The New England Magazine Volume 1, No. 3, March, 1886 / Bay State Monthly Volume 4, No. 3, March, 1886

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22783

Title

The New England Magazine Volume 1, No. 3, March, 1886 / Bay State Monthly Volume 4, No. 3, March, 1886

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1886 issue of The New England Magazine offers a rich tapestry of New England life, featuring vivid travelogues of the Kennebec River, historical accounts of frontier warfare and colonial sieges, and essays on education and literature. With a tone blending nostalgia, historical reverence, and regional pride, it appeals to readers interested in 19th-century American history, nature, and cultural commentary.

Summary up to 500 words

The March 1886 issue of *The New England Magazine* offers a rich tapestry of late 19th-century New England life, blending travelogue, historical fiction, and scholarly review. Henry S. Bicknell's vivid travelogue along the Kennebec River captures the region's rugged maritime character, from its treacherous sandbars and rocky isles to the bustling fishing communities of Popham. Bicknell details the daily rhythms of river life, including the solemnity of Sabbath observances among hardy longshoremen and the economic shifts caused by the decline of ice shipping and the rise of tugboats. The narrative also touches on local industry, such as feldspar mining, and recounts the history of Fort Popham, a partially built English fortress that now stands as a relic of early colonial exploration. The issue delves into the supernatural fears of the era, describing the pervasive belief in witchcraft where every misfortune, from a stalled cart to a sick child, was attributed to invisible malevolent forces. This atmosphere of dread culminates in a dramatic account of the ominous events preceding the 1704 French-Indian attack on the frontier, where trampling noises and strange omens signaled the impending devastation by Hertel de Rouville's forces. In the realm of historical fiction, Frances C. Sparhawk dramatizes the siege of Louisburg. Her narrative highlights General Pepperell's visionary leadership, contrasting his military prowess with a deep humanitarian concern for preventing bloodshed. The story captures the tension between the soldiers' desire for glory and Pepperell's strategic decision to accept a capitulation, preserving life over conquest. The piece underscores the emerging American spirit of liberty and the belief that the conflict was fought for religious freedom and a new nation. Scholarly contributions include reviews of works on the Civil War, the origins of American government, and colonial history. These pieces aim to preserve local lore and honor historical figures while reflecting the intellectual currents of the time. Additionally, the magazine features an extensive index of periodical literature covering diverse topics from education and science to politics and art, serving as a comprehensive resource for contemporary readers interested in the cultural and intellectual landscape of the era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Periodicals
• Regional History