Election in Baltimore, November, 1862 (from Confederate War Etchings) 1861 - 1863

Adalbert John Volck, a Confederate sympathizer, created this etching entitled "Election in Baltimore, November, 1862" during the American Civil War. The scene depicts a contentious election day in Baltimore, a border city with divided loyalties. Volck, through his artistic lens, offers a potent commentary on the tumultuous political climate and the suppression of Confederate voices. The figures are rendered with stark lines, emphasizing the tension and unease of the moment. The presence of armed guards and the agitated crowd suggests a highly charged atmosphere, hinting at the coercion and intimidation tactics allegedly used to sway the election in favor of the Union. Consider that Volck, as a Southern sympathizer, uses this image to construct a narrative of Northern aggression and the violation of democratic principles. This work serves not only as a historical record, but also as a piece of propaganda, reflecting Volck’s personal investment in the Confederate cause and shaping perspectives on a deeply divisive period in American history.