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The "school question" refers to the controversy surrounding early 1840s public schooling in New York City

By the 1840s, over a full third of the population of New York City consisted of immigrants, nearly half

of which were Irish.

"Where" asks the writer, "are the thunders of the American press?"

Alas, were we to publish what he has written, we should hear enough of those, with not enough of American

The "school question" refers to the controversy surrounding early 1840s public schooling in New York City

Irish Catholics were by far the most vocal and politically influential group opposing the teaching methods

of New York City consisted of immigrants, nearly half of which were Irish.

with having to subject their children to the teachings of a Protestant curriculum, where educators were

directly opposed those of the largely Democratic working class and immigrant population (James Grant

Ireland, Records of the New York Stage, from 1750 to 1860 (New York: T. H.

By 1845, Sefton had played Jemmy Twitcher 360 times in New York City.

He achieved fame in New York City in the 1820s for his forceful and aggressive style of acting.

Intensely American himself, he Americanized the stage in this country."

the "first American actress of any importance to play major roles in England."

.; The Park Theater was located on Park Row, near City Hall Park, before burning down in 1848.; Arthur

Ireland, Records of the New York Stage, from 1750 to 1860 (New York: T. H.

By 1845, Sefton had played Jemmy Twitcher 360 times in New York City.

Intensely American himself, he Americanized the stage in this country."

the "first American actress of any importance to play major roles in England."

Our worthy contemporaries, the Sun and the Tribune, The Sun was a New York City based daily newspaper

The Sun aimed to attract the increasingly literate populations of the working class.

Even though it featured many sensationalized stories that were discredited, The Sun persisted in some

Greeley intended for the paper to tell unbiased news, his social views associated with abolitionism were

This is a reference to the New York City Democratic Party.

.; The Sun was a New York City based daily newspaper that was founded in 1833 and initially edited by

The Sun aimed to attract the increasingly literate populations of the working class.

Even though it featured many sensationalized stories that were discredited, The Sun persisted in some

Greeley intended for the paper to tell unbiased news, his social views associated with abolitionism were

For more information on this struggle, see: Diane Ravitch, The Great School Wars: New York City, 1805

The place where this bloody massacre occurred is Cabool Cabool (Kabul) was an Afghani capital city with

a population of 60,000 (circa 1831–1833).

Whitman mentions the city's fortification; the city is built of sun-dried bricks and wood.

Journal Of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies 33, no. 3 (2010): 1–21. , a fortified city, situated

between the northern United States and British North American colonies.

.; Cabool (Kabul) was an Afghani capital city with a population of 60,000 (circa 1831–1833).

Whitman mentions the city's fortification; the city is built of sun-dried bricks and wood.

Whitman brought this to light because the relations between Britain and the United States were still

tense after the War of 1812, and the Britain and the US were in the middle of negotiations of borders

between the northern United States and British North American colonies.

Broadway borders City Hall Park on the west.

Near the City Hotel The City hotel was located at 123 Broadway "between Cedar and Thames streets."

See Thomas Longworth, Longworth's American Almanac, New-York Register, and City Directory (New York:

The Globe Hotel was located at 66 Broadway in New York City.

He wrote, "The chief street of a great city is a curious epitome of the life of the city; and when that

was located at 162 Nassau Street in New York's so-called "Newspaper Row," just across Park Row from City

It had several features that were unheard of in contemporary hotels. According to Edwin G.

See Thomas Longworth, Longworth's American Almanac, New-York Register, and City Directory (New York:

Gideon, 1841), 14.; The Globe Hotel was located at 66 Broadway in New York City.

He wrote, "The chief street of a great city is a curious epitome of the life of the city; and when that

Americans, who have revelled in the lap of plenty, can have but a faint conception of the horror of the

instituted an enquiry into the actual state of the case, A number of organizations in England at the time were

Brettell), 1840, 3–8. and persons were appointed to the sad duty of visiting the regions of distress,

Think of these things, Americans!

In "Black and White Slaves" he writes, "In England, nine-tenths of the population do not enjoy the common

.; A number of organizations in England at the time were attempting to repeal Great Britain's Corn Laws

In "Black and White Slaves" he writes, "In England, nine-tenths of the population do not enjoy the common

The Spartans were able to take control of Tammany Hall nominating conventions in 1842 and named their

For further reading, see Sean Wilentz, Chants Democratic: New York City and the Rise of the American

Flood, The Encyclopeia of New York City, Second Edition (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2010).

