In very good spirits, the party crossed the river, and inquired at the
baggage-room in reference to each and all black leather traveling-bags
arrived that day, took notes of where they were sent, and set out to
follow them up. In due time they reached the Continental, and, as luck
would have it, met the unhappy bridal pair just coming down stairs in
charge of the policeman.
'What's all this?' inquired the Captain.
'Oh, a couple of burglars, caught with a valise full of stolen
property.'
'A valise!--what kind of a valise?'
'A black leather valise. That's it, there.'
'Here!--Stop!--Hallo!--Policeman!--Landlord! It's all right. You're all
wrong. That's my valise. It's all a mistake. They got changed at the
depot. This lady and gentleman are innocent. Here's their valise, with
her night-cap in it.'
Great was the laughter, multifarious the comments, and deep the interest
of the crowd in all this dialogue, which they appeared to regard as a
delightful entertainment, got up expressly for their amusement.
'Then you say this 'ere is yourn?' said the policeman, relaxing his hold
on the bridegroom, and confronting the Captain.
'Yes, it's mine.'
'And how did you come by the spoons?'
'Spoons, you jackanapes!' said the Captain. 'Pistols!--dueling-pistols!'
'Do you call these pistols?' said the policeman, holding up one of the
silver spoons marked 'T.B.'
The Captain, astounded, gasped, 'It's the wrong valise again, after
all!'
'Stop! Not so fast!' said the police functionary, now invested with
great dignity by the importance of the affair he found himself engaged
in. 'If so be as how you've got this 'ere lady's valise, she's all
right, and can go. But, in that case, this is yourn, and it comes on you
to account for them 'are stole spoons. Have to take _you_ in charge, all
four of ye.'
'Why, you impudent scoundrel!' roared the Captain; 'I'll see you in
----. I wish I had my pistols here; I'd teach you how to insult
gentlemen!'--shaking his fist.
The dispute waxed fast and furious. The outsiders began to take part in
it, and there is no telling how it would have ended, had not an
explosion, followed by a heavy fall and a scream of pain, been heard in
an adjoining room.
The crowd rushed to the scene of the new attraction.
The door was fast. It was soon burst open, and the mystery explained.
The thief, who had carried off the Captain's valise by mistake for his
own, had taken it up to his room, and opened it to gloat over the booty
he supposed it to contain, thrusting his hand in after the spoons. In so
doing he had touched one of the hair triggers, and the pistol had gone
off, the bullet making a round hole through the side of the valise, and
a corresponding round hole in the calf of his leg.
The wounded rascal was taken in charge, first by the policeman, and then
by the doctor; and the duelists and the wedded pair struck up a
friendship on the score of their mutual mishaps, which culminated in a
supper, where the fun was abundant, and where it would he hard to say
which was in the best spirits,--the Captain for recovering his pistols,
the bride for getting her night-cap, the bridegroom for escaping the
station-house, or the duelists for escaping each other. All resolved to
'mark that day with a white stone,' and henceforth to mark their names
on their black traveling-bags, in white letters.
MORAL.--Go thou and do likewise.
* * * * *
By odd coincidence, this is not the only 'tale of a traveler' and of a
small carpet-bag in this our present number. The reader will find
another, but of a tragic cast, in the 'Tints and Tones of Paris' among
our foregoing pages.
* * * * *
There are errors and errors, as the French say. The following is not
without a foundation in fact:--
THACKERAY'S young lady, who abused a gentleman for associating with low,
radical literary friends, must have had about as elevated an opinion of
literature as an Irishman I lately heard of had of the medical
profession, as represented by its non-commissioned officers.
My friend BOB handed his man-servant some books, to return to the
Franklin Library. Noticing, a few minutes afterwards, while passing
through the hall, that he was busy carefully wrapping them up in
newspaper, he asked him what he was doing that for.
'Och, shure, Mister ----, I'm afraid, if they say me carr'ing books
rouhnd undher me ahrm, they'll be afther tayking me for a _maydical
student_!'
* * * * *
The very remarkable and enthusiastic welcome which has been extended to
our proposal to establish the CONTINENTAL as an _independent_ magazine,
calls for the warmest gratitude from us, and at the same time induces us
to lay stress upon the fact that our pages are open to contributions of
a very varied character; the only condition being that they shall be
written by friends of the Union. While holding firmly to our own views
as set forth under the 'Editorial' heading, _we by no means profess to
endorse those of our contributors_, leaving the reader to make his own
comments on these. In a word, we shall adopt such elements of
_independent_ action as have been hitherto characteristic of the
newspaper press, but which we judge to be quite as suitable to a monthly
magazine. We offer a fair field and _all_ favors to all comers, avoiding
all petty jealousies and exclusiveness. Will our readers please to bear
this in mind in reading all articles published in our pages?
