This is the October 3, 1868 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, with the exception of yellowing of the pages, which is common for a newspaper of this age.  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 NEW HAMPSHIRE FAIR – The annual state agricultural fair was held, September 15 to 19, 1868, with unprecedented success, which indicates that these important exhibitions have a very strong hold on the public minds.  An engraving depicting the prize- winning animals is presented on the cover page. (See picture)

“BIZ” – A comical illustrated scene of a barber asking the same question to two different customers and agreeing with both, who have opposite answers.

WE CAN’T SURRENDER NOW – A poem

THE BOYS ARE MARCHING ON – A poem

THE SITUATION – The Democratic club is asking whether, under the plea of attempting to lighten taxation, it will call to power those who imposed the necessity of taxes.  It is asking to forget history, to repudiate experience, and to disregard all the principles and laws, which usually govern human conduct.  In the height of its civilization it is asked to recur to brute methods of barbarism, and to overthrow by force the policy, which has been established by law.

MR. REVERDY JOHNSON PLAYING WITH EDGED TOOLS – Mr. Johnson, our Minister to England, does not understand the change that has taken place in this country and of which the abolition of slavery is merely a sign.  He would not sympathize with it, and consequently he is sure to make mistakes when he is forced to talk about it.

FIGHTING AGAIN – The question of the Black voters swaying the upcoming elections has agitated several politicians, especially those in the Southern States.  Some are wondering if it will lead to another war.

GENERAL FORREST AND FORT PILLOW – General Forrest, one of the most notorious of the rebel soldiers, and a conspicuous delegate to the Seymour and Blair Convention, is very busily engaged in explaining his actions during and after the war.  During the Civil War General Forrest was responsible for the massacre at Fort Pillow, where Black Union soldiers were murdered along with the Whites.

GENERAL BUTLER IN MASSACHUSETTS – While General Butler’s service during the War are gratefully acknowledged, his entire unfitness as a party leader and representative are not less obvious.  And if, as the Republican Party is again to be entrusted with the Government, it is absolutely essential that it should be free from the responsibility of opinions with which General Butler is peculiarly identified.

THE OLD MAMMY – General Lee informs us that it is sad slander to say that the late rebels are hostile to Black citizens.  ‘Have we not always lived together?’ says the General.  Are not our interests of necessity the same?   If Seymour and Blair are elected, the entire Black code would be re-enacted.

TRAIL AND CONVICTION OF THE ASSASSIN WHELAN – There were strong political disagreements in Montreal, Canada; and the midnight murder of Thomas D’Arcy M’Gee was a dastardly act.  A full-page article with an engraving of Whelan is presented.

THE DEAD SOLDIER AND HIS DOG – It has long been a favorite theory that animals possess similar faculties as those of man, differing in degree and intelligence. There are many instances where their sense of memory and affection have been shown.  In the picture “The Dead Soldier and His Faithful Dog” this theory is illustrated. An engraving of the picture is presented.

LA MERE BAUCHE – A fictional story

THE MODERN SAMSON – A full-page political satire engraved by Thomas Nast (See picture)

THE EARTHQUAKES IN SOUTH AMERICA – A full-page engraving depicting the destruction of the earthquake, which was felt on the Pacific Coast, is accompanied by a report from a South American correspondent.

THE STOCKBROKER AT DINGLEWOOD – A fictional story

GENERAL GRANTS LETTER – A letter from General Grant to his father, written during the Vicksburg campaign, was published in the New York Tribune, and has been reproduced in this issue of Harper’s Weekly.  The entire letter is a revelation of Grant’s true character.

THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET MATCH – The St. George Cricket Club of New York invited the famous English team, the “All England Eleven” to a match here in the United States.  The article explains the rules of the game, and provides several engravings depicting how the game is played. The score is presented at the end of the article, along with an engraved portrait of the “All England Eleven” Cricketers and their Umpire. (See portrait)

THE FREEDMEN’S SCHOOL – When the North gave freedom to the slaves of the South it saw the necessity of giving them also the education which was necessary to their proper appreciation and employment of their liberty.  Six schools are pictured with this article:  Emerson College, Mobile, Alabama; Beach Institute, Savannah, Georgia; Coan School, Norfolk, Virginia; Fiske University, Nashville, Tennessee; Butler High School, Hampton, Virginia; and James Plantation School, North Carolina. 

SEYMOUR SAYS THE NOMINATION ‘HAD PLUNGED HIM INTO A SEA OF TROUBLE’ – A political satire engraving by Thomas Nast appears on the last page. (See picture)

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