The windows and blinds were completely smashed.

But singularly enough, there were numerous objects totally uninjured, (we were informed that all was

The Spartans were able to take control of Tammany Hall nominating conventions in 1842 and named their

For further reading, see Sean Wilentz, Chants Democratic: New York City and the Rise of the American

Flood, The Encyclopeia of New York City, Second Edition (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2010).

Norton and Company, 2014), 33–38.; Located in the Five Points neighborhood in New York City, the Sixth

For further reading, see: Kevin Kenny, New Directions in Irish-American History (Madison: University

The democratic head quarters, Tammany Hall, and the whig head quarters, National Hall, were filled with

nineteenth-century America, the Five Points neighborhood, the Tombs was a colloquial name for New York City's

America's Greatest Criminal Barracks': The Tombs and the Experience of Criminal Justice in New York City

mass of people—some attracted by curiosity, but most of them anxious to hear the returns, as they were

all sick , and were going home for the night," we did not think it judicious to attempt an entrance.

nineteenth-century America, the Five Points neighborhood, the Tombs was a colloquial name for New York City's

America's Greatest Criminal Barracks': The Tombs and the Experience of Criminal Justice in New York City

word bogtrotter had been applied specifically to the Irish as far back as 1682 (Noah Webster, An American

Sharpe, 2015], 254).; Bishop John Hughes (1797–1864) led the fight in New York City for parochial schools

Pronunciation, And Definitions Of Words [White and Sheffield, 1839], 106).; The Washington Grey's were

Morris is re-elected mayor of the city. Robert H.

Morris (1808–1855), 64th mayor of New York City, was first elected mayor in 1841, and in 1842 was running

city's politics.

Is it not a pleasant spectacle for an American to look upon?

Has it come to be, that Irishman is a better title to office, here, than American ?

Morris (1808–1855), 64th mayor of New York City, was first elected mayor in 1841, and in 1842 was running

Morris was also reelected mayor in 1843, and subsequently served as Postmaster of the city and then as

Wards became less important in mayoral politics after the consolidation of New York City in 1898 into

city's politics.

(New York: Oxford University Press, 1999).; The New York City Council, often referred to during this

Whitman comments on the fraught politics of selecting the New York City legislative body in the April

A lazy person; a sluggard" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American Dictionary of the English Language

Their shouts and howls were perfectly terrific; and we are told the residents in that quarter of the

The Irish drew up a threatening front; but so indignant were the Americans who had been witnessing the

citizens were concerned in the affair, we can see nothing in their conduct to condemn.

Whitman comments on the fraught politics of selecting the New York City legislative body in the April

The Spartans were a Democratic faction lead by Mike Walsh (1810–1859) that was known for their working-class

For further information, see: Tyler Anbinder, Five Points: The Nineteenth-Century New York City Neighborhood‬

A lazy person; a sluggard" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American Dictionary of the English Language

The Sixth Ward, also called "Five Points," was a poor, predominantly Irish, neighborhood in New York City

the southern tip of Manhattan served as a gun emplacement and fortress for the defense of New York City

The crowd and the jam were tremendous.

Upon the Battery, pedestrians, singly and in groups, were enjoying the lazy breeze as it wafted along

American Eclipse famously defeated Sir Henry in 1823 at the Union Course.

cities of the period (Arne K.

the southern tip of Manhattan served as a gun emplacement and fortress for the defense of New York City

American Eclipse famously defeated Sir Henry in 1823 at the Union Course.

According to one source, the combined spectatorship at the race was larger than all but three American

cities of the period (Arne K.

Lang, Sports Betting and Bookmaking: An American History [New York: Rowman and Littfield, 2016], 1).

For more information see Terry Golway, Machine Made: Tammany Hall and the Creation of Modern American

public printing to an Irishman named Denman, who publishes a Catholic paper, the Truth Teller , in this city

The Corporation Attorney was the individual tasked with handling the city's legal affairs, and at the

Ellison History of the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York (New York: Martin B.

