Frances Sargent Osgood’s works.
During her twenty-five year career, FSO placed innumerable poems in both American and British journals; she further bolstered her popularity by contributing to gift books, editing books on the intersection of floral and poetic languages, and penning words to multiple popular songs.
frances sargent osgood’s works.
Frances Sargent Osgood began her publishing career in 1826, in which year she was “discovered” by Lydia Maria Child, the founder and editor of Juvenile Miscellany. Although only fifteen years of age at the time of this discovery, FSO capitalized on its advantages and quickly placed her poems in the pages of several other periodicals, such as Boston’s Ladies’ Magazine and the Charleston Southern Rose. She continued publishing in journals through her relocation to England, at which time she compiled her poetry into her first volume of work, A Wreath of Wild Flowers (1838). This volume and her ongoing contributions to journals consolidated her career, and by the time she returned to America she was an acclaimed poetess with a substantial audience. Both Graham’s Magazine and The Ladies’ Companion immediately invited her to act as a primary contributor to their pages, and she further published works through Ladies’ National Magazine, The Columbian Magazine, The Family Companion and Ladies’ Mirror, Godey’s Lady’s Book and a host of popular gift books.
Publishing under pen names was then much in vogue, particularly for women writers, and FSO participated munificently in this trend. In addition to such variations of her legal name as Mrs. Osgood, Frances S. Osgood, Mrs. F. S. Osgood, Mrs. Frances S. Osgood, Frances Sargent Osgood, F. Osgood, F. S. O., and Frances Osgood, FSO also published under three specific pen names: Florence, Kate Carol, and Violet Vane. Of these three names, “Florence” was FSO’s favorite during her early career whereas “Kate Carol” and “Violet Vane” made their appearance later in the 1840s.
This page has attempted to collect the many pieces ALB published during her lifetime into one comprehensive list. Her works, however, are scattered across dozens of journals, many of which have not been preserved. Those that have been preserved have not necessarily been digitized due to the secondary status literary journals occupy in current conceptions of nineteenth century literature. Any perceived scarcity in this list, therefore, should be regarded not as evidence of the insignificance of nineteenth century journals, but rather of the disregard in which they have recently been held. This scarcity should, moreover, be regarded as an opportunity for ongoing academic research—an invitation to reconstitute the record through the digitization of undiscovered materials.
Also, remember that the majority of the poems that appear in her collection of poetry were published first in journals; it was their success through that medium that led to their collection into a volume.
books.
FSO wrote at least eight books and edited two further volumes during her lifetime. Her works revolved predominantly around poetry and children’s literature and she was celebrated as a skilled author by readers in each genre. After her death, her friends released a memorial work celebrating her life and verse.
A Wreath of Wild Flowers from New England, By Frances Sargent Osgood (1838)
FSO’S first printed volume emerged shortly after her relocation to England and enjoyed popularity upon its release. Originally published by London printer Edward Churton, the work also appeared on American shores the following year. The volume contains 136 poems (most previously published in journals) and a short tragedy.
The Casket of Fate (1839)
FSO produced her second volume within a year of her first, again compiling pieces previously published in journals with a few new verses. Like her first volume, The Casket of Fate appeared first through a London publishing house—this time C. Whittington—before appearing as a reprint in America the following year.
TiS has been unable to locate a digitized copy of this volume.
An examination of the so-called “language of flowers” then much in vogue, The Poetry of Flowers features an introduction to the subject by FSO and a “dictionary” of references to particular flowers in the works of classic poems selected and edited by FSO. The work demonstrates a remarkable conversance with the annals of Western poetry.
The Snow-Drop: A New-Year's Gift for Children (1842)
Gift books were extremely popular during this era with both publishers and the populace supporting their production. Most gift books compiled pieces published by a variety of popular authors over the previous year, relying on their various reputations and audiences to ensure the sale of the book. The fact that this gift book contains works by only FSO stands as proof of her unusual popularity. This volume contains 26 poems for children.
Puss in Boots, and the Marquis of Carabas (1844)
This short children’s reader features illustrations by famed German illustrator Otto Speckter and text by FSO. The volume appears to have been produced with two different texts—one in prose and one in verse. The prose version is linked above. TIS has been unable to locate a digitized copy of the verse version.
In this volume, FSO—who lived in NYC for seven years—provides a straightforward description of the city proper while highlighting in verse the various “cries” (meant in a hawking sense) that arise from the city’s streets: the cry of the chimney sweep, the iceman, the scissors grinder, the strawberry girl, the newsboy, etc. Each “cry” is accompanied by a color illustration by an unidentified illustrator.
Poems (1846)
Her first collection of non-juvenile verse since the release of The Casket of Fate (1839), Poems (1846) featured over 100 of FSO’s most popular verses.
In much the same vein as The Poetry of Flowers (1841), The Floral Offering (1847) explores the appearance of flowers in poetry. This work is less comprehensive than its predecessor, includes many poems by FSO, and features 10 full-color illustrations of floral bouquets drawn by J. Ackerman.
A Letter about the Lions, Addressed to Mabel in the Country (1849)
By this point in the century, the literati of the country were often referred to by the slangish appellation “lions”, with Poe himself writing a short story titled “Lionizing” (1835) in which he satirized the process through which literary figures achieve fame. In this short work, FSO, now three years removed from her reputation-threatening encounter with the NYC literati, reflects on that encounter and the “lions” that figured in it through “correspondence” with a country friend.
TiS has been unable to locate a digitized copy of this volume.