We can not conclude without expressing the warmest gratitude to the
press and the public for the comment, commendation and patronage which
they have so liberally bestowed upon us. We have been obliged to print
three times the number for which we had anticipated sale, and believe
that no American magazine ever circulated so many copies of a first
number. In consequence of this demand we have been compelled to go to
press earlier than was anticipated. Articles promised for February, by
Messrs. BAYARD TAYLOR and CHARLES F. BROWNE, but not yet received, are
necessarily deferred. From the latter gentleman we have a note promising
a positive appearance in March.
* * * * *
THE KNICKERBOCKER
FOR 1862.
In the beginning of the last year, when its present proprietors assumed
control of the Knickerbocker, they announced their determination to
spare no pains to place it in its true position as the leading
_literary_ Monthly in America. When rebellion had raided a successful
front, and its armies threatened the very existence of the Republic, it
was impossible to permit a magazine, which in its circulation reached
the best intellects in the land, to remain insensible or indifferent to
the dangers which threatened the Union. The proprietors accordingly gave
notice, that it would present in its pages, forcible expositions with
regard to the great question of the times,--_how to preserve the_ UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA _in their integrity and unity_. How far this pledge
has been redeemed the public must judge. It would, however, be mere
affectation to ignore the seal of approbation which has been placed on
these efforts. The proprietors gratefully acknowledge this, and it has
led them to embark in a fresh undertaking, as already announced,--the
publication of the CONTINENTAL MONTHLY, devoted to Literature and
National Policy; in which magazine, those who have sympathized with the
political opinions recently set forth in the KNICKERBOCKER, will find
the same views more fully enforced and maintained by the ablest and most
energetic minds in America.
The KNICKERBOCKER, while it will continue firmly pledged to the cause of
the Union, will henceforth be more earnestly devoted to literature, and
will leave no effort untried to attain the highest excellence in those
departments of letters which it has adopted as specialties.
The January number commences its thirtieth year. With such antecedents
as it possesses, it seems unnecessary to make any especial pledges as to
its future, but it may not be amiss to say that it will be the aim of
its conductors to make it more and more deserving of the liberal support
it has hitherto received. The same eminent writers who have contributed
to it during the past year will continue to enrich its pages, and in
addition, contributions will appear from others of the highest
reputation, as well as from many rising authors. While it will, as
heretofore, cultivate the genial and humorous, it will also pay
assiduous attention to the higher departments of art and letters, and
give fresh and spirited articles on such biographical, historical,
scientific, and general subjects as are of especial interest to the
public.
In the January issue will commence a series of papers by CHARLES GODFREY
LELAND, entitled "SUNSHINE IN LETTERS," which will be found interesting
to scholars as well as to the general reader, and in an early number
will appear the first chapters of a NEW and INTERESTING NOVEL,
descriptive of American life and character.
According to the unanimous opinion of the American press, the
KNICKERBOCKER has been greatly improved during the past year, _and it is
certain that at no period of its long career did it ever attract more
attention or approbation_. Confident of their enterprise and ability,
the proprietors are determined that it shall be still more eminent in
excellence, containing all that is best of the old, and being
continually enlivened by what is most brilliant of the new.
TERMS.--Three dollars a year, in advance. Two copies for Four Dollars
and fifty cents. Three copies for Six dollars. Subscribers remitting
Three Dollars will receive as a premium, (post-paid,) a copy of Richard
B. Kimball's great work, "THE REVELATIONS OF WALL STREET," to be
published by G.P. Putnam, early in February next, (price $1.)
Subscribers remitting Four Dollars will receive the KNICKERBOCKER and
the CONTINENTAL MONTHLY for one year. As but one edition of each number
of the Knickerbocker is printed, those desirous of commencing with the
volume should subscribe at once.
[Symbol: Pointing Hand] The publisher, appreciating the importance of
literature to the soldier on duty, will send a copy _gratis_, during the
continuance of the war, to any regiment in active service, on
application being made by its Colonel or Chaplain. Subscriptions will
also be received from those desiring it sent to soldiers in the ranks at
_half price_, but in such cases it must be mailed from the office of
publication.
J.R. GILMORE, 532 Broadway, New York.
C.T. EVANS, General Agent, 533 Broadway, New York.
All communications and contributions, intended for the Editorial
department, should be addressed to CHARLES G. LELAND, Editor of the
"Knickerbocker," care of C.T. EVANS, 532 Broadway, New York.
Newspapers copying the above and giving the Magazine monthly notices,
will be entitled to an exchange.
PROSPECTUS
OF
The Continental Monthly.