They threatened, unless these things were promised them, still to stand out, or throw their votes in

For more information see Terry Golway, Machine Made: Tammany Hall and the Creation of Modern American

The Corporation Attorney was the individual tasked with handling the city's legal affairs, and at the

Ellison History of the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York (New York: Martin B.

slavery is demonstrated in Leaves of Grass by the way in which he consistently includes African Americans

, various Whitman texts show that he had little tolerance for abolitionism, that he thought blacks were

It would be well if the English abolitionists were to reflect upon it.

has been used less often to portray the UK ("John Bull and Uncle Sam: Four Centuries of British-American

In England, nine-tenths of the population do not enjoy the common comforts of life.

slavery is demonstrated in Leaves of Grass by the way in which he consistently includes African Americans

, various Whitman texts show that he had little tolerance for abolitionism, that he thought blacks were

has been used less often to portray the UK ("John Bull and Uncle Sam: Four Centuries of British-American

See Joann Krieg, Walt Whitman and the Irish (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press), 40-45.

Morris (1808–1855) was the Democratic candidate and the incumbent for the New York City Mayoral election

Its Religious Discontents, 1805-1840," American Education History Journal 37, no. 2 (2010): 455–471.

Belohlavek, "John Tyler: The Accidental President," The Journal of American History 93, no. 4 (2007):

According to the 1841 Journal of the American Temperance Union , regular meetings were held at Washington

See Joann Krieg, Walt Whitman and the Irish (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press), 40-45.

Morris (1808–1855) was the Democratic candidate and the incumbent for the New York City Mayoral election

Its Religious Discontents, 1805-1840," American Education History Journal 37, no. 2 (2010): 455–471.

Belohlavek, "John Tyler: The Accidental President," The Journal of American History 93, no. 4 (2007):

According to the 1841 Journal of the American Temperance Union, regular meetings were held at Washington

— A great fight came off last evening between Mike Walsh's Spartans The Spartans were a nativist group

of American-born and Irish Protestants that feared the rise of the Irish Catholics in New York.

Centre Street, in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City, extends from Park Row to the intersection

In the nineteenth century, it was less than a block from the Five Points intersection in the city's 6th

True, they are occasionally rather fond of a "muss," but they are imbued with the true blue American

The Spartans were a nativist group of American-born and Irish Protestants that feared the rise of the

of Rebellion (Westport, CT: Praeger, 2005).; Centre Street, in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City

In the nineteenth century, it was less than a block from the Five Points intersection in the city's 6th

Tammany Hall was the Democratic Party's center of power in New York City and its headquarters.

Tammany controlled politics in New York City by means of bribery, political appointments, and securing

the support of new immigrants who were welcomed into the Party.

The fanning of flames of discord, and the attempts of a moiety According to the American Dictionary of

Morris was defeated in 1844 by the nativist American Republicans, and their candidate, James Harper.

.; Tammany Hall was the Democratic Party's center of power in New York City and its headquarters.

Tammany controlled politics in New York City by means of bribery, political appointments, and securing

the support of new immigrants who were welcomed into the Party.

Morris was defeated in 1844 by the nativist American Republicans, and their candidate, James Harper.

Burrows and Mike Wallace, Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 (Oxford: Oxford University Press

The first patterings of the tempest—the reveille —the portents of the coming battle—were to be seen and

Belohlavek, "John Tyler: The Accidental President," The Journal of American History 93, no. 4 (2007):

About six o'clock, we stepped over in front of the City Hall to see what was going on.

Smith The 1842-43 New York City Directory lists James M.

We presume respectable Americans would not grieve much were the "whole hog" Irish.

laufen, "to run," as "an idle man who seeks his living by sponging or expedients" (Noah Webster, An American

Belohlavek, "John Tyler: The Accidental President," The Journal of American History 93, no. 4 (2007):

Allen, The Tiger: the Rise and Fall of Tammany Hall (Addison–Wesley, 1993).; The 1842-43 New York City

=V000028; Whitman here is referencing Bishop John Hughes (1797–1864) who led the fight in New York City

Its Religious Discontents, 1805–1840," American Education History Journal 37, no. 2 (2010): 455–471.

Tammany Hall was a Democratic Party organization in New York City (Hon. William C.

Gover, The Tammany Hall Democracy of the City of New York [New York: Martin B. Brown, 1875], 5–6).

