & Display
🖼️ Optional archival framing available
Acid-free matting
UV-protective acrylic (not glass)
Flat-packed shipping for safety
Perfect for:
Home or office display
Civil War or royal history collections
Library, study, or gallery-style presentation
Shipping
📦 Ships flat and securely packed
📦 Never folded for mailing
📦 Tracking included
SEO Tags (13)
harpers weekly 1863
prince of wales wedding
queen victoria illustration
civil war newspaper
vicksburg naval history
admiral porter vicksburg
battle of new bern
british royal wedding print
antique illustrated newspaper
civil war era print
victorian royal history
original 19th century newspaper
civil war collectible
If you’d like, I can:
Price this to sell vs. to hold
Create a royalty-focused variant listing
Write a shortened mobile-friendly description
Cross-list with your Vicksburg, Farragut, or royal-themed issues
This April 11, 1863 issue is a fantastic crossover piece—war, royalty, and world history all in one beautifully illustrated newspaper.
Related Items:
ORIGINAL Harper’s Weekly May 6, 1865 President Lincoln Funeral Piece Of History
$225.00
1863 Harper’s Weekly Aug 8 Battle of Gettysburg; Civil War Newspaper; 8 pg.
$298.95
1863 Harper’s Weekly AUTHENTIC January 17 Issue – COMPLETE- Civil War Gettysburg
$150.00
