A Short History of General R. S. Ewell, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This trade card from 1888, part of the "Histories of Generals" series, depicts Confederate General Richard S. Ewell. It is one of a set of cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their "Honest Long Cut" brand of smoking and chewing tobacco. The card features a portrait of Ewell, along with a scene of a soldier marching towards a battlefield. This card, as well as others in the series, were meant to evoke feelings of patriotism and heroism, which would then associate with Duke's brand of tobacco. The image utilizes a combination of color lithography, typical of late 19th century printmaking, and exemplifies the use of patriotic themes for advertising and brand building.