This is the October 29, 1853 issue of GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION newspaper, which in later years went by the name of Ballou's pictorial.  It is much like the more popular newspapers of the time, Harper's Weekly, and Frank Leslie.  All of these newspapers were highly illustrated with wood engravings. It is in very good condition, the pages are clean and flat. As you can see from the list of articles below it gives a good insight into the issues and life of that time, along with some very nice literary articles and poems. Additional pictures are available upon request. Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

MOUNT VERNON - Mount Vernon, Fairfax Country, Va., is the political Mecca of this country, and enshrines the ashes of him who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."  George Washington’s home is located nine miles from Alexandria, on the west bank of the Potomac River.  This article endorses the idea of purchasing and preserving the site as a national monument to the great, departed chief.  An engraving of the site is presented on the cover page.

LIONEL AINSWORTH: OR THE YOUNG PARTISAN’S DOOM - A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION - by Mrs. Caroline Orne

THE EMPEROR OF CHINA - We herewith present our readers with an authentic portrait of Tao-Kwang, Emperor of China, taken from an original Chinese drawing on rice-paper by a "Celestial" artist (See portrait).  He may be the last sovereign of the Tartar dynasty, and is said to be one of the greatest potentates of ancient and modern times.

RELIGION OF THE CHINESE - Vast temples rise in the cities throughout China, and are consecrated to the public divinities.  Five engravings illustrate this article: “A Chinese Idol,” “A Chinese Throne,” “A Chinese War God,” “Kouan-yn, A Chinese Goddess,” and “A Chinese Vase for Burning Incense.”

ANGEL’S VISITS - A poem by Dr. George W. Bungat

KISH-WA-KEE - A LEGEND OF THE PAWNEE INDIANS - by Mrs. Sophronia Currier

THE INDIAN SUMMER – A poem by Mrs. R.H.E. Kenerson

AN UNFINISHED SKETCH - by Mrs. E. Wellmont

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE - This institution is located in Hanover, New Hampshire on a tract of land donated by Gov. John Wentworth, in 1769.  The article describes the campus, and the generous contributions, which led to its future establishment.  An engraving of the campus is presented. (See picture)

STATE HOUSE, NEWPORT, R. I. – An engraving of the building is presented.  Newport is said to be a rapidly growing town, a place of public resort, and decidedly the watering place of  America.

CLIPPER SHIP “GREAT REPUBLIC” – A full-page engraving of the Leviathan Clipper Ship, “The Great Republic”, fully rigged is presented in the center page.  The article gives an extensive description of the ship. (See picture)   

IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER – A poem by Ira Warren, M.D.

THE LITTLE OLD CORPORAL - by Mary A. Denison

THE SWALLOW’S FAREWELL TO SUMMERS – A poem by Louise A. Worthen

BOSTON PULPIT - WESTERN CHURCH - REV. CHARLES LOWELL. D.D.,  - SENIOR PASTOR - by Rev. Luther Farnham – Dr. Lowell has the honor of being the oldest settled pastor in Boston.  Ever since January 1, 1806, or for almost half a century, he has been the pastor of the West Church in Boston.  An engraved portrait of Rev. Charles Lowell, and of West Church, Hyde Street, Boston are presented.

LONGINGS – A poem by Alice Carey

WORSE ENEMIES THAN LIONS AND TIGERS - By T.S. Arthur

The last page is dedicated to an article describing four of the exhibits at the Crystal Palace.      “GULLIVER IN LILLIPUT,” “THE INDUSTRIOUS GIRL,” “THE TWO LOVERS GOING TO THE WELL,” and “THE BUST OF PRAYER.”

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