CIVIL WAR EXECUTION OF DESERTER HENRY JOHNSON FAIRFAX VIRGINIA 1861 ILLUS NEWS For Sale

Henry Johnson's Execution by firing squad was one off the most notable of the War- Private Johnson, 1st New York Cavalry was on picket duty near Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia when he passed through the picket lines on the Centreville Road with intent to desert to the Rebel lines. Apprehended by 1st New Jersey Union scouts, he was given a drumhead courtmartial in front of the Army of The Potomac at Fairfax Seminary . A native of New Orleans he claimed he had merely planned to visit his mother in Louisiana, but the court didn’t buy his story . The December 13, 1861 execution received widespread press coverage as it was the first such execution for the Army of the Potomac.An Original Civil War Issue of Harper's Weekly illus news featuring a full page illustration of the execution and story of his fate. The December 28, 1861 complete issue of Harper's also has illus and views of Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia, views of the great fire at Charleston, SC , and a birdseye view with scenes at Fort Pickens during it's bombardment, and a double page illus of the New York Fair for the City Poor.The cover illus shows Union Refugees in flight from Western Missouri.
A complete original issue with age stains, small edge cuts, overall VG. In an acid free archival sheet. Comes w bio info. This Will be shipped in medium priority mail flat rate USPS box to prevent damage.