This is the April 3, 1858 issue of HARPER'S WEEKLY newspaper.  Harper's was one of the most successful newpapers 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 good condition, except for a minor water mark at the very bottom of the pages that does not affect the print or pictures.  As you can see from the list below it gives a good insight into life in the 1800's, along with some very nice literary articles.  Additional pictures available upon request, please send your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

HOW WE FURNISHED OUR HOUSE – A young couple, just married, shares their journey of furnishing their home through attending auctions.  In the engraving that accompanies the article Mr. D. Humbug is the auctioneer. (See picture)

AMERICAN CREDIT ABROAD – A German paper, published at Augsburg, has contained an article intimating that we go to Europe to borrow money which we do not mean to pay, and that we are, a nation of swindlers.  The fact is that the United States paid its bonds without default, when merchants in London, Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfort were having trouble meeting their obligations.

THE CONDITION OF MEXICO – The Zuluaga Government of Mexico is near ruin and the country is in chaos.  Most business has ceased, and several governments from Europe are considering intervention.  The writer of this article also suggests that the United States should intervene and take Mexico into the Union as a new State.

THE CANAL QUESTION IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK – A project to enlarge the canal systems in up state New York is in need of additional funding.  A debate is forming as to whether to fund the project with an additional five million dollars or to abandon the project altogether.

POMPEY’S PHILOSOPHY – (Imitated from the French) – A poem concerning the life style of African American people of the time.  Black history.  Seven engravings illustrate this poem.

LORD DERBY, PRIME MINISTER OF ENGLAND – The present Prime Minister of Great Britain is said to be one of the most famed orators in England.  A biographical article accompanied by an engraved portrait of Lord Derby is presented. (See picture)   

LITERARY (review) – Mr. Donald G. Mitchell delivers an agricultural address to the Connecticut Agricultural Society.

THE ATTACK ON CANTON – Two full-page engravings illustrating the attacks are presented, “A Scene in the Attack On Canton by the Allied French and English”; and “Attack On An English Man-of-wars Boat in a Creek Near Canton.” The article is an in depth description of the battles from the correspondent of the London Times.

TREASURES OF THOUGHT – A poem by an anonymous writer.

HELEN FLOYD – A fictional story.

AN OLD STORY – A poem by an anonymous writer.

THE CARNIVAL IN PIEDMONT – This article gives a lively description of the carnival at Piedmont –Turin, Turin being one of the larger streets of the city.  A full-page engraving entitled “The Monster Lady of Crinoline at Turin” is presented.  (See picture)

THE CULPRIT JUDGE: A TALE OF THE BENCH AND BAR – A story of the court system of the old west.

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