He was a Democrat and resided in New York City much of his life.

a master of procedure of the common law system ( Report of the Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the American

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840–43," American Nineteenth

.; Tammany Hall was a Democratic Party organization in New York City (Hon. William C.

Gover, The Tammany Hall Democracy of the City of New York [New York: Martin B.

.; Daniel Dudley Field II (1805–1894) was a lawyer and a long-standing influential member of the American

He was a Democrat and resided in New York City much of his life.

Sedgwick (1812–1868), who practiced law in New York City and served in the state legislature.; Likely

drained Europe of her blood and her treasures, that the nations sympathetically, mechanically as it were

England, in spite of her debt, and the miseries of a vast portion of her population, has increased her

From 1839–1842 England and the Qing dynasty of China were engaged in what was known as the First Opium

The United States and England were, at this time, engaged in an ongoing dispute over the border between

See Howard Jones, To the Webster-Ashburton Treaty: A Study in Anglo-American Relations, 1793–1843 (Chapel

From 1839–1842 England and the Qing dynasty of China were engaged in what was known as the First Opium

A line from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act 3, Scene 1, line 270.; The United States and England were

See Howard Jones, To the Webster-Ashburton Treaty: A Study in Anglo-American Relations, 1793–1843 (Chapel

John's Hall is now one of the four residence halls at Fordham University in New York City.

They knelt to the Pope himself; Americans , to the abjectest menials of the Pope.

has usurped Anglo-American power. they are content to be thus servile!

Let them act as men —come out, as American patriots, and defy the priest Hughes to do his worst.

It were better that all should be lost, than such a precedent established.

John's Hall is now one of the four residence halls at Fordham University in New York City.

John's College, was founded in 1841 by Hughes (Richard Panchyk, Catholic New York City [New York: Arcadia

pots and kettles, and does other menial services in the kitchen" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American

For more on Tammany Hall, see: Terry Golway, Machine Made: Tammany Hall and the Creation of Modern American

has usurped Anglo-American power.; From Scene II, Act III of William Shakespeare's Macbeth.; Most likely

Lossing, History of New York City: An Outline Sketch of Events from 1609 to 1830, and a Full Account

For further reading, see: Leo Hershkowitz, "The Mill Street Synagogue Reconsidered," American Jewish

Rock, "The Early Years of American Jewish History: Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society

and the Minute Books of Congregation Shearith Israel," American Jewish History 99, no. 2 (2015): 119

And there we were amid the Jews worshipping in their temple.

Lossing, History of New York City: An Outline Sketch of Events from 1609 to 1830, and a Full Account

For further reading, see: Leo Hershkowitz, "The Mill Street Synagogue Reconsidered," American Jewish

Rock, "The Early Years of American Jewish History: Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society

and the Minute Books of Congregation Shearith Israel," American Jewish History 99, no. 2 (2015): 119

Barletta, "In Defense of the Ionic Frieze of the Parthenon," American Journal of Archaeology 113, no.

It is almost impossible to calculate the number of papers that are printed in the city of New York.

In the nineteenth century it was one of the most influential papers in New York City, and one of the

His fame will endure as long as Americans retain a love for the beauty of sentiment or delicacy of style

The American A semi-weekly newspaper, the American (or the New York American ) was quite likely an anti-immigration

No man who reads the American can fail to form an opinion that its editor is a man of violent prejudices

In the nineteenth century it was one of the most influential papers in New York City, and one of the

New York Commercial Advertiser was founded by lexicographer and author Noah Webster in 1793 as the American

papers, and would later become a respected writer in his own right.; A semi-weekly newspaper, the American

(or the New York American) was quite likely an anti-immigration, nativist paper, possibly associated

lay, but also in obtaining the earliest foreign news from incoming vessels" (Frank Luther Mott, American

We stood upon the steps of the City Hall about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and saw the passage of the

Thousands of people were gathered together in the Park to witness the scene.

First came a banner bearing the head of Washington, immediately after which were a body of firemen.

We question whether any city in the world can turn out a more manly set of young fellows.

