This is the May 8, 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:

HON. JAMES S. GREEN, U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSOURI – A biographical article with an engraved portrait of Senator Green from the photograph by Mr. Brady.  Elected to the U.S. House of Representative in 1846.  He was re-elected by a large majority in 1848, and served through two terms in Congress.  In 1856, he was appointed to the Senate, by the Legislature of Missouri after being elected again by a large majority to the Congress.

DAILY WORK – A poem by Charles Mackay

AMERICAN SYMPATHY WITH MURDERERS – The assassins of the Rue Lepelletier has been signally honored here in the U.S. in New York and Boston.  In Boston Orsini, Pierri, and Rudio have been enrolled among the holy army of martyrs.

PROSPECTS OF CHEAP FOOD – The breadth of land sown is quite unprecedented, and if the weather continues to be favorable, the harvest should be more abundant than last year.

THE FINANCIAL SITUATION – In 1857, the demand for our leading products, corn and cotton, abroad, has led to a large surplus in bullion within the U.S. banks.

THE RATIFICATION OF THE YRISSARI TREATY – News has come from Nicaragua that the Yrissari treaty has been ratified, and that the transit route from ocean to ocean has been definitely placed under the protection of the United States.

ROGERS’S MARINE SIGNALS –A bill is pending before Congress to oblige ship-owners to adopt a set of signals invented by Mr. Rogers, so that vessels sailing in and out of U.S. waters will be able to communicate with one another by means of a set of recognizable signals.

THE COST OF ROYAL GOVERNMENTS – We are fond enough of grumbling at the cost of our Government; it is wholesome, once in a way, to glance at the sums which royal governments cost our neighbors across the water.

PERIM, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES – The island of Perim, lying in the mouth of the Bab-el-Mandeb Straits on the Red Sea has recently been annexed by England.  If the island were fortified it could control the marine traffic on the Red Sea.  Russia and France are complaining that seizing this strategic point is an infraction of the Treaty of Paris.

THE FINAL CAPTURE OF LUCKNOW – For the third time since the Indian war broke out, Lucknow has once again been occupied by the English forces.  This article is accompanied by five engravings of views of the City, important residences, and a map.  The captions are as follows:

                        THE MARTINIERE

                        THE RESIDENCY

                        PLAN OF THE CITY

                        LUCKNOW, FROM THE RESIDENCY

                        LUCKNOW, FROM THE RIVER  (See picture)

A detailed description of the battle is provided with other important news on a following page under the title “India, How Lucknow was Taken”.

THE LAST PRESIDENTIAL DRAWING-ROOM – An engraved portrait of Miss lane (See portrait), The lady of the White House is presented with this article, along with a description of the formal occasion.  Four other engravings related to the article are also presented; three depicting a man engaged in dressing for the occasion; and another entitled “These Highly Respectable Parties Were not Asked to the Reception.”

WHAT WILL HE DO WITH IT? -  A fictional story written by Sir E. Bulwer Lytton

A LOVER’S DREAM – A poem by an anonymous writer

THREE HOURS IN A LONDON DRAIN – A fictional story

OLD LETTERS – A poem by an anonymous writer

YEARS AND YEARS AGO – A fictional story

PICTURES OF DOMESTIC LIFE – Two engravings drawn from paintings, which are in exhibition in London, England, are presented.  The first “THE BALLAD” from the painting by J.J. Hill; and the second “HOOK MY FROCK” from the painting by Mr. W. Hemsley. (See picture)