Harris Broadsides

Broadsides are single-sheet publications, often issued as ephemera or announcements. The Harris Broadsides Collection is a comprehensive collection of American poetry published in broadside format from colonial times to the present. The collection offers materials covering a broad spectrum of American life, and includes poetry of every description: 18th and 19th century ballads, verse describing newsworthy events, poetic effusions of sentimentality and patriotism, comic verse, and much more. When completed, this digital project will include over 20,000 titles.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

This collection is part of:

Items in this collection

The spirit of freedom

The spirit of freedom

Brown University

by Stella. Within double-line border with corner ornaments. At head of text: Written for the Soldiers' Relief Fair, at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Feb. 27, 1862. Poem in seven eight- and twelve-line stanzas. Author's full name from dealer.

The spirit of 1861

The spirit of 1861

Brown University

Printed on pink paper within double-line border. Poem in five six-line stanzas. In center of text: C.S.A.

The spirit of 'Sixty-One

By J.H. Whitney. Poetry. Within double-line border. Below title vignette of eagle holding American flag. Imprint continues after author's name: Author of "Ballads for the brave and bereaved," etc. Written for the Soldiers' Reunion, Reedsburg, Wis., August 23 and 24, 1882.

The spire

The spire

Brown University

1 broadsheet. At head of text: From "The Valley of Vision."

The spider's eye

The spider's eye

Brown University

Printed in brown on cream paper. Design in upper right corner. Title from first line. Poem in four stanzas of varying length. Imprint information from dealer; suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

The sovereigns of England

Mnemonic poem lists rulers from William the Conqueror to Queen Victoria. Mnemonic poem lists rulers from William the Conqueror to Queen Victoria. Poem in 24 lines. Suggested range of publication dates during reign of Queen Victoria, who is hailed as a living monarch.

The Southrons are coming

Song warns the Yankees of a Southern invasion. Song warns the Yankees of a Southern invasion. Within border of type ornament sections. To be sung to the tune: The camels are coming. Text of song in six four-line stanzas.

The Southern wagon

The Southern wagon

Brown University

Appeal to join seceded states; Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Appeal to join seceded states; Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Written by a son of Dixie's land. Within curvilinear border with corner ornaments. To be sung to the tune: Wait for the wagon. Text of song in six four-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Wait for the wagon. Source according to Ellinger, p. 161, the Raleigh Register; no author given. This edition not in Rudolph or Wolf.

The Southern wagon

The Southern wagon

Brown University

Appeal to join the seceded states; Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Appeal to join the seceded states; Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Text of song in six four-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Wait for the wagon. At end of text: Miss Annie M. Young, Alexandria, Virginia. According to Rudolph: Appeal to Southern states to join the Confederacy after Tennessee joined May 6, 1861 but before Arkansas seceded 12 days later. Source according to Ellinger, p. 161, the Raleigh Register; no author given. This edition not in Rudolph or Wolf.

The Southern wagon

The Southern wagon

Brown University

Appeal to join seceded states; Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Appeal to join seceded states; Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky and Maryland are mentioned as slow to decide. Within border of type ornament sections. Text of song in six six-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Wait for the wagon. According to Rudolph: Appeal to Southern states to join the Confederacy after Tennessee joined May 6, 1861 but before Arkansas seceded 12 days later. Source according to Ellinger Raleigh Register; no author given.

The South Carolina Rebellion

By William Withington. Printed in two columns divided by double line. At head of title illustration of American eagle, American flag and George Washington. Poem in 14 four-line stanzas. At end of text below rule: Ira Berry & Son, Printers, Cor. Fore and Exchange Sts., Portland.

The South Carolina Rebellion

By William Withington. Printed in two columns divided by double line. At head of title illustration of American eagle, American flag and George Washington. Poem in 14 four-line stanzas. At end of text below rule: Ira Berry & Son, Printers, Cor. Fore and Exchange Sts., Portland.

The South Carolina Rebellion

By William Withington. Printed in two columns divided by double line. At head of title illustration of American eagle, American flag and George Washington. Poem in 14 four-line stanzas. At end of text below rule: Ira Berry & Son, Printers, Cor. Fore and Exchange Sts., Portland.

The South and North

The South and North

Brown University

Printed on reddish brown paper. Text of song in ten four-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Then strike tham fast and hard my boys.

The South

The South

Brown University

Within double line border. At head of text cut of boy plowing and woman holding sheaf. Poem in five four-line stanzas.

The sour apple tree, or, Jeff Davis's last ditch

Without music Date based on internal evidence Text of song in three eight-line stanzas, each with four-line chorus At foot of song sheet: Published by N. Bangs Williams, Nos. 113 and 115 Westminster Street, nearly opposite the Arcade, Providence, R.I Variant of Edwin Wolf's American Song Sheets #2215