Harper's New Monthly Magazine: No. XVI.—September, 1851—Vol. III

In Short

This September 1851 issue of Harper’s New Monthly Magazine functions as a panoramic window into the Victorian era. It weaves together detailed historical biographies—notably of Napoleon Bonaparte—with contemporary reports on international politics, technological advancements like biscuit-baking machinery, and serialized fiction. The magazine’s enduring appeal lies in its juxtaposition of high-minded moral inquiry with the practical, often gritty details of daily life, from the fashion of ladies' waistcoats to the brutal realities of war. It remains a fascinating artifact for those interested in the intellectual landscape of the 1850s, documenting a world grappling with rapid industrial progress and deeply entrenched social hierarchies.

The Story

The contents of this issue do not follow a single narrative arc but rather a series of thematic journeys. The historical thread centers on the rise of Napoleon, tracing his early days in Corsica, his intense involvement in debating clubs, and his subsequent transformation into a military commander tasked with defending France. His story is one of relentless ambition and internal conflict, defined by a hatred of anarchy that dictates his cold, decisive actions at Toulon and later in Paris, where he suppresses uprisings with ruthless efficiency. Parallel to this, the reader encounters the tragic, romanticized figure of Major André, whose failed espionage during the American Revolution highlights the stark contrast between his dignified end and the eventual, wretched obscurity of the traitor Benedict Arnold.

In the realm of fiction and personal anecdote, the narrative shifts toward domestic and social spheres. We see the struggles of a mother and her children establishing themselves in a "stately" but cold boarding school, their resilience mirrored in the melancholy beauty of the music they share. There is the tale of Joel Jerdan, a man whose simple, hopeful quest for the perfect fishing spot in the countryside leads him to encounter folklore, legends of ruined mansions, and the inevitable frustrations of sport. Simultaneously, the magazine delves into the social pressures of the time, documenting the rigid expectations placed upon young women through tales of secret correspondence, marriage, and the burdens of social standing.

The issue also chronicles the grand, somber spectacle of the death and funeral of Alexander I of Russia, providing a sharp contrast to the more mundane, if equally complex, lives of ordinary citizens. The narrative tone ranges from the clinical, as it describes the mechanical precision of naval biscuit production, to the impassioned, as it mourns the victims of war or analyzes the "wrongs of woman." The final sections pivot toward the shifting political tides in America and Britain—discussing state conventions, the integration of Jewish representatives in Parliament, and the emerging, controversial fashions of the day—leaving the reader with a sense of a world in constant, often jarring, motion.

How It Unfolds

The intellectual awakening Napoleon’s early years in Corsica are defined by his rigorous study of classical biography and his active participation in political debating societies. His commitment to liberty is quickly tested by the onset of radical violence, which hardens his resolve and shapes his future governing style.

The theater of war The narrative transitions to the brutal reality of the siege at Toulon, where the grandeur of military strategy is eclipsed by the horrific toll on human life. These passages emphasize the moral ambiguity of conflict, questioning the divine or human responsibility for such widespread destruction.

The preservation of order Napoleon secures his reputation by ruthlessly suppressing an insurrection in Paris with artillery. His calm, almost detached demeanor during the bloodiest moments of the conflict highlights the emergence of a leader who values total control above all else.

The weight of history The focus shifts to the American Revolution, juxtaposing the noble death of Major André with the slow, lonely decline of Benedict Arnold. This section explores the themes of honor, betrayal, and the lingering, often distorted, judgment of history.

The modern world emerges The magazine moves into the present day, reporting on global events like the funeral of a Russian Czar and the legislative battles over religious freedom in Britain. It balances these grand events with mundane, practical reports on industrial efficiency and the evolving, radical trends in women’s fashion.

The People

Napoleon Bonaparte stands at the center of the historical accounts, evolving from a passionate young orator into a cold, efficient instrument of state power. His arc is defined by his confrontation with Salicetti—a man he magnanimously spares despite their history of mutual hatred—and his unwavering, almost robotic, sense of duty during the revolutionary chaos. In stark contrast, Major André is painted as a figure of tragic grace, his youth and gentleness serving to highlight the senseless nature of his execution. Benedict Arnold acts as his foil; having traded honor for gold, he ends his life as a social outcast, a "Cain" whose bitterness is matched only by his irrelevance.

In the domestic sketches, the mother of the boarding school tale emerges as a figure of quiet, persistent strength. She navigates the emotional and financial hardships of her position while shielding her children with the power of song. Joel Jerdan provides a lighter, if equally persistent, figure—the archetypal enthusiast whose hopefulness in the face of bad luck and "shy" fish anchors the more fanciful legends of his surroundings. The Marquise, a survivor of revolutionary violence, represents the old world’s trauma; her hardened exterior and scarred hands serve as a physical testament to the "servitude" she endured. Together, these figures represent the diverse strata of a society struggling to find stability in the wake of immense, transformative change.

In Its Own Voice

"One can not contemplate such a conflict without wondering that a God of mercy could have allowed his children thus brutally to deform this fair creation with the spirit of the world of woe."

The writer reflects on the carnage witnessed during the military siege of Toulon.

"He ungenerously sought concealment under the roof of Madame Permon, the mother of the young lady who had suggested to Napoleon the idea of 'Puss in Boots.'"

This note provides a curious, humanizing detail about the personal connections surrounding a figure as formidable as Salicetti.

"A halo of melancholy sweetness surrounds the name and character of the unfortunate youth which increases in glory with the flight of time."

The author captures the romanticization of Major André’s execution at the hands of his captors.

What It's Really About

At its core, this volume explores the tension between the individual and the machinery of history. Whether examining the rise of a military dictator, the lonely death of a traitor, or the quiet resilience of a mother teaching at a boarding school, the text asks whether human character can truly withstand the grinding forces of political and social upheaval. It questions the nature of justice, the validity of "progress"—both industrial and political—and the weight of the past upon the present. The magazine is preoccupied with the idea that while leaders and events may shift, the fundamental human experience of loss, duty, and the search for meaning remains constant, caught between the "thunders" of history and the "simple devotions" of daily life.

Why Read It Today

Reading this magazine feels like stumbling upon a meticulously preserved attic trunk. It offers a rare, unfiltered look at the preoccupations of the 1850s, delivered without the polish of modern retrospective history. You will love it if you are drawn to the aesthetic of the nineteenth century or if you enjoy seeing how the "big" history of Napoleonic wars and Russian imperial funerals sat side-by-side with the very "small" history of fishing trips and clothing trends.

Be warned: it is not a brisk read. The prose is dense, occasionally flowery, and deeply rooted in a period-specific worldview that can feel distant or even alien to a modern ear. You will encounter unabashedly dramatic language regarding war and duty, alongside reporting that views social issues—such as women’s rights or the "drunkenness" of the working class—through the moralizing lens of its own time. However, for those who value the texture of a bygone era, the reward is significant. You are not just reading about history; you are inhabiting the same intellectual space as its contemporary readers, following their threads of thought from the battlefields of Europe to the local bakery. It is a slow, immersive experience that leaves you with a profound sense of the continuity of human anxiety, ambition, and the relentless, often beautiful, march of time.