Beschreibung:

Lot of 3, all 24mo, with printed paper wraps (two yellow, one gray). All copyright 1863. Titles: Constitution of the S.B. (with blanks for Company, Regiment, etc.), 32pp. Constitution of the S.B. as Promulgated by order of the Board of Control. 4th ed. 32pp. and S.B. Guide to Enlistment. 3rd. ed. 35pp. The "theory" of the organization is Brotherhood, and alternative meanings of "S.B." include "Strong Band" or "Strong Brotherhood." As apparently explained in some circulars of the day, these were modeled on the German "Bunds." The S.B. set forth five principles as the basis of the organization: 1. To preserve, through all coming time, the unity of the United States from disintegration and decay. 2. To secure to posterity our birthright of freedom of conscience, speech and action. 3. To afford to people of other lands an asylum, a refuge from tyranny, oppression and political wrong. 4. To perpetuate the memory of the founders of this great Republic, and of their worthy and immortal successors. 5. To teach, by covenants, emblems, and solemn ceremonies, the harmony, strength and beauty of National unity. The organization was to be military, in so far as was possible. Membership was open to all males free, white and over 18 years of age. (If under 18 and had served in the military, the age restriction was lifted.) What is not clear is HOW they were to preserve and secure the unity of the United States. Others did not see this organization as an innocuous brotherhood. According to what appears to be an editorial from the Macomb (IL) Eagle, March 7, 1863: "It will be seen that the 'S.B.' - which may mean Strong Brotherhood, Small Bullies, Sacred Butchers, Sorry Bunglers, or something else is about the most villainous organization that ever was concocted by corrupt scoundrels or put in practice by abject and cringing sycophants. ...This order is to stir up strife - to excite hatred - to domineer over [those who] dare to question the infallibility of the Lincoln administration." An even more strongly worded piece picked up from the Lincoln (IL) Courier the next month, titled: "A Crusade upon the rights of Democrats," this editorial notes that S.B.'s "... - more properly speaking the "Sons of Belial" (Satan) ...arm] themselves and patrol the towns and counties throughout the North, in squads sufficiently strong to move on every Democratic house in one night, or, go from house to house until the work is accomplished, which is, disarming of every Democrat. If Democrats are so foolish as not to give up their arms, this Band will proceed to search the house, and woe be to the man who resists the attempt." A little-known secret society of the Civil War period - which, unfortunately, would be followed by many more. The descriptions are not unlike the secret society of the future - the Klan. Condition: All with expected light surface soil, bent corners of wraps. Overall, excellent, especially for these little paper-wrapped booklets. No separation of covers, or loss of paper over spine, etc., as is all too common in these.