* * * * *
There are periods in the world's history marked by extraordinary and
violent crises, sudden as the breaking forth of & volcano, or the
bursting of a storm on the ocean. These crises sweep away in a moment
the landmarks of generations. They call out fresh talent, and give to
the old a new direction. It is then that new ideas are born, new
theories developed. Such periods demand fresh exponents, and new men for
expounders.
This Continent has lately been convulsed by an upheaving so sudden and
terrible that the relations of all men and women to each other are
violently disturbed, and people look about for the elements with which
to sway the storm and direct the whirlwind. Just at present, we do not
know what all this is to bring forth; but we do know that great results
MUST flow from such extraordinary commotions.
At a juncture so solemn and so important, there is a special need that
the intellectual force of the country should be active and efficient. It
is a time for great minds to speak their thoughts boldly, and to take
position as the advance guard. To this end, there is a special want
unsupplied. It is that of an Independent Magazine, which shall be open
to the first intellects of the land, and which shall treat the issues
presented, and to be presented to the country, in a tone no way tempered
by partisanship, or influenced by fear, favor, or the hope of reward;
which shall seize and grapple with the momentous subjects that the
present disturbed state of affairs heave to the surface, and which CAN
NOT be laid aside or neglected.
To meet this want, the undersigned have commenced, under the editorial
charge of CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, the publication of a new magazine,
devoted to Literature and National Policy.
In POLITICS, it will advocate, with all the for command, measures best
adapted to preserve the oneness and integrity of these United States. It
will never yield to the idea of any disruption of the Republic,
peaceably or otherwise; and it will discuss with honesty and
impartiality what must be done to save it. In this department, some of
the most eminent statesmen of the time will contribute regularly to its
pages.
In LITERATURE, it will be sustained by the best writers and ablest
thinkers of this country.
Among its attractions will be presented, in an early number, a NEW
SERIAL of American Life, by RICHARD B. KIMBALL, ESQ., the very popular
author of "The Revelations of Wall Street," "St. Leger," &c. A series of
papers by HON. HORACE GREELEY, embodying the distinguished author's
observations on the growth and development of the Great West. A series
of articles by the author of "Through the Cotton States," containing the
result of an extended tour in the seaboard Slave States, just prior to
the breaking out of the war, and presenting a startling and truthful
picture of the real condition of that region. No pains will be spared to
render the literary attractions of the CONTINENTAL both brilliant and
substantial. The lyrical or descriptive talents of the most eminent
_literati_ have been promised to its pages; and nothing will be admitted
which will not be distinguished by marked energy, originality, and solid
strength. Avoiding every influence or association partaking of clique or
coterie, it will be open to all contributions of real merit, even from
writers differing materially in their views; the only limitation
required being that of devotion to the Union, and the only standard of
acceptance that of intrinsic excellence.
The EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT will embrace, in addition to vigorous and
fearless comments on the events of the times, genial gossip with the
reader on all current topics, and also devote abundant space to those
racy specimens of American wit and humor, without which there can be no
perfect exposition of our national character. Among those who will
contribute regularly to this department may be mentioned the name of
CHARLES F. BROWNE ("Artemus Ward"), from whom we shall present in the
MARCH number, the first of an entirely new and original series of
SKETCHES OF WESTERN LIFE.
The CONTINENTAL will be liberal and progressive, without yielding to
chimeras and hopes beyond the grasp of the age; and it will endeavor to
reflect the feelings and the interests of the American people, and to
illustrate both their serious and humorous peculiarities. In short, no
pains will be spared to make it the REPRESENTATIVE MAGAZINE of the time.
TERMS:--Three Dollars per year, in advance (postage paid by the
Publishers;) Two Copies for Five Dollars; Three Copies for Six Dollars,
(postage unpaid); Eleven copies for Twenty Dollars, (postage unpaid).
Single numbers can be procured of any News-dealer in the United States.
The KNICKERBOCKER MAGAZINE and the CONTINENTAL MONTHLY will be furnished
for one year at FOUR DOLLARS.
Appreciating the importance of literature to the soldier on duty, the
publisher will send the CONTINENTAL, _gratis_, to any regiment in active
service, on application being made by its Colonel or Chaplain; he will
also receive subscriptions from those desiring to furnish it to soldiers
in the ranks at half the regular price; but in such cases it must be
mailed from the office of publication.
J.R. GILMORE, 110 Tremont Street, Boston.
CHARLES T. EVANS, at G.P. PUTNAM'S, 532 Broadway, New York, is
authorized to receive Subscriptions in that City.
N.B.--Newspapers publishing this Prospectus, and giving the CONTINENTAL
monthly notices, will be entitled to an exchange.