The Continental Monthly , Vol. 2 No. 5, November 1862 / Devoted to Literature and National Policy

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20899

Title

The Continental Monthly , Vol. 2 No. 5, November 1862 / Devoted to Literature and National Policy

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A pivotal November 1862 issue of the Union's literary organ, this volume blends patriotic essays on the Civil War's causes with diverse fiction, poetry, and nature writing. Featuring prominent contributors like Robert J. Walker and Charles Godfrey Leland, it offers a complex mix of political defense, abolitionist arguments for colonization, and romanticized depictions of the conflict, reflecting the era's intense ideological fervor.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in November 1862, *The Continental Monthly*, Vol. 2, No. 5, serves as a multifaceted chronicle of the American Civil War, blending high-minded political treatises with rich literary content to reflect Union sentiment and the era's complex racial dynamics. The volume opens with a substantial essay by Hon. F. P. Stanton titled "The Causes of the Rebellion." Stanton argues that the war's roots lie in a quarter-century of conspiracy, false doctrines regarding secession, and the deliberate cultivation of racial prejudice. He contends that slavery itself was not the sole cause but rather the final instrument used by conspirators to ignite a conflict brewing since the Nullification Crisis of 1832. Stanton asserts that the Southern populace was misled by fabricated fears of Northern aggression and the moral superiority of slavery, necessitating a violent overthrow of the Union. A starkly pro-colonization stance permeates the issue, advocating for the voluntary emigration of free and enslaved Black people to Liberia. The text argues that social equality between races is impossible in America due to deep-seated prejudice and economic competition, suggesting colonization is the only path to justice. This perspective is woven throughout various articles, including one by the Duchess of Sutherland (a pseudonym) who ironically invests in Confederate bonds while discussing the "glories" of slavery. Beyond political discourse, the issue features a diverse array of literary pieces. "The Wolf Hunt" offers a poetic, metaphorical depiction of the war as a brutal hunt against "wild beasts" (Confederates), while "The Poetry of Nature" by Charles Godfrey Leland explores themes of artistic revival and a return to natural laws amidst the industrial age. Other contributions include "My Maryland!" lamenting the state's loyalty issues, "A Merchant's Story" detailing the economic impact of the war, and "The Union," a patriotic affirmation of national integrity. Grounding this high-minded discourse in practical realities, the volume includes advertisements for Illinois farmland and premiums for subscribers. Collectively, the issue provides a comprehensive, albeit ideologically charged, snapshot of Union sentiment, literary culture, and the complex racial dynamics of the mid-19th century.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Politics
• Literature