Newspapers copying the above and giving the Magazine monthly notices, will be entitled to an exchange.

* * * * *

PROSPECTUS

OF

The Continental Monthly.

There are periods in the world’s history marked by extraordinary and violent crises, sudden as the breaking forth of a volcano, or the bursting of a storm on the ocean.  These crises sweep away in a moment the landmarks of generations.  They call out fresh talent, and give to the old a new direction.  It is then that new ideas are born, new theories developed.  Such periods demand fresh exponents, and new men for expounders.

This Continent has lately been convulsed by an upheaving so sudden and terrible that the relations of all men and all classes to each other are violently disturbed, and people look about for the elements with which to sway the storm and direct the whirlwind.  Just at present, we do not know what all this is to bring forth; but we do know that great results MUST flow from such extraordinary commotions.

At a juncture so solemn and so important, there is a special need that the intellectual force of the country should be active and efficient.  It is a time for great minds to speak their thoughts boldly, and to take position as the advance guard.  To this end, there is a special want unsupplied.  It is that of an Independent Magazine, which shall be open to the first intellects of the land, and which shall treat the issues presented, and to be presented to the country, in a tone no way tempered by partisanship, or influenced by fear, favor, or the hope of reward; which shall seize and grapple with the momentous subjects that the present disturbed state of affairs heave to the surface, and which CAN NOT be laid aside or neglected.

To meet this want, the undersigned have commenced, under the editorial charge of CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, the publication of a new Magazine, devoted to Literature and National Policy.

In POLITICS, it will advocate, with all the force at its command, measures best adapted to preserve the oneness and integrity of these United States.  It will never yield to the idea of any disruption of this Republic, peaceably or otherwise; and it will discuss with honesty and impartiality what must be done to save it.  In this department, some of the most eminent statesmen of the time will contribute regularly to its pages.

In LITERATURE, it will be sustained by the best writers and ablest thinkers of this country.

Among its attractions will be presented, in an early number, a NEW SERIAL of American Life, by RICHARD B. KIMBALL, ESQ., the very popular author of “The Revelations of Wall Street,” “St. Leger,” &c.  A series of papers by HON.  HORACE GREELEY, embodying the distinguished author’s observations on the growth and development of the Great West.  A series of articles by the author of “Through