Description
Above the main map is the title and three illustrations: “The Star Spangled Banner” flying in the foreground above a harbor apparently representing Fort McHenry; “The Outrage on the American Flag at Fort Sumter,” showing billowing smoke pouring out of the fort following the Confederate attack; and a sailor holding the pole of a large flag beside a cannon labeled “Peace Maker” with the caption, “‘If any one attempts to haul down the AMERICAN FLAG shoot him on the spot.’ – Gen. John A. Dix.” In the lower right corner of the main map is a crowd saluting a flag titled “Constitution & Laws.” Below the main map, the Washington map is flanked by allegorical female figures. “Justice Disarmed” holds pieces of a broken balance scale; “Liberty Weeping” has lowered her flag and shield and cast her eyes downward.
Timothy and Edward Ensign were partners in a New York City printing firm, active in a series of partnerships between 1841 and 1861, working with Phelps and Humphrey, as Ensigns & Thayer (with Horace Thayer), and finally, as Ensign, Bridgman & Fanning. Over their career they produced a number of notable prints on subjects from American history as well as maps and U.S. traveler’s guides.
Full publication information: Published by Ensign, Bridgman & Fanning, 156 William Street, N.Y.
Condition: Generally very good, recently professionally cleaned and deacidified, with only light remaining toning, wear, handling.
References:
Groce, George C. and Wallace, David H. The New-York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1969. p. 15.
Peters, Harry T. America on Stone. U.S.: Doubleday, Doran, 1931. pp. 181, 325.