Once make temperance a favorite and fashionable custom among the young men of our city, and the whole

.; The Washingtonians were an organization of reformed alcoholics, mostly made up of members of the working

Sisters': Class and Domesticity in the Washingtonian Temperance Movement, 1840–1850," The Journal of American

See Stephen Mintz Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press

Park, located on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, was formerly an artillery battery to protect the city

We should be better pleased were our city government to have more parks—more open places, where a man

See Stephen Mintz Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press

Park, located on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, was formerly an artillery battery to protect the city

yard in Chrystie street—that have caused so much excitement of late in the eastern section of the city

graves, possibly in search of cadavers for medical education, a phenomenon not unusual in New York City

If we were asked the particular trait of national character from which might be apprehended the greatest

But it has been reserved for our city to put the damning climax to these deeds that disgrace humanity

the very wickedest criminal at Sing Sing Sing Sing was a prison located 32 miles north of New York City

graves, possibly in search of cadavers for medical education, a phenomenon not unusual in New York City

no. 2 (2003): 55–71, especially 66–67.; Sing Sing was a prison located 32 miles north of New York City

see: Lee Bernstein, "The Hudson River School of Incarceration: Sing Sing in Antebellum New York," American

Maclay, who was the chair of the Committee on Colleges, Academies, and Common Schools for New York City

In 1841, before the Maclay Bill was proposed, two senate and 13 assembly seats were up for reelection

The Democratic Party also ran three candidates who were not endorsed by the Catholic Association and

We were in hopes that there were some remnants of spirit in the bosoms of the democratic leaders at Albany—remnants

through the means of votes from men who have any American feeling.

Maclay, who was the chair of the Committee on Colleges, Academies, and Common Schools for New York City

Liberty 3 (2008): 267.; In 1841, before the Maclay Bill was proposed, two senate and 13 assembly seats were

The Democratic Party also ran three candidates who were not endorsed by the Catholic Association and

Pratt, "Religious Conflict in the Development of the New York City Public School System," History of

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840-43," American Nineteenth

For more information, see Amy Bridges, A City in the Republic: Antebellum New York and the Origins of

For the honor of American principle and feelings, our birthrights by inheritance, we should hope not.

Next fall if Tammany yields, her ascendency in this city is lost forever.

Krieg, Walt Whitman and the Irish (Iowa City: Iowa University Press), 16.

The Five Points was a region of the city where Worth, Baxter, and Park streets all intersected.

Tammany Hall was the central organization of the Democratic Party in New York City during the antebellum

period, and Irish Democrats increasingly influenced the city's politics, a fact that Whitman, as editor

For more information, see Amy Bridges, A City in the Republic: Antebellum New York and the Origins of

of New York City, of which the Five Points is the center.

The Five Points was a region of the city where Worth, Baxter, and Park streets all intersected.

They were as follows. President: James Tallmadge (NY).

Bartlett (MA) ( The American Laborer [New York: Greeley & McElrath, 1843], 1: 35).

We hope the American nation will not allow these hypocrites to deceive them.

The Home League are in favor of strong measures to protect American manufactures.

It would be far better, were the national expenses paid by direct taxation.

.; The "great guns" were likely the leaders of the Home League speaking at the National Home Industry

They were as follows. President: James Tallmadge (NY).

Bartlett (MA) (The American Laborer [New York: Greeley & McElrath, 1843], 1: 35).; A Protective Tariff

They were a common policy of the early nineteenth century until the Compromise Tariff of 1833, which

called for a "gradual reduction of duties until the year 1842, when they were to be 20 percent, or under

But such is not the base whereon American warriors found their title to renown.

But these were far from being jars to the quiet spirit I have mentioned.

Methought I stood in a splendid city. It seemed a gala day.

And the crowd were hushed, and bent reverently, as if in a holy presence.

Upon the medal were the letters "G. W." The initials "G.

This tale is the fourth of nine short stories by Whitman that were published for the first time in The

Massachusetts, which was the site of much of the fighting of the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) during the American

may refer to the fighting that took place near the Santee River in South Carolina, also during the American

refer to George Washington (1732–1799), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American

Mouldering means decaying or rotting.; Transcribed from digital images of an original issue held at the American

It is almost needless to add that our mind swells with gratitude to those inhabitants of our city, and

over our heads, encourages us more and more in our determination to render Aurora the paper of the city

We glory in being true Americans . And we profess to impress Aurora with the same spirit.

