Interesting early printed recruitment broadside, 13.5 x 16.5, April 22, 1861, encouraging enlistment in a Union rifle company. The top features a handsome engraving of an eagle holding a banner reading, “Our Country!,” with large lettering below, “To Arms! To Arms!” The advertisement reads, in full: “All able-bodied men who are willing to join a Rifle Company, and offer their services, are requested to hand in their names at the Head Quarters of the Union Blood Rifle Guards without delay. All neighboring towns can address the Company, at the Head-Quarters in Bedford, and hold themselves in readiness to march at an hour’s notice.” The headquarters address is filled out in manuscript below, “Over Stone Store, S. D. Mathews Recruiting Officer.” Intersecting folds with small separations at intersections, and a few trivial tiny edge tears and creases, otherwise fine condition.
