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Search : As of 1860, there were no American cities with a population that exceeded

8425 results

Dickens and Democracy

  • Date: 2 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

For further reading, see: Sean Wilentz, The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln (New York

We read it with pleasure through three or four pages, when, all of a sudden, how were our eyes startled

Dickens, and that it expresses the utmost satisfaction with the complimentary course pursued by the Americans

—this loathsome agent of damnation claims the additional merit of having been spawned, not in an American

Annotations Text:

For further reading, see: Sean Wilentz, The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln (New York

The Catholic Rows not ended

  • Date: 16 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

[We proceed this morning to]

  • Date: 5 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

Defining "Our Position"

  • Date: 30 March 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

[Yesterday was dull]

  • Date: 19 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

For further reading on laudanum, see: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, American Journal

Annotations Text:

For further reading on laudanum, see: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, American Journal

The Late Riots

  • Date: 15 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

Old England

  • Date: 21 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

The article makes a case for English action against American slavery wherein troops of African descent

Suppose our emissaries were to do what could be done in Ireland; and suppose the down trodden mass in

pro-independence political leader and Member of Parliament Daniel O'Connell (1775–1847), was that American

Annotations Text:

The article makes a case for English action against American slavery wherein troops of African descent

pro-independence political leader and Member of Parliament Daniel O'Connell (1775–1847), was that American

[Reader, we fear you have]

  • Date: 6 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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?)

Annotations Text:

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

Sun-Down Papers.—[No. 6]

  • Date: 11 August 1840
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

During this time thoughts on the innocence of children were shifting; children were increasingly seen

Great Awakening: A note of the Study of Christianity in the Early Republic," The Democratization of American

How many persons go down to the grave, praised by the world and pointed to as examples, who were still

dead girl or boy, the transient play is finished: we know that the worst deeds they ever committed were

Shakespeare’s plays were performed by and for all classes in the United States during the nineteenth

Annotations Text:

Whitman as the author of "Sun-Down Papers" in The Uncollected Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman (Garden City

other known Whitman works of this period.; During this time thoughts on the innocence of children were

shifting; children were increasingly seen as wholly innocent, rather than being tainted by original

Great Awakening: A note of the Study of Christianity in the Early Republic," The Democratization of American

Shakespeare’s plays were performed by and for all classes in the United States during the nineteenth

Sun-Down Papers.—[No. 7]

  • Date: 29 September 1840
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Some years ago, when my judgement was in the bud, I thought riches were very desirable things.

been up since an hour before sunrise, fussing, and mussing, and toiling and wearying, as if there were

Whitman as the author of "Sun-Down Papers" in The Uncollected Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman (Garden City

Annotations Text:

Whitman as the author of "Sun-Down Papers" in The Uncollected Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman (Garden City

Sun-Down Papers.—[No. 8]

  • Date: 20 October 1840
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Cities were explored by my enterprise; and the mouldy volumes which for years had lain undisturbed, were

valueless were all the immense stores of learning I had acquired.

With some they were narrow and contracted, making the temple appear insignificant and mean.

Many of the glasses were of so gross a texture, that the temple was completely hid from view.

The cold mists of night had stiffened my limbs, and were falling heavy around on the wet grass.

Annotations Text:

Whitman as the author of "Sun-Down Papers" in The Uncollected Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman (Garden City

. observing a spear of summer grass," Leaves of Grass (1855); Compare to "Salut au Monde," in the 1860

[The Truth]

  • Date: 6 October 1840
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

And what American blood does not tingle at witnessing this wretched maligner, who publishes the whig

[On Saturday night]

  • Date: 11 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

Newspaperial Etiquette

  • Date: 18 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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.

Result of the Election

  • Date: 13 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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 ?

Annotations Text:

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

"Marble Time" in the Park.

  • Date: 4 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

.; 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

[New York Atlas, 7 November 1858]

  • Date: 7 November 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

race—flowing onward to be but an element of a greater and stronger composite race still, namely, the American

salads, things fried in grease, and all the vast array of confections, creams, pies, jellies, &c., were

If one were to set out investigating the matter, it would probably be found that these victims exist

Some of the members of these classes (we were going to say all of them,) are subject to terrible fits

Further than this, the middle ranks of society, the sturdy body of American workingmen, even the young

Annotations Text:

.); Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian

[New York Atlas, 17 October 1858]

  • Date: 17 October 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Once in motion, an exciting struggle commenced, in which the greatest strength, skill and activity were

—We wish this graceful and ancient game were more common.

