Matsell, George Washington (1811-1877) National police gazette. [Vol. 20, no. 1025 (April 22, 1865)]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08560 Author/Creator: Matsell, George Washington (1811-1877) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Newspaper Date: 22 April 1865 Pagination: 4 p. ; 66 x 49 cm. Order a Copy
Includes six large front page sketches relaying various scenes of Lincoln's assasination, Seward's attempted assassination and portrait of John Wilkes Booth. Has bold black borders around news columns symbolizing the mourning of Lincoln's death. A full account of Lincoln's assassintion and the events immediately surrounding the assassination is given. Some topics include Laura Keene's encounter with Wilkes Booth, a porter's description and account of the attempted assassination of Secretary Seward, and testimony of Clara Harris.
Article on Mrs. Electa Porter, an abortionist whose patient died after an abortion was performed. She is indicted and scheduled to appear before court. Contesting that the trial cannot continue without a material witness to her case, Porter manages to postpone her trial.
By far the most famous publication in the United States by this name was officially The National Police Gazette, although commonly referred to as simply the Police Gazette. It was founded in 1845. The editor for most of the 19th century was Richard Fox, an immigrant from Ireland. Supposedly devoted to matters of interest to the police, it was actually a sensational tabloid, with lurid coverage of murders, prostitution, Wild West outlaws, and boxing. It was well known for the voyeuristic engravings and photographs of scantily clad strippers, burlesque dancers, and prostitutes, often skirting on the edge of what was legally considered obscenity. The National Police Gazette enjoyed considerable popularity in the late 19th century and early decades of the 20th century.
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