Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Commandery of the State of Massachusetts

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States was established in Philadelphia on 1865 April 15 as an organization of officers who fought for the Union during the Civil War. Among its stated purposes was "to cherish the memories and associations of the war" and to "strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed by companionship-in-arms." The Commandery of the State of Massachusetts was instituted on 1868 March 4. Activities included social gatherings; the presentation of historical papers on the war; and the collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and memorabilia.

From the description of Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Civil War Commandery of the State of Massachusetts collection: 1724-1933 (inclusive), 1861-1912 (bulk). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612702538

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) was established in Philadelphia on 15 April 1865 as an organization of officers who fought for the Union during the Civil War. Among its stated purposes was "to cherish the memories and associations of the war" and to "strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed by companionship-in-arms." The Commandery of the State of Massachusetts was instituted on 4 March 1868. Activities included social gatherings; the presentation of historical papers on the war; and the collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and memorabilia.

Patriotic cover art began to be produced extensively in the United States from the earliest days of the Civil War. Printing firms in both the North and the South produced these covers including lithographed images printed (or occasionally embossed) on envelopes depicting satires of enemy politicians and generals, tributes to heroism, and a huge variety of other patriotic images using caricatures, allegories, slogans, portraits, etc. relating to Civil War events and personalities. The envelopes were intended to be used and they would show the patriotic feeling of the sender, or would express a particular political sentiment, often of a propaganda nature. The great majority of designs were created and sold during the war from 1861 to 1865, however some were also produced after the war, apparently for collectors.

From the description of Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Commandery of the State of Massachusetts collection: Patriotic covers, ca. 1861-1865. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612767982