The Little Corporal and the Army of the American Eagle

Very near the end of the Civil War the first popular children’s magazine emerged from Chicago. Published from 1865 to 1875, The Little Corporal was the brainchild of Alfred L. Sewell. Sewell also wanted to “employ the principal of "centrally organized giving to Children’s fund-raising" and created the ‘Army of the American Eagle’ as a way to raise money for the second Chicago Sanitary Fair.

His plan was to entice boys and girls to sell pictures of “Old Abe, the War Eagle,” mascot of the 8th Wisconsin, legendary for leading his regiment into numerous battles and emerging unscathed. The Chicago attorney made children “privates” in the Army of the American Eagle simply for buying pictures for a dime each. Recruits who sold pictures to other children or adults advanced through the ranks of Sewell’s army, starting with a corporal’s rank for selling 10 copies and progressing up to major general for selling 4,000 copies. Other incentives included gold, silver and bronze medals for the best-selling salesmen and saleswomen. One picture at a time, children from all over the North raised more than $16,000 (reported in The Little Corporal, July 1865) (From: Civil War America by James Alan Marten)

Sewell later wrote in The Little Corporal, that his goal was to” marshal the children and give them a chance to show how well they love their country and her brave defenders.” Emphasizing good conduct in his "army," the monthly magazine had as its slogan, "Fighting against Wrong, and for the Good and the True and the Beautiful" and cost $1 for a year's subscription.

The Little Corporal was filled with all kinds of juvenile literature, poetry, picture stories and songs. It was extremely popular with children all over the nation who eagerly awaited each month's edition. There was, of course, a slight lapse in publishing in October, 1871. The office of The Little Corporal burned in the Great Fire. The publisher was undeterred and, like Chicago itself, vowed to rise again.
"The Little Corporal will like 'Phœnix rise from its ashes to immortality,'and continue to fight for the good, the true, and the beautiful."

For much more on The Little Corporal, please see NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICAN CHILDREN & WHAT THEY READ An absolutely great site by Pat Pflieger. Be sure to explore all of it. Also available are some pre-fire issues of The Little Corporal at Google Books.

Photo Credits:
Cover; R & A Petrilla, Booksellers
"Offices in Ruin" by Thomas Nast