Pensions for disabled U.S. soldiers and soldiers’ widows and orphans began in 1862. The law was extended in 1879 to entitle applicants to arrears dating to the disability, not just the application, and in 1890 to veterans who were disabled, even if it was not by a service-related injury. There were many other intervening bills as well. The cost to the government was high and it became a political issue for both parties, who wanted equally to paint themselves as the veteran’s friend. Cleveland lost the 1888 presidential election in part to his veto of many pension bills. Harrison lost it four years later amidst charges of corruption in granting pensions too broadly. At least one veteran’s speech at a Gettysburg monument dedication was devoted to the subject.

This is a great broadside by W.H. Wills & Co., advertising their services as pension lawyers in representing veterans in claims to the government for pensions, bounties, land claims, etc. Imitating the form of a Civil War recruiting broadside with a large patriotic American eagle at center, the firm instead reminds the former soldier that new bills have been passed in Congress for pensions in 1883 amounting to $101,000,000 and that thousands are entitled to a share. They even include a request along the border of poster that former soldiers will post copies of the broadside where other ex-soldiers can see it and offer to send a circular to interested parties as well.

Broadside measures 12 inches x 18.5 inches, on a 16 inch x 23 inch mount. Broadside is firmly glued to the mount in its entirety.

This is an impressive broadside that speaks to the business of war as well as its costs, and would be the perfect counterpoint in a collection to an early-war recruiting poster.  [sr]

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