Historic Newspapers: The New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES, March 22, 1858

* Lord Stanley predicts the greatness of Russia and America
* Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and The Great Awakening

Page 2 has an interesting article headed: "Lord Stanley on the Future Greatness of America and Russia", which time would prove to be prophetic. Page 4 has: "The Great Awakening - The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher at Burton's", which is quite interesting.
Additional articles cover the temperance, Barnum's Museum (an ad), the arrival of The Arabia, and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 10, 1858  The front page has a nice illustration of "Hon. Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia" including a biography of him. A text report entitled "The Settlement of the Mormon Affair.  A full page: "A Masked Ball at the Academy of Music at Paris" along with an article "Busard and the Paris Masked Balls" which also features a large illustration of "Monsieur Musard". A two-page article "Washington From a Mohammedan Point of View" with several illustrations.…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 19, 1858 

* The Utah War - Mormon Rebellion

The front page has over a full column of the latest news on the troubling Mormon situation in Utah, heads reading: "Further From Utah" "Arrival of Seventy Mormon Families at Camp Scott" "The Utah News" and "Details of Advices Previously Received by Telegraph" The full text is seen in the photos.
The reports cover the Mormon Rebellion, a few bits noting: "...almost instantly upon his arrival at the Mormon City he found the…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 23, 1858  Page 2 has two-thirds of a column taken up with a report headed: "The Mormons Flight and the Mormon Future--A New Power Among the Nations of Earth". The report begins by reflecting upon the founding of the Mormons noting: "...announcing the appearance & character of their 'Golden Bible' as the book was for a while commonly called...reference to the 'Golden plates' from which it was alleged to have been 'translated'...the rough & ready manner in which Brigham…

NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 2, 1858 

* Quarantine Hospital burning
* Bayley Seton Hospital
* Tompkinsville, Staten Island

Page 4 has a column headed: "Great Conflagration at Staten Island" "Destruction of the Quarantine Establishment" with much detail on the burning of the Quarantine Hospital, the city's first line of defense against migrant-borne infectious diseases. Also: "News From Utah" and "From St. Louis...Colored Emigration to Hayti" and "The Kansas Gold Mines".
Eight pages, very…

NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 3, 1858  The front page is almost entirely taken up with much detail on the burning of the Quarantine Hospital, the city's first line of defense against migrant-borne infectious diseases. First column heads included: "THE STATEN ISLAND ARSON "Full Details of the Burning of the Quarantine Buildings" "Boasts of the Incendiaries" "The Unsheltered Sick" and more.
Page 4 includes: "Later From Utah--Movements of Troops--The Utah Election--Everything Quiet"  as well as a brief…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 20, 1858

* John Heenan "Benicia Boy"
* Pre Civil War boxing w/ police raid
* Jews Hospital - Mount Sinai

The front page has an article headed: "Fight Between the 'Bencia Boy' and 'Dublin Tricks'--The Latter Badly Beaten" See image for text here.
Eight pages, minor spine wear, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 3, 1858  Page 2 has: "RELIGIOUS HISTORY - Chronicles of Religious Sects in the United States". This is the 34rd installment in the series with a focus on Swedenborgianism which were based on the doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg. The article is lengthy taking 2 1/2 columns and provides details of their founding and beliefs. Quite interesting. Note: Johnny Appleseed (not mentioned in the article) was a Swedenborgian evangelist/missionary. See photos for details.
Other news…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 12, 1859

* The Wanderer (slave ship)

Page 3 has about 1/2 of a column of text headed: "The 'Wanderer' Africans Westward-Bound-Curious Scenes" and more which concerns the yacht Wanderer possibly being involved with the African slave trade.
Other news of the day. Eight pages, nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 12, 1859 Ftpg. shows: 'The Last Hours of Congress, March, 1858'. Halfpg: 'Homicide of P. Barton Key by Hon. Daniel Sickles at Washington'. Nice fullpg. Homer: 'Skating At Boston'. Additional illustrations, articles and advertisements are within.
Complete in sixteen pages.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 24, 1859 

* Pike's Peak gold rush

The top of the front page has: "The New El Dorado Of The West" "Rich Products of Cherry Creek--The Best Route for Emigrants--Difference of Opinion Thereon--Important Statements of Returned Miners" with reports from Nebraska City which take nearly 1 1/2 columns. This would be known as the Pike's Peak or Colorado Gold Rush.
Eight pages, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 12, 1859

* Raleigh, North Carolina duel
* Obadiah Jennings Wise & Patrick Henry Aylett
* Pre Civil War South

