Prayer Meeting in a Contraband Camp – Washington, 1862 Steel Engraving, 1887

Repository:

Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Creator:

Cade, J. J.

Creator:

Sheppard, William Ludwell, 1833-1912

Creator:

A. D. Worthington & Co.

Title:

"Prayer Meeting in a Contraband Camp – Washington, 1862" Steel Engraving

Collection No.:

SC 0060

Date:

Extent:

1 letter folder, .06 Cubic Feet

Language of the Material:

English

Abstract:

The "Prayer Meeting in a Contraband Camp – Washington, 1862" Steel Engraving, 1887, is comprised of one 5 ¼ x 8 ¾ inch engraving featuring imagery of African-American worshippers, crowded into a small dark cabin. The prayer meeting attendees are depicted as singing, clapping, dancing, stomping their feet, and generally moving about energetically with arms uplifted.

William Ludwell Sheppard (1833-1912) was born in Richmond, Virginia and served with the Richmond Howitzers in the Army of Northern Virginia. He was a watercolorist, illustrator, teacher, and painter who began his career as a tobacco label illustrator. He has been credited with providing valuable imagery of the American South, including the African-American experience, and the Civil War. Other similar works include: "The First African Church, Richmond, Virginia – Interior of the Church, from the Western Wing" (1874), "Negroes Hiding in the Swamps of Louisiana" (1873), and "The Sunny South – a Negro Revival Meeting – a Seeker 'Getting Religion'" (1873).

A contraband camp refers to an encampment set up near Union forces during the American Civil War by certain escaped slaves who allied with the Union.

The "Prayer Meeting in a Contraband Camp – Washington, 1862" Steel Engraving, 1887, is comprised of one 5 ¼ x 8 ¾ inch engraving featuring imagery of African-American worshippers, crowded into a small dark cabin. The prayer meeting attendees are depicted as singing, clapping, dancing, stomping their feet, and generally moving about energetically with arms uplifted. Printed on the bottom border: "Oh I'm gwine home to glory--won't yer go along wid me, Whar de blessed angels beckon, an' de Lor' my Saviour be?'"

The engraving is housed in one letter folder.

"William Sheppard." Artist Biography for William Sheppard. Accessed February 21, 2017. http://www.askart.com/artist_bio/William_Ludwell_Ludlow_Sheppard/29605/William_Ludwell_Ludlow_Sheppard.aspx.