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DOWN WITH THE TRAITORS SERPENT FLAG
   
Complete Explanation:
An illustrated unionist sheet music cover, condemning secessionist state South Carolina, and probably issued shortly after its Charleston Convention of December 20, 1860. (See "The Palmetto State Song," no. 1861-2.)

Strongly militant in tone, the illustration shows an American soldier standing on the palmetto flag of South Carolina, which lies on the ground. The flag is partially draped over a broken military drum. Two cannonballs appear on the ground around it. The soldier holds a saber, whose point seems to pierce the Southern flag, and an American flag.

Four lines of the song appear above the ilustration:

"Down with the Traitors serpent flag!

Death to the wretch o'er whom it waves!

And let our heaven-born banner float

O'er freemen's Homes & Traitors' Graves!"


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