The Wasp — 1890 — page 420: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page shows "A Reminiscence of the Civil War" — a historical illustration depicting soldiers training for combat, specifically "Training for Coffee and Tobacco Between Fortified Lines During a Truce." The image appears to be a satirical commentary on Civil War-era military life, likely mocking the informal practices that occurred during truces between opposing forces. The engraving shows soldiers engaged in what seems to be unauthorized fraternization or trade across battle lines — exchanging coffee and tobacco with the enemy. The satire likely critiques either the humanity soldiers showed each other despite being enemies, or conversely, the breakdown of military discipline during conflicts. Without clearer text identifying specific figures or events, the precise satirical target remains unclear, but it comments on the realities of Civil War soldier experience beyond official narratives.