This 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has a brief article headed: "Duel between O. Jennings Wise and Patrick Henry Aylett" See image for text here.
Complete, minor spine wear, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 30, 1859

* Key West, Florida
* Fire disaster (1st report)

Page 4 has an article with small headings: "Destructive Conflagration" "The Great Fire In Key West--Destruction Of All The Stores" (see)
Other news of the day just prior to the Civil War. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, June 19, 1859  

* Slaver - slave ship Orion
* African Slave Trade Patrol

The front page has two-thirds of a column headed: "The Suspected Slaver - Description of the Belssel--Manifest of her Cargo...". The text notes in part: "The bark Orion...which arrived in this port...from the coast of Africa...been seized...upon suspicion of intention to engage in the slave trade..." with much more.
Eight pages, a bit irregular at the spine from disbinding, nice condition.

…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 25, 1859  The top of the front page has: "The African Negroes--The Secretary of the Treasury Defending the President--The Returned Africans of the 'Echo' " which was a slave ship. This report takes over a full column.
Also on the ftpg: "Arrest of Notorious Burglars" & "A Fugitive Slave Case in Washington" concerning Agnes Robinson.
Eight pages, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, July 4, 1859 

* Charles Blondin, the Niagara Falls tightrope walker

Page 3 has a full column article with small headings: "An Exciting Scene", "M. Blondin's Feat at Niagara Falls" being a very detailed account of the "Great Blondin", the famous tightrope walker, and one of his several extraordinary exhibitions at the Niagara River. Blondin was the sensation of the day and remains the person others are compared to when exhibitions of tightrope walking are done anywhere in…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 9, 1859

* Battle of Solferino, Italy

The front page has one column headings: "Important From Europe" "The Great Battle Of Solferino" "Highly Interesting Particulars of the Conflict" "Six Thousand Austrian Prisoners Taken" and more.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.

Pike's Peak... Refus Choate death...

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 15, 1859

* 2nd Italian War of Independence
* Franco-Austrian War
* Death of Rufus Choate
* Pike's Peak mention
* reports from Utah

The front page has one column headlines regarding the Franco_Austrian War.  Inside contains a report from Pike's Peak, the death report of Rufus Choate (Valedictorian at Dartmouth; U.S. Congressman).  Also included are the following reports:  "The Utah Flower Contract", "Spiritualists at Pic-Nic", "Mountain Meadow Children", and…

Pike's Peak... Refus Choate death...

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 15, 1859

* 2nd Italian War of Independence
* Franco-Austrian War
* Death of Rufus Choate
* Pike's Peak mention
* reports from Utah

The front page has one column headlines regarding the Franco_Austrian War.  Inside contains a report from Pike's Peak, the death report of Rufus Choate (Valedictorian at Dartmouth; U.S. Congressman).  Also included are the following reports:  "The Utah Flower Contract", "Spiritualists at Pic-Nic", "Mountain Meadow Children", and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 16, 1859  The front page of features a half page: "Scene on the Morning After the late Terrible Accident on the Michigan Southern Railroad" and a 1/4 page illustration "Marshal Macmahon". Inside includes a full page: "The War in Italy - the Emperor Napoleon at the Battle of Magenta" and a very dramatic doublepage centerfold: "Fireworks at New York on the Evening of the 4th of July, as Seen From Brooklyn Heights" which shows the New York City skyline. 
This…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 18, 1859 

* Charles Blondin, the Niagara Falls tightrope walker
* Tightropes w/ wheelbarrow (1st report)

Page 3 has a one-quarter column article headed: "Blondin's Last Performance - Niagara Crossed With a Wheelbarrow On A Tight-Rope", being a very detailed account of the "Great Blondin", the famous tightrope walker, and one of his several extraordinary exhibitions at the Niagara River. Blondin was the sensation of the day and remains the person others are compared…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 23, 1859  Inside the issue includes two 1/2 page maps of "Venice" and "Verona." The doublepage centerfold of "The Battle of Malegnano, Fought June 8, 1859." A 1/2 page illustration of "A Zouave Charge on the Bank of the Mincio." QUARTER page illustration of "Marshal Schlick, Commanding 1st and 2nd Austrian Armies in Italy." Continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. Advertisement in back 'Dred Scott Decision. Opinion of Chief-Justice Roger B.…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 26, 1859

* Alfred, Lord Tennyson
* Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom

Page 2 has a one column heading: "Tennyson's New Poem" Text takes up the entire pages here.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor spine wear, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 4, 1859

