The Continental Monthly, Vol. 6, No 2, August, 1864: Devoted to Literature and National Policy

In Short

This volume serves as a time capsule of Northern sentiment during the American Civil War. Through a collection of essays, historical sketches, and cultural critiques, the publication seeks to define American civilization by reconciling the chaos of war with the pursuit of progress. It covers everything from the strategic necessity of the Union’s military campaign to the moral implications of slavery and the history of the European press. The writing is characterized by the fervent, high-minded, and often combative rhetoric of a society determined to justify its struggle.

The Story

The narrative arc of this volume begins with a defense of democratic institutions. The opening essays grapple with the erosion of respect for public officials, arguing that the vituperation aimed at the President is a dangerous departure from the rule of law. It posits that while the strife for wealth—a hallmark of American energy—has fueled national prosperity, it requires a stronger moral and religious foundation to prevent the republic from lapsing into violence. The argument transitions from internal political anxiety to the broader mechanics of global change, offering a history of the British press, detailing how systemic struggles for freedom of information—such as the repeal of paper duties—mirror the broader American quest for an informed citizenry.

As the volume progresses, the lens shifts to ancient history and allegory. A recurring feature provides a fictionalized account of a Roman matron, Ænone, and her slave, Cleotos. Their story highlights the universal human yearning for spiritual truth, as the two find common ground in the nascent, egalitarian promise of Christianity. This exploration of the "New Jerusalem" serves as a bridge to later chapters, which examine the historical myths surrounding Constantine and the victory of Christianity over paganism. The text suggests that the "better genius" of Greece and Rome has been inherited and transformed by the Christian faith, framing the current American struggle as a continuation of this epic civilizing process.

The final third of the book grounds these abstract ideals in the brutal realities of the conflict. One section addresses the "Indian problem," adopting a harsh, contemporary view of the frontier, where the author asserts that the relentless forward motion of civilization is an inevitability that leaves no room for the survival of indigenous cultures. This is paired with an analysis of the United States Colored Troops, framing the African American soldier as a figure of unique spiritual and moral endurance. The volume concludes with a firm rejection of any compromise with the Confederacy. It argues that the Southern cause is effectively a "nonentity" and that the Union’s total military victory is the only path to restoring national character, stability, and the eventual realization of true freedom.

How It Unfolds

The moral foundations of governance The text opens with a plea for the sanctity of the law, criticizing the harsh political rhetoric of the time. It warns that disrespect for the executive branch threatens to dissolve the very democratic principles the nation seeks to protect.

The evolution of information A detailed history of the English press tracks the long struggle against censorship and restrictive taxes. This section illustrates how the democratization of knowledge is a necessary, albeit painful, precursor to a mature civilization.

Ancient parallels to modern faith The narrative introduces the story of Ænone and Cleotos, whose search for spiritual meaning highlights the egalitarian power of early Christianity. By juxtaposing their plight with Roman history, the essays suggest that the current war is a struggle between old, repressive systems and a new, enlightened moral order.

The brutality of expansion The focus turns to the Western frontier and the management of Indian agencies. The argument here is stark and unsympathetic, characterizing the displacement of indigenous people as an inexorable, natural force.

The finality of the Union cause The volume concludes with a strategic assessment of the war, insisting that there can be no half-measures. It asserts that the Confederacy is already a hollow shell, and that only through complete military success can the republic ensure its future.

The People

The book features a mix of historical actors and archetypes. Ænone, a Roman matron, and Cleotos, her slave, serve as the primary emotional center. They represent the human spirit attempting to find dignity and commonality beneath the hierarchy of an empire, ultimately seeking solace in a faith that promises equality. William Cobbett appears as a symbol of the individual's struggle against state repression, illustrating the cost of speaking truth to power. The "Indian" is presented as a tragic, doomed figure whose existence conflicts with the "crashing car of Juggernaut" that is Western progress. Finally, the "American Negro" is characterized through a paternalistic, yet admiring lens, defined by a "marvellous apprehension of things spiritual" that the author believes makes him uniquely suited for the current struggle for freedom.

In Its Own Voice

"And thus it has become a recognized fact that no man's reputation can withstand the trial of a four years' term of service in the Presidential office."

The author reflects on the intense political polarization and personal vilification that marked the presidency during the Civil War.

"To-morrow, therefore, let us begin."

Ænone suggests this to her slave, Cleotos, initiating their secret, shared study of the new Christian faith.

"He is in the way of civilization, and must go to the wall."

This chilling observation is offered as a justification for the displacement and eventual destruction of Native American tribes.

What It's Really About

The central argument is that the United States is currently undergoing a "stirring up of society" that is essential for its long-term survival. The book contends that the war is not merely a military campaign, but a moral crucible designed to strip away "worn-out theories" and "old-time prejudices." It asks whether a republic can reconcile its material greed with a higher moral standard. Ultimately, it concludes that the Union's triumph is synonymous with the victory of civilization itself, and that the "steady, regular, automatic movements of freedom" depend upon the total submission of any power that threatens the unity of the state.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the Civil War will find this a fascinating, if occasionally uncomfortable, primary source. It provides a rare, unvarnished look at how Northern intellectuals processed the uncertainty of 1864. You will experience the tone of a nation that is both deeply confident in its "civilizing mission" and profoundly anxious about the cost of that ambition. The language is sophisticated and dense, reflecting the Victorian penchant for long, flowing sentences and moralizing digressions.

However, a modern reader must be prepared for the period’s attitudes. The author’s treatment of indigenous peoples is particularly jarring, reflecting a cold, social-Darwinist perspective that was common at the time. Similarly, the descriptions of African Americans, while intended to be supportive, are filtered through the era's prevalent, patronizing racial stereotypes. The writing is not meant to be objective; it is a polemic, designed to stir the blood and harden the resolve of a reader during a time of existential threat. If you approach this as an artifact of the 19th-century mind—with all its contradictions, fervor, and moral blind spots—it offers a powerful, immersive glimpse into the internal life of a nation at war with itself.