We have taken high American ground—not the ground of exclusiveness, of partiality, of bigotted bias against

prospects cloudless and aspirations lofty, and evidences of public favor which, we proudly boast, were

However, Whitman also opposed the Native American Party, which explicitly opposed Irish Catholic immigration

Webster Dictionary (1840), "plume" means "to pride; to value; to boast" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American

Whitman's sarcastic comment is poking fun at the self-perceived influence of New York City sixpenny dailies

, which were the more expensive subscription newspapers.

deign to notice the pennies, and two pennies At this time, the sixpenny dailies, or six-penny papers, were

Penny papers, however, were small, poorly printed, and sold on the street.

Webster Dictionary (1840), "plume" means "to pride; to value; to boast" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American

1840], 753).; Whitman's sarcastic comment is poking fun at the self-perceived influence of New York City

sixpenny dailies, which were the more expensive subscription newspapers.; At this time, the sixpenny

dailies, or six-penny papers, were often distributed through subscription.

Penny papers, however, were small, poorly printed, and sold on the street.

Vol. 1 [New York: The American News Company, 1864], 7–11).

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840–43," American Nineteenth

Matsell (1811–1877) was a Democrat who, in 1840, was appointed police commissioner of New York City at

When we came up, they were just in the crisis of their game, and occupying clear across the walk.

And so we concocted this foregoing (what were you about, at half past 8, last night, dear reader?)

Vol. 1 [New York: The American News Company, 1864], 7–11).

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840–43," American Nineteenth

Matsell (1811–1877) was a Democrat who, in 1840, was appointed police commissioner of New York City at

31 years old, making him the youngest individual to ever receive the appointment (William Hunt, American

was noted that the plagiarized piece went "word for word, and line for line; occasionally patches were

These were brought up to the platform in the centre, and each of the silver ornaments we have described

The main floor, on which we were, was occupied exclusively by men.

Still we could not divest ourselves of the thought that we were amid the people of ancient Jewry; the

there scene vanished from our eyes; the uncouth jabber, and the fantastic garb of the worshippers were

We were in the holy city.

George Alexander Kohut, "A Literary Autobiography of Mordecai Manuel Noah," Publications of the American

Founded as a fraternal order on May 12, 1789, the group became a growing Democratic power in New York City

We were about waking the youngster, when a watchman who, unseen by us, had been leaning against the iron

Prior to the works of authors like Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, children were viewed primarily

How true their notions of the subject were, bear witness poor Oliver, and crazed Barnaby, and pathetic

Dickens's social criticisms were not always well received in the United States, but Whitman adored his

Founded as a fraternal order on May 12, 1789, the group became a growing Democratic power in New York City

Prior to the works of authors like Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, children were viewed primarily

Dickens's social criticisms were not always well received in the United States, but Whitman adored his

Barnaby Rudge is the main character of Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty, an American Revolution-era

Whitman is likely referring to "City Hall Park."

In October 1842, Croton Fountain was unveiled in City Hall Park, which celebrated the completion of the

For a moment he waits, taking aim, as it were—leans his head slightly one side, cocks his eye with a

And here, were we disposed to be philosophical, we might expatiate at full length on the propriety of

Were it amiss to look on them, engaged as they are so earnestly—as but mimics of the strife that occupies

.; Whitman is likely referring to "City Hall Park."

In October 1842, Croton Fountain was unveiled in City Hall Park, which celebrated the completion of the

The exact measurement of a rod is five and a half yards (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American Dictionary

were bid for them.

There were four of us.

Vain were their hopes.

Methought I was wandering through the cities of a mighty and populous empire.

People were hurrying up and down the streets. The children were dressed in gay clothes.

growing interest in the Washington Temperance Societies—named after George Washington—whose members were

The Washingtonians were known for their "experience meetings" in which former drunkards would tell the

Among temperance novels then quite popular were Lucius Manley Sargent's My Mother's Gold Ring (1833),

Cheever's The Commonplace Book of American Poetry (1831, but often reprinted), a standard anthology of

Wilson (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2014), 32–53.

This tale is the sixth of nine short stories by Whitman that were published for the first time in The

Families were divided; adherents to the crown, and ardent upholders of the rebellion, were often found

At one period there were efforts made to have the whole affair investigated.

They thought him mad; his words were so incoherent and strange.

—and the Last Soldier of King George had left the American shores.