In former ages, before the invention of gunpowder, when missiles were used in warfare, the lessons of

this game were in vogue to give adroitness and precision in throwing objects with the arm.

Most of our American cities have grounds where it is regularly played.

Annotations Text:

matches draft writings found in Whitman's manuscripts, written on the backs of tax forms from the city

See Finkel's "Sources of Walt Whitman's Manuscript Notes on Physique," American Literature 22, no.3 (

See Simms' "Weems, the Biograher and Historian," in Views and Reviews in American Literature: History

least a century.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American

[New York Atlas, 31 October 1858]

  • Date: 31 October 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

of contests for physical superiority were common.

Nor are we afraid of the Americans being too combative.

At the time of this installment's publication, the editors of the Atlas were Herrick and A. G.

Many Tartar (or Mongol) horsemen were mounted archers, circa the thirteenth century.

In the same train of thought, we would remark that the "sporting men" of our American cities afford quite

Annotations Text:

Whitman's poetry, see an anonymous review of Leaves of Grass in Southern Field and Fireside (June 9, 1860

Training," though it is unclear whether he ever completed or sent it.; The founding editors of the Atlas were

At the time of this installment's publication, the editors of the Atlas were Herrick and A. G.

Seaman.; Many Tartar (or Mongol) horsemen were mounted archers, circa the thirteenth century.; New York

TO BE CONTINUED.]; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American

[New York Atlas, 24 October 1858]

  • Date: 24 October 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

(also the use of tobacco,) that causes the imbibing of immense quantities of liquids used by our American

In our cities, in all the main streets there is a drug-store to be seen every two or three blocks—and

For it is quite oceanic—this dosing, and drugging, and physicing of the great American people!

The devil, (says the same author,) if you were to ask him, might tell you that the beautiful consists

They are not for live, robust American men—and especially not for our youth.

Annotations Text:

.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian

Last Evening

  • Date: 12 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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.

Plots of the Jesuits!

  • Date: 14 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

Incidents of Last Night

  • Date: 13 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

Old Land Marks

  • Date: 18 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

the purpose of practically exercising their rights—rights which they claim under the great Bill of American

Were we a resident of Rhode Island, we should be a revolutioniser, in the front rank.

The English troubles in India, and our difficulties with Great Britain

  • Date: 19 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

.; 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.

[New York Atlas, 19 September 1858]

  • Date: 19 September 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

The young men of Athens, and other Greek cities, were trained in their bodily, mental, and moral developments

cities.

Nor were they, for all these rough exercises, a brutal or bloody-minded race; but, on the contrary, were

There were also songs, dances, and musical instruments.

They were also invariably held in the open air.

Annotations Text:

Two years later, it will appear for the first time in Leaves of Grass (1860 edition), in "Proto-Leaf,

Silver's "Whitman in 1850: Three Uncollected Articles," in American Literature 19, no. 4 (1948): 301—

, 1984), 6:2233.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American

"Black and White Slaves."

  • Date: 2 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

[New York Atlas, 12 September 1858]

  • Date: 12 September 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Indeed, it is probable that, of three-fourths of the young and middle-aged men, not only in this city

Gratified indeed should we be if we thought these hints were the means of arresting the attention of

this younger part of the American people, and recalling them to a sense of that, which, once having it

See Finkel's "Sources of Walt Whitman's Manuscript Notes on Physique," American Literature 22, no. 3

If in the city, even there you will find ample sources of amusement and interest in its myriad varieties

Annotations Text:

longstanding concerns in Whitman’s poetry, often in their connection to the wellbeing of what he calls the "American

See Finkel's "Sources of Walt Whitman's Manuscript Notes on Physique," American Literature 22, no. 3

New York Atlas.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American

Life and Love

  • Date: 20 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Were we disposed to be fanciful, we might divide the body's life from the mind's life, and compare them

philosophy—sending our glance through the cool and verdant lanes, by the sides of the blue rivers, over the crowded city

Scenes of Last Night

  • Date: 1 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Three persons were burnt to death.