Poems (1850)
FSO spent the last year of her life collaborating with Rufus Griswold to compile her poetry into a single, centralized volume. As a show of gratitude, FSO dedicated the volume to him. Poems (1850) reaped predominantly positive reviews upon its appearance a few months prior to her death. The volume contains over 250 poems and concludes with the poem FSO wrote in honor of Poe’s death—”The Hand that Swept the Sounding Lyre.”
The Memorial, Written by Friends of the Late Mrs. Frances Sargent Locke Osgood (1851)
Works of memorial, while not common, were an established genre by the mid-nineteenth century. In these works, friends of the artist wrote short biographical sketches, memoirs, analyses, and essays or poems in honor of the deceased. The proceeds from these volumes were typically donated to the surviving family members or used to establish a memorial of sorts; in the case of FSO, the money was used to purchase a fitting headstone for her grave. The list of FSO’s friends was long indeed and featured many of the best-known authors and editors inn the country; accordingly, her memorial features works by such diverse figures as Rufus Griswold, N. P. Willis, John Neal, Lydia H. Sigourney, and Anne C. Lynch.
The work was republished as Laurel Leaves: A Chaplet Woven by the Friends of the Late Mrs. Osgood (1854).
anthologies.
Anthologies, especially of poetry, were extremely popular with magazine-readers in the 19th century, and the inclusion of an author’s work in an anthology not only signified their talent but also considerably boosted the readership of the magazines through which they regularly published.
The Ladies’ Wreath (1837)
This anthology of poetry, subtitled “A Selection from the Female Poetic Writers of England and America” was collected and edited by Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of The Ladies’ Album in which SHW’s poetry first appeared. This volume includes seven poems by FSO. These seven poems, together with a short biographical sketch of FSO, begin on page 354 of the volume.
The Female Poets of America (1848)
Based largely on his earlier volume The Poets and Poetry of America (1842), Rufus Griswold became something of an authority on American verse in the late 1840s. In 1848, Griswold released a second anthology of American poetry, this time focusing exclusively on female poets. The volume collects poetry by nearly 100 women and includes 39 poems by and a biographical sketch of FSO (beginning on page 272).
The American Female Poets with Biographical and Critical Notices (1848)
Published the same year as Griswold’s Female Poets of America, American Female Poets placed its editor, Caroline May, in a literary feud with Griswold, who, jealous of his reputation as tastemaker of American poetry, resented others’ intrusion into his corner of the market. May, an English-born poet and literary critic who immigrated to the United States while in her teens, refused to cower before Griswold and instead continued releasing anthologies over the 1850s. This volume contains works by eighty American poetesses and includes 14 poems by and a biographical sketch of FSO (beginning on page 381). FSO’s portrait is also featured as the frontispiece of the work.
This anthology was later republished as Pearls from the American Female Poets (1869).
The Female Poets of America (1849)
In the wake of Griswold’s 1848 anthology, anthologies of female poets became popular in the United States. Originally published in 1849, this Female Poets of America was compiled by Thomas B. Read, himself a poet and painter who would later produce portraits of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Abraham Lincoln, Lord Tennyson, and both Brownings. The volume collects poetry by nearly 80 women and includes 8 poems by and a biographical sketch of FSO (beginning on page 71.
The Living Authors of America: First Series (1850)
In this anthology, editor Thomas Powell offered short biographical sketches of and critical commentary on the works of thirteen American authors. Powell showed remarkable prescience in making his selections, for whereas many such works of criticism from this era focused on authors who are relatively unknown to modern audiences, six of the thirteen Powell chose—including authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe, and Margaret Fuller—are still well-known to students of American literature. Nestled among these is a short sketch and analysis of FSO (beginning on page 276).
In this anthology, editor Sarah Josepha Hale undertook the monumental task of compiling works by women from their earliest entry into the canon of world literature up to the “present” of 1850. Standing just under 1,000 pages in length, the volume begins with works by historical figures such as Cleopatra, Agrippina, Sappho, Joan of Arc, Lucrezia Borgia, Anne Boleyn, and Elizabeth I before giving way to the popular authoresses of the mid-nineteenth century. Included in the latter half of the work are 23 poems by and a substantial biographical sketch FSO (beginning on page 458).
Cyclopaedia of American Literature (1855)
This vast multi-volume set was compiled by brothers Everett Augustus Duyckinck & George Long Duyckinck who together edited The Literary World, a New York literary journal, and who inadvertently dominated the New York publishing scene in the 1840s-1850s. The second volume of this “Cyclopaedia” includes 4 poems by and a short biographical sketch of FSO (beginning on page 559).
Gift Books.
Although it was in England that they first came into vogue, gift books quickly sped their way to American shores where they found an eager market. A hybrid between magazine and book, gift books collected poems, short stories, and essays written in the previous year into a single lavishly bound and decorated hardcover or leather volume. Gift books were typically published in the autumn and made popular holiday presents.
“The Soul Flower” (1846). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Opal, a gift book edited by John Keese (page 252).
“Unrest” (1847). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Opal, a gift book edited by John Keese (pages 13-14).
“A Song. [They tell me I was false to thee]’” (1842). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Token and Atlantic Souvenir, a gift book edited by Samuel Griswold Goodrich (page 278).
“Anna’s Picture” (1836). Published under the name “Florence” in The Token and Atlantic Souvenir, a gift book edited by Samuel Griswold Goodrich (page 32).
“A Wreath of Riddles” (1842). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in The Gift: A Christmas and New Year’s Present, a gift book edited by Edward L. Carey & Abraham