This tale is the sixth of nine short stories by Whitman that were published for the first time in The

The entire preceeding paragraph is omitted.; Whitman is referring to the American War of Independence

between Britain—ruled by King George III— and the North American colonies that sought independence from

Whitman's short story "The Last of the Sacred Army" (March 1842) also deals with the American Revolution

the top of the side of a ship.; Transcribed from digital images of an original issue held at the American

"Reuben's Last Wish" and another fiction work, " The Madman ," were unknown to twentieth-century literary

Holloway announced both finds in the January 1956 issue of American Literature : see Emory Holloway,

"More Temperance Tales by Whitman," American Literature 27 (January 1956): 577–578.

The Washington temperance societies, part of the Washingtonian temperance movement, were popular in New

Several persons were standing around him.

.]; "Reuben's Last Wish" and another fiction work, "The Madman," were unknown to twentieth-century literary

Holloway announced both finds in the January 1956 issue of American Literature: see Emory Holloway, "

More Temperance Tales by Whitman," American Literature 27 (January 1956): 577–578.

The Washington temperance societies, part of the Washingtonian temperance movement, were popular in New

explained, listening to narratives like the remarks and advice on temperance described here, which were

This tale is the last of nine short stories by Whitman that were published for the first time in The

Yet if it were possible for envy to enter among the Creatures Beautiful, many would have pined for the

Such were the futile wishes of the criminal.

it—that great city, shrouded in the depths of night, and its many thousands slumbering.

Transcribed from digital images of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian Society.

This tale is the last of nine short stories by Whitman that were published for the first time in The

"; Transcribed from digital images of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian Society.

over school funding in New York, see: Edwin Burrows and Mike Wallace, Gotham: A History of New York City

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840–43," American Nineteenth

For our own part, we do not think the city could select a more worthy man than he who at present occupies

By foreigner, Whitman is referring to the Irish Catholic immigrants in New York City.

The Tammany party want, here in New York, a newspaper bold, manly, able, and American in its tenor; a

over school funding in New York, see: Edwin Burrows and Mike Wallace, Gotham: A History of New York City

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840–43," American Nineteenth

Democratic Party in New York, see: Terry Golway, Machine Made: Tammany Hall and the Creation of Modern American

reelection in 1843.; By foreigner, Whitman is referring to the Irish Catholic immigrants in New York City

yesterday, to see the humors of election, Whitman is referring to the recent elections for New York city

such children as shall be taken up or committed as vagrants, or convicted of offences in the said city

salle à manger," French for "dining room." they took their places, standing at the table, until all were

recognised by their countenances as having been paraded in the Sessions and before the Police, and were

The male portion of the establishment—which is the only portion we were permitted to see—appears to be

.; Whitman is referring to the recent elections for New York city council.; The "Society for the Reformation

such children as shall be taken up or committed as vagrants, or convicted of offences in the said city

the passage of a heavily amended Maclay bill in the state senate, hastily passed before the New York City

elections to give Democratic candidates for city positions an edge over their Whig counterparts.

This shady deal ensured that two no-votes were absent while only one yes-vote was absent, leaving the

See Diane Ravitch, The Great School Wars: A History of the New York City Public Schools (Baltimore: The

He has posted himself to the whole city as an unprincipled liar!

the passage of a heavily amended Maclay bill in the state senate, hastily passed before the New York City

elections to give Democratic candidates for city positions an edge over their Whig counterparts.

This shady deal ensured that two no-votes were absent while only one yes-vote was absent, leaving the

See Diane Ravitch, The Great School Wars: A History of the New York City Public Schools (Baltimore: The

Democratic Party and, more specifically, Tammany Hall, the center of Democratic political power in New York City

with public funds, and therefore had the support of many Irish-Catholics in New York, most of whom were

We are sure that there must be such men as American democrats in Tammany.

Where were they while this abominable game was going on?

Let them—we beseech them as American republicans —let them not cast away self respect and self rights

There is no candidate in the field who has the least claim upon a true American voter .

with public funds, and therefore had the support of many Irish-Catholics in New York, most of whom were

stance on the bill to avoid a split Democratic vote.; This refers to the Democratic candidates who were

Aurora has been roaring very loudly and ably, though somewhat savagely, on behalf of the Native Americans

"Native American" here refers to a nativist party of American-born Protestants whose policies were primarily

The first native American party in New York appeared under the name "American Republican Party" in 1843

Immigrant Identity and the Politics of Citizenship: A Collection of Articles from the Journal of American

Let us have a Native American party.

