This is the February 20, 1858 issue of HARPER’S WEEKLY newspaper.  Harper’s was one of the most successful newspapers of the time.  Other publishers in the late 1800’s included Frank Leslie, in New York, and Gleason’s and Ballou’s Pictorial, and Every Saturday in Boston.  All of these publications were highly illustrated with wood engravings.  This issue is in very good condition, except for a few minor spots.  The issue is still very readable and these do not affect the engravings.  This issue gives good insight into life in the 1800’s, with articles on politics, literature, and art.  Additional pictures are available upon request.  Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT AT RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The cover of this issue shows an engraving of the Washington Monument, which was inaugurated on February 22, 1858.  This article proclaims Crawford’s sculpture as one of the greatest triumphs in American Art. (See picture)

PROPECTS OF A FOREIGN WAR – It is becoming obvious that the build up of the army, which has been called for by the Senate, is intended for the protection of US citizens from the impending hostilities in Mexico.

THE LECOMPTON COMMITTEE – The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mr. Orr, has ordered a committee to be established of nine northern and six southern members to study the question of the State Constitution presented by Kansas.  Within this is the question of whether or not to allow slavery within the State.

WOULD WASHINGTON HAVE FOUGHT A DUEL? – We are rather surprised to find the editors of the Express joining in an outcry which has been got up by a few obscure Irish papers against Mr. Thackeray’s delineation of Washington in “The Virginian.”

THE FAILURE OF THE COLLINS LINE – The Collins Steamship Co. has ceased operations because of the reduction of government allowances for carrying the mails.

THE AMERICAN SHIP “ADRIATIC” – The captain of the Adriatic who tried to escape from French seizure with the help of the American vessel Meagher has been recaptured by the French war-steamer and returned to France to face trial.  It is said that such acts are calculated to lesson the value of an American’s word.

SAFETY AT SEA – A very excellent bill has been introduced into the House of Representatives by Mr. Scott to enhance the security of passengers on board ocean steamers.

THE OLD LULL HOUSE – An engraving depicts the old house, which was built as early as 1660, and named for the family in whose possession it has been for more than a century.  It stands in Byfield, a short distance from Newburyport.

THE NEW CAPITAL OF CANADA – OTTAWA CITY – Ottawa City has just been selected by Great Britain to be the new capital of Canada.  An engraving of the city on the Ottawa River accompanies this article.

NATIVE LIVE IN INDIA – Mr. Marshall Claxton, a well-known painter, has contributed three sketches here engraved to this issue.  The titles of which are: “A Mill of the Upper Country”; “Strolling Players of the Upper Country”; and “Elephants’ Stable at Barrackpore”.

THE LAST BALL OF THE SEASON – Three lively engravings accompany this article about social life of the times. (See picture)

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH IT? – A fictional story by Bulwer Lytton.

AN INTERVIEW WITH AARON BURR – A fictional story.

THE WAR IN MEXICO – From our own correspondent.  A report from the city of Mexico, January 19, 1858, in which it is related how volatile the situation has become between the Government and the opponents.  Two engravings accompany this article “The Morning Truce For Marketing” (See picture), and “The House-top fighting in the City of Mexico.”

HEED NOT THE ERRING CHILD – A poem by C.B. Hankinson