THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 1, 1859  The top of page 1 features prominent column coverage on the shocking Washington murder case under the multi-line headings: "The Sickles Tragedy", "A Preliminary Examination Waived—Mr. Sickles Remains in Prison", and "Continuation of the Excitement—State of Public Feeling." Taking over half a column, the report details the immediate aftermath of New York Congressman Daniel E. Sickles' sensational murder of Philip Barton Key II—the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney and son of Francis Scott Key.

The historical significance of this issue centers on one of the most famous, scandal-ridden murder cases in nineteenth-century American history. Upon discovering that Key was having an affair with his young wife, Teresa, Sickles confronted Key in broad daylight across from the White House, shooting him at point-blank range. Sickles' high-profile trial made legal history as the first successful use of the temporary insanity defense in an American murder trial. Spearheaded by defense attorney Edwin Stanton (later Lincoln's Secretary of War), Sickles was ultimately acquitted, turning this primary-source reporting into a monumental landmark in 19th-century American jurisprudence and sensationalist journalism.

Other national and international political news, financial market reports, and period advertisements of the day are found throughout.

Complete in 8 pages, featuring minor margin roughness and light toning expected for the era, otherwise in overall nice condition.