.; "Native American" here refers to a nativist party of American-born Protestants whose policies were

The first native American party in New York appeared under the name "American Republican Party" in 1843

Immigrant Identity and the Politics of Citizenship: A Collection of Articles from the Journal of American

In 1842, Great Britain and the United States were engaged in a series of land disputes over territory

The resulting standoff between American and British forces became known as the Aroostook War, despite

Magoc, Imperialism and Expansionism in American History: A Social, Political, and Cultural Encyclopedia

There speaks the soul of a man of sense, and an American true!

Tyler then speaks of the depreciation of American credit.

.; In 1842, Great Britain and the United States were engaged in a series of land disputes over territory

the boundary had been a matter of debate ever since the Treaty of Paris (1783) that concluded the American

The resulting standoff between American and British forces became known as the Aroostook War, despite

Magoc, Imperialism and Expansionism in American History: A Social, Political, and Cultural Encyclopedia

He also believed that such redistribution would bring financial stability to many states that were, at

5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a collection of people began to congregate in the Park, Most likely City

Hall Park, near the intersection of Broadway and Park Row in lower Manhattan, just south of New York City

Purdy (birth and death dates unknown) served on the New York City council as President of the Board of

Valentine, Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York for 1853 [New York City: McSpedon & Baker

A great portion of the audience were women.

.; Most likely City Hall Park, near the intersection of Broadway and Park Row in lower Manhattan, just

south of New York City Hall.; Elijah F.

Purdy (birth and death dates unknown) served on the New York City council as President of the Board of

Valentine, Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York for 1853 [New York City: McSpedon & Baker

In 1842, he was listed in the New York City directory as being a coal inspector or coal measurer, but

Jonathan" stood for the "common" people and embodied conflicting views such as egalitarianism and American

Postal Guide and Official Advertiser 1, no. 1 [Washington D.C., 1850]: 163; Winifred Morgan, An American

Icon: Brother Jonathan and American Identity [London: Associated Press, 1988], 34–36). came out with

However, "Zanoni" was an expanded version of "Zicci," and both were written by Lytton.

Duyckinck, Cyclopedia of American Literature; Embracing Personal and Critical Notes of Authors [New York

Jonathan" stood for the "common" people and embodied conflicting views such as egalitarianism and American

Postal Guide and Official Advertiser 1, no. 1 [Washington D.C., 1850]: 163; Winifred Morgan, An American

Icon: Brother Jonathan and American Identity [London: Associated Press, 1988], 34–36).; Zanoni (1842

However, "Zanoni" was an expanded version of "Zicci," and both were written by Lytton.

Duyckinck, Cyclopedia of American Literature; Embracing Personal and Critical Notes of Authors [New York

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840-43,"  American Nineteenth

Before long, as many as two hundred were out, and arranged in rude, military style—most of them carrying

The inhabitants of the neighborhood were kept up till morning, without sleep, in very fear that the next

All this occurred in the vicinity of the Cathedral, which, the Irish were told, was in danger of attack

from American Protestants.

Meenagh, "Archbishop John Hughes and the New York Schools Controversy of 1840-43," American Nineteenth

Were we permitted to give the name of our correspondent, our readers would perceive with what propriety

who claims that the Aurora 's politics border on fanaticism in its concentration on exclusively "American

Whitman argued that the influx of foreign culture and custom was trampling "American" principles of life

And now the public can see what kind of Americanism will characterize the Aurora.

It would be affectation, were we to pretend not to understand what the instances alluded to.

defined as "[t]he principles of those who advocate extreme measures" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American

who claims that the Aurora's politics border on fanaticism in its concentration on exclusively "American

" topics.; Whitman argued that the influx of foreign culture and custom was trampling "American" principles

editor John O'Sullivan in his article "The Great Nation of Futurity," in which O'Sullivan wrote: "The American

minute detail of conduct in a ceremony or in observance of a code" (Noah Webster, John Walker, An American

They pay us the compliment of saying, that they consider it the best publication in the city.

Were it not that people would cry "tit for tat," we should say what we certainly think, that this good