* Schaghticoke (town), New York
* Northern Railroad train wreck

The back page has a one column headings: "ANOTHER RAILROAD SLAUGHTER" "Fall of Bridge on the Northern Railroad" "A Passenger Train Wrecked" "Thirteen Lives Lost" and more. Text takes up over 1 1/2 columns.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, very minor spine wear, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, August 6, 1859 

* Charles Blondin, the Niagara Falls tightrope walker 

Page 3 has a one-third column article with small headings: "Blondin'd Last Feat at Niagara Falls" and "He Cuts Capers On His Rope, And Performs Alarming Deeds", being a very detailed account of the "Great Blondin", the famous tightrope walker, and one of his several extraordinary exhibitions at the Niagara River. Blondin was the sensation of the day and remains the person others are compared to when…

NEW YORK TIMES, August 22, 1859 

* Charles Blondin, the Niagara Falls tightrope walker*
* Harry Colcord, Blondon's manager on his back

Page 3 has a half column article headed: "Blondin Carries Man Across Niagara River on His Shoulders", being a very detailed account of the "Great Blondin", the famous tightrope walker, and one of his several exhibitions at the Niagara River. Blondin was the sensation of the day and remains the person others are compared to when exhibitions of tightrope…

NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 26, 1859 

* Charles Blondin, the Niagara Falls tightrope walker
* w/ stove, cooks omelet

The back page has a one-quarter column article headed: "Blondin Crosses the Niagara River with a Cook-Stove, and Cooks an Omelet", being a very detailed account of the "Great Blondin", the famous tightrope walker, and one of his several extraordinary exhibitions at the Niagara River. Blondin was the sensation of the day and remains the person others are compared to when…

NEW YORK TIMES, October 22, 1859 

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia

The front page has an article headed: "The Virginia Rebellion" "...Arms Distributed through Virginia--Incidents and Details" and more. The reporting takes nearly 4 columns.
Page 4 has: "The South and the Insurrection" taking over a full column.
Eight pages, light damp stains at the right margin, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 9, 1859  The ftpg. includes: "Congress--Both Houses Engrossed With the Slavery Agitation" "Messrs. Davis, of Mississippi, and Corwin & Cox, of Ohio, in the House" with this text taking half of the page.
Some related slavery issues discussed on inside pages including: "An Abolitionist Betrayed by Slaves"  "Southern Movements - Progress of the Southern States Towards Independence" "Stronger Disunion Sentiments in South Carolina" & more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 23, 1860  Page 3 has over two columns dedicated to: "THE CASE OF PATRICK MAUDE",with subhead: "History of Patrick Maude, Recently Executed at Newark for Murder".
The article tells of his life, his decision to represent himself in court, his attempt to be found not guilty by reason of insanity, his conviction, and his execution.  The National Institute of Health later did a review of his case.
The front page has: "The Inquest At Lawrence - Conbtributions For the Surviving…

NEW YORK TIMES, April 30, 1860  

* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* Famous boxing match - fight

Six of 7 back page columns are taken up with one of the more historic boxing matches of the 19th century.
The top of the first column has heads: "The Great Fight" "Full Particulars" "Thirty-Seven Rounds Fought" "The Event Declared to be a Drawn Battle" "Disgraceful Riot on the Grounds" and more. At the end of the reporting is: "A Battle Hymn - In Honor of Sir John Heenan".
Eight pages,…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 9, 1860 

* Ratifying Abraham Lincoln's nomination for President

The middle of the front page has an historic report headed: "The Republican Nominations" "Letters of Acceptance of Messrs. Lincoln and Hamlin" which is followed by the letter: "To the Hon. Abraham Lincoln of Illinois" which includes: "...representatives of the Republican Party...by an unanimous vote, selected you as the Republican candidate for the office of President of the United States..." with more &…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 21, 1860 

* Famous slaver "Wildfire"
* African slave trade print fame

Page 2 has small one column headings: "The Captured Slaver" "Reception Of The Negroes At Key West--How They Fare" This is a notable slave ship, made somewhat famous by the print of it found in the June 2, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly.
Other news of the day. Complete in eight pages, minor spine wear, generally nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, June 30, 1860  

* Stephen A. Douglas - Democrat Party
* Nomination for President of the U.S.
* Abraham Lincoln's opponent

The top of the front page hasL "Judge Douglas' Letter Of Acceptance" being Stephen Douglas' acceptance of the Democratic nomination for President. Page 2 includes: "The Last of the Richmond Convention---Attempt to Ratify the Seceders' Nomination" & "Mr. Hamlin At Home".
Eight pages, supplement not included, a bit irregular at the spine, very nice…

NEW YORK TIMES, August 6, 1860 

* New Jewish synagogue consecrated
* B'nai Israel in New York City

The front page has: "Consecration of a Jewish Synagogue--Interesting & Imposing Ceremonies--Addresses of Rev. Dr. Raphall and Rev. Messrs. Isaacs and Bondi" which begins: "The consecration services of the new synagogue of the congregation B'nai Israel, situated on the corner of Stanton and Forsyth Streets, took place yesterday..." with a description of the new structure & much on the…

NEW YORK TIMES, August 25, 1860  The front page has: "The Slave-Trade" "Case of Achorn--Decision Rendered--The Captain and Mate Discharged." The report includes the text of the decision (see).
Eight pages, binding slits at the spine, minor printing flaw to the ftpg., otherwise good.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, September 24, 1860  Page one has an interesting article dated August 29, 1860, "Nicaragua-The American Minister-An Ultimatum-Walker And His Chances", which has about 10 linera inches of text regarding Walker, his arrival at Truxillo, and an encouragement to resist him.  Two additional articles within the issue also provide comments on the last days of Walker in the region (see images for additional details).

Unrelated, the back page has two pre-Civil War…

SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 29, 1860   Page 2 has: "The Presidency" 'Bubbles from the Great Political Cauldron" "...Threats of Disunion--Negro Insurrectionists Thirty Years Ago...".
The latter articles\ reflects upon Nat Turner's Rebellion and some comments on John Brown.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 10, 1860  Page 2 has almost the entire first column taken up with: "Affairs In Utah--Federal Officers in the Territory--The Weather, Crops, etc.--Criminal Incidents--General Intelligence, etc." This article begins: "Much as it may be regretted by the majority of the American people, still it does seem, after all the fuss & smoke, that the Mormon people have got things very much as they wish to have them..." with much more (photos show portions).
Eight pages, very nice…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 27, 1860

* Baseball games in New York's City Hall Park causing strife
* The Billiard Tournament at Lynch's Billiard Rooms
* Syrian Massacres

The front page has news from Europe telling of Syrian massacres. A backpage report gives details regarding a Billiards Tournament at Lynch's Billiard Rooms at Union Square (with mention of the famous match between James Lynch and Dudley Kavanagh which had occurred two years prior). The same page has an interesting…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 20, 1860  Page 5 contains nearly a full column on: "Affairs In Utah" "Departure of the Delegate--Agricultural Fair in Utah--Serious Indian Hostilities--Miscellaneous News" with an interesting variety of tidbits from this Mormon stronghold (see for portions).
Eight pages, very nice condition.

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 11, 1860  

* Pre-Civil War Southern tensions - secession ?
* Mormons on Abraham Lincoln's election

A great issue from several months before the outbreak of the Civil War, with ominous first column heads including; "THE NATIONAL CRISIS" "The Secession Question Before Congress" "Latest Reports From the South" and more. 
Also on the ftpg: "A Bold Protest Against Disunion--Letter from John Minor Bolts Protesting Against Secession" datelined from Richmond.
Page 2 has:…

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 26, 1860  The front page has nice reports on the coming Civil War, with column heads: "THE DISUNION CRISIS" "No Possibility of An Agreement" "The South Carolina Commissioners Not to be Recognized" "Proceedings of the South Carolina Secession Convention" "DISUNION AND SLAVERY" "The Real Issue in the Pending Sectional Controversy" "Claims of the South...The True Policy of the Slaveholding States" plus more. 
These topics carry over to inside pages as well.
Eight pages, a bit…

NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 1, 1861  

* Creating the "Southern Confederate"
* American Civil War tensions in the South

Among the front page first column heads: "THE NATIONAL CRISIS" "Secession Speech by Senator Benjamin of Louisiana" "Disgraceful Scene in the Senate Galleries" "The Condition of the Forts & Arsenals to be Inquired Into" "What the South Carolina Commissioners are Doing" "Significant Indications of Northern Sentiment".
Items inside include: "The Southern Confederacy--It's…

(5) NEW YORK TIMES, January - March, 1861 

* Five newspaper lot prior to the outbreak of the Civil War

Few periods of American history were more unsettled than the months preceding the outbreak of the Civil War, which began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April  12, 1861. Since the election of Lincoln the preceding November the Southern states began serious efforts towards breaking away from the federal Union and creating a country of their own.

Here is a…