The songs are Union, mostly from the war years. Songs from the 1850s are anti-secessionist. There are many patriotic songs, but sentimental songs about family and mothers abound. The death of a soldier is treated with unashamed pathos. Also included are many answer songs such as Tell Me Of My Darling Boy, "a mother's reply to Just Before The Battle Mother." For some of the most popular Union songs of the Civil War see folders K-S. (115 items)
Series Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Series Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Series Citation:
The Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated American Sheet Music, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution