St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886: An Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks

In Short

This July 1886 issue of St. Nicholas magazine gathers a rich mix of serialized fiction, historical sketches, practical life advice, and interactive puzzles for young readers. Its narrative pieces follow characters navigating social expectations, sea perils, and family dynamics, while non-fiction entries offer real-world instruction on outdoor pursuits like fly-fishing and boat-building. The issue endures because it captures the vibrant curiosity, moral earnestness, and instructional spirit of American childhood in the late nineteenth century, offering modern readers an authentic window into the literature that shaped a generation.

The Story

The volume moves through a diverse landscape of non-fiction, narrative fiction, and instructional prose. It opens with historical accounts of revolutionary heroism, focusing on the young Marquis de Lafayette’s clandestine departure from France to aid the American cause. Defying the French King, British diplomats, and his own family, nineteen-year-old Lafayette purchases his own vessel, escapes arrest by fleeing to Spain, and sails for South Carolina. Upon arrival, he offers to serve in the American army without pay as a volunteer, earning a major-general's commission from a hesitant Congress. The historical reporting continues with glimpses of Revolutionary War intrigue, detailing the "cabal" led by General Conway, Gates, and Mifflin to undermine George Washington, alongside vivid depictions of Washington’s fiery leadership at the Battle of Monmouth where he confronts General Lee's retreat.

Alongside history, serialized fiction brings intimate character dramas to life. In Frances Hodgson Burnett's story, young Lord Fauntleroy charms the local working class with his innocent demeanor before softening the heart of his bitter grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. The boy’s presence gradually transforms the old man, even as Fauntleroy longs for his mother, "Dearest," and proudly displays gifts from his American friends at formal gatherings. Elsewhere, serialized fiction introduces Nan Ferris, a young woman who rebels against a life of idle social calls and party clothes, resolving to earn her own living and avoid financial dependence. Meanwhile, a young boy named Jack suffers a terrifying ordeal at sea when his dory is blown off course in a gale, leaving him stranded overnight near the perilous ledges known as "The Cow and Calf."

Instructional and scientific entries offer practical engagement. One guide outlines the mechanics of trout fishing, detailing line weights, fly selection, and proper casting methods to keep lines from tangling in brush. Another article encourages boys to pursue the growing trade of boat-building, while scientific features explain natural oddities like the "lubber locust" and the life cycle of cicadas. The issue concludes with reader-submitted letters, reports from nature clubs studying insect cocoons, and brain-teasing word puzzles.

How It Unfolds

A runaway marquis sails Young Lafayette buys a ship, evades French authorities, and sets sail for America to fight for independence. He arrives in South Carolina and wins over a hesitant Continental Congress by offering to serve without pay.

A harsh heart softens Little Lord Fauntleroy wins the affection of village tradesmen and gradually melts the bitterness of his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. Despite the luxury around him, the boy remains devoted to his mother and his humble American ties.

An angler casts his line Detailed instructions guide young fishermen through selecting water-proof silk lines, choosing specific flies for regional waters, and mastering over-hand and under-hand casts along brushy trout streams.

Generals plot in the dark A secretive faction attempts to discredit George Washington following losses at Brandywine and Germantown. Washington maintains his composure, rebukes Gates for insubordination, and rallies his troops against British forces at Monmouth.

A young woman rebels Returning home from a party, Nan Ferris tires of empty social rituals and announces her plan to seek her fortune and earn her own living, sparking debate among her companions about female independence.

A boat drifts into danger A boy loses control of his dory during a rising storm off the coast. Caught in a heavy chop-sea as night falls, he spots the foam breaking over the dangerous ledges known as "The Cow and Calf."

Children share their discoveries Young readers write in to detail their local nature clubs, share instructions for building a room-sized kaleidoscope out of a piano lid, and submit word puzzles for publication.

The People

• Lafayette: A wealthy nineteen-year-old French nobleman who seeks military glory and liberty in the American Revolution. Hindered by royal orders and diplomat arrests, he buys his own ship to serve without pay, ultimately winning the affection of the American public.
• Cedric (Lord Fauntleroy): A sweet, open-hearted young boy living with his wealthy grandfather. He wants everyone to be happy and longs to be reunited with his mother, "Dearest," ultimately transforming his grandfather's bitter outlook through his unvarnished trust.
• The Earl of Dorincourt: A hard, cynical nobleman who has isolated himself from others. He wants to shape his grandson into a worthy heir, but finds his own cold disposition unexpectedly melted by Cedric's affectionate nature.
• George Washington: The Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, facing military setbacks, political cabals, and insubordination. He wants discipline and unity among his officers, standing firm against critics and personally rallying retreating troops on the battlefield.
• Nan Ferris: An energetic young woman tired of the superficiality of high-society parties. She wants a purposeful life and economic self-sufficiency, defying traditional expectations to avoid becoming helpless if financial misfortune strikes.

In Its Own Voice

"The young general had come across the sea for a purpose, and money and position were not parts of that purpose."

An account of Lafayette's arrival framing his willingness to serve the American cause without salary.

"He had not thought matters over to himself so long for nothing."

Young Lord Fauntleroy contemplates what he wants most before asking his grandfather to bring his mother close.

"I'm going to seek my fortune, and I'm going to try to lead a genuine existence."

Nan Ferris declares her decision to work for her own living rather than drift through society.

What It's Really About

At its core, this issue explores the tension between independence and duty across different stages of youth. Through historical accounts like Lafayette’s voyage and fictional narratives like Nan’s rebellion, the text examines what it means to take ownership of one’s destiny against societal expectations or financial security. It asks young readers to consider how character is forged—whether through self-sacrifice on the battlefield, moral courage in everyday social choices, or physical resilience when stranded at sea. Ultimately, the collection argues that true maturity requires both self-reliance and a generous heart toward others.

Why Read It Today

Modern readers will appreciate this magazine as a vivid artifact of late-nineteenth-century culture that treats young people with intellectual respect. Rather than talking down to its audience, it blends high-stakes historical reporting, nuanced character drama, and precise technical instruction. Reading it feels like flipping through a lost vault of Victorian ambition, where boys are taught the mechanics of fly-rod tension and girls debate economic self-sufficiency.

The primary difficulty for a contemporary reader lies in its episodic structure and era-specific stylistic choices. Because it is a magazine issue, narratives break off abruptly to make room for advice columns, scientific entries on grasshoppers, or reports from local insect-collecting clubs. Furthermore, the prose reflects nineteenth-century literary rhythms, featuring formal phrasing and occasional regional dialects in character dialogue. Yet for those interested in historical children's literature, American history, or the social values of the 1880s, the issue offers a charming, authentic, and surprisingly varied reading experience.