No less than one hundred houses were destroyed, depriving one thousand persons of a home" ( The Fireman

Then there were stacks of furniture upon the sidewalks and even in the street; puddles of water, and

crushed as they were crushed!

For our own part, we were never more interested in our life. Then there was music.

Annotations Text:

Three persons were burnt to death.

No less than one hundred houses were destroyed, depriving one thousand persons of a home" (The Fireman

Wisdom, a reformed alcoholic, who helped form the Washington Temperance Society in New York City.

Doings at the Synagogue

  • Date: 29 March 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

A Peep at the Israelites

  • Date: 28 March 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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.

Temperance Among the Firemen!

  • Date: 30 March 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

.; 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

Claims of Partisans

  • Date: 22 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

.; 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

Dissensions of Tammany

  • Date: 1 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

.; 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 Mask thrown off

  • Date: 7 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

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

Organs of the Democracy

  • Date: 29 March 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

[During the last week of]

  • Date: 20 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

Were communities so constituted that to prune their errors, the only thing necessary should be the passage

[New York Atlas, 26 September 1858]

  • Date: 26 September 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

What man, among the masses who, in their various occupations, toil for their living, in city or country

Merchants, lawyers, professional people, politicians, &c., (and perhaps the American people generally

Many of those who dash about, city and country, with an artificial glow, kept up by the excitement of

Probably one-fourth of the whole population of the world dies of consumption, or of diseases that have

THE GREAT AMERICAN EVIL—INDIGESTION.

Annotations Text:

consumption," or tuberculosis, was responsible annually for roughly one in every 500 deaths in New York City

.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian

[According to the best authenticated]

  • Date: 14 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

We were never brought up to rejoice at the defeat of democratic candidates.

Tammany Hall, the headquarters of the Democratic political machine in New York, dominated the city's

For it is little that the presiding officer of the city is of her side, while all the essentials of power

Annotations Text:

.; Tammany Hall, the headquarters of the Democratic political machine in New York, dominated the city's

We

  • Date: 9 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

The Latest and Grandest Humbug

  • Date: 8 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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.

Annotations Text:

.; 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

[It is a fearful thing]

  • Date: 12 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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 .

Annotations Text:

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

[New York Atlas, 10 October 1858]

  • Date: 10 October 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

City .

Whitman copies nearly word-for-word from "Recorded Ages attained by Man," an article in the American

Hannah Gough, who died in New York city in 1846, at the age of 110 years.

This case is interesting, as one of not a few that prove the city capable of conferring life as well

This paragraph originates in A Year in Spain , by "A Young American," 2 vols.

Annotations Text:

Whitman copies nearly word-for-word from "Recorded Ages attained by Man," an article in the American

Whitman reproduces nearly verbatim from an article in the American Phrenological Journal and Miscellany

beginning with "In cold climates . . .") are taken verbatim from an article on "Great Age" in the American

indication that he was a vegetarian.; This paragraph originates in A Year in Spain, by "A Young American

TO BE CONTINUED.); Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American

More Humbug

  • Date: 4 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

Tomorrow

  • Date: 11 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

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

Tammany Meeting Last Night

  • Date: 6 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

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

Annotations Text:

.; 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

The Fourth of April

  • Date: 5 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

.— At most of the whig head quarters, yesterday, throughout the city, the flags were displayed at half

constitutional successor assumed his seat, elected precisely on the same grounds—yet, "ere those shoes were

Something Worth Perusal

  • Date: 7 April 1842
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

and Rector, a church that has stood at that location since 1808 ("History," Grace Church in New York City

The first cannons were placed there in defense of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York City) when it

Annotations Text:

and Rector, a church that has stood at that location since 1808 ("History," Grace Church in New York City

The first cannons were placed there in defense of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York City) when it

[New York Atlas, 3 October 1858]

  • Date: 3 October 1858
  • Creator(s): Walt Whitman
Text:

We dwell upon this point a little, because, of our city readers there are but few young men who, with

last-mentioned item, that we feel disposed to include most of that large class of young men in our cities

banes, and the ill health of masses, as before alluded to, has still more antidotes, if the choice were

For American children it would be a great improvement if the food were more simple and digestible, instead

We say, encourage American youth to develope develop and increase their physical beauty.

Annotations Text:

.; Our transcription is based on a digital image of an original issue held at the American Antiquarian

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