A couple weeks ago on ebay I won a copy of “Sparks from the Camp Fire: Tales of the Old Veterans†published in 1892 (second edition) edited by Joseph W. Morton. It’s a neat illustrated book with stories and fascinating tales from veterans of the Civil War. There are stories and recounts of all the famous battles as well as tales about strange and quirky incidents. But I was also fascinated by the illustrations, which were very nice and plentiful. I then came across a sketch (shown below, first image) that I knew I had seen before. A lot of them I had not. Sure enough I had (second image). I have a copy of it in my personal collection. The byline for the photo in “Sparks from the Camp Fire†(you can click and enlarge photo) reads “In the Devil’s Den†during Gettysburg. However, the one I have is titled “Siege of Vicksburg: Fight in the Crater.†The Federals dug underneath the rebel works and attempted to blast a whole to attack through. It failed. Now, I know it’s not that big of a deal, but I’m starting to wonder if the one I have is a fraud? I do think the image shows in the bottom foreground men buried, or half-buried with debris, and this seems to be evidence that the sketch is probably depicting the “Fight in the Crater†at Vicksburg. But I thought I would elicit some help from y’all. Any thoughts or comments out there?
Dear Sir,
My name is Rick, I have a copy of Sparks from the Campfire,
1891 which shows the same pic. as Devels Den. This book has been passed down to me from my mother and has been in the family many years. It was bought by a grt., grt grandmother in 1907. Mabe it will shed a little light on your pic.
Rick
Gentlemen,
Maybe someone can also assist me. I have a 1889 hardcover edition of “Sparks from the Camp Fire” which is reddish brown in color and is published by the Pennsylvania Publishing Co, Harrisburg, PA. The cover is very similar to the 1899 blue hardcover edition with the same impressions in it. My 1889 edition is compiled by “Lieut.-Colonel Charles S. Greene, Late of U.S. Army; Member of Staff of Major-General John F. Hartranft; Clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of Penna, Etc. and others”.
I have searched the internet but have been unable to find any reference to this edition and author.
Is it possible that I have a first edition of the book? Thank you.
Ed in Gettysburg
I too have this book which was passed down to me by my Grandmother. It has the same publication information, date and author. The Cover is Red and has Images of a campfire in the bottom right hand corner, and fireplace scene in the upper right hand corner.
There is an inscription in my book that says, “Nettie Riggle, East Germantown, Indiana Oct 9, 1889)
I have Sparks from the Campfire by Jos. H Wenrich 1892. Could this be an original?
I found an original Sparks from the Campfire Published by The Keystone Publishing Company, Philladelphia. This book has been professionaly rebound with the original tannish gold cover. Edited by Joseph w. Morton, Jr. It has 580 pages and is in exceptional condition.The pages are in excellent condition no creasing or bent corners. This 120 year old book has been well cared for.
I currently have it listed on ebay.
I have an 1889 Copy, Published New Your by W.A. Houghton, Contents list 130 stories and 27 full page illustrations, all are copies of hand drawn scenes. Nothing fancy like what your edition shows.