Civil War Christmas
Drawing by Thomas Nast
"Thomas Nast built upon this 19th-century persona when he began drawing Santa for Harper’s Weekly. He published his initial illustration of Santa Claus in his first year with the magazine. His January 3, 1863 cover depicted Santa Claus handing out presents to Union soldiers."
"I'm sorry to write,
Our ports are blockaded, and Santa, tonight,
Will hardly get down here; for if he should start,
The Yankees would get him unless he was smart,
They beat all the men in creation to run,
And if they could get him, they'd think it fine fun
To put him in prison and steal the nice toys
He started to bring to our girls and boys.
But try not to mind it - tell over your jokes -
Be gay and be cheerful, like other good folks;
For if you remember to be good and kind,
Old Santa next Christmas will bear it in mind."
-From the collection of
O.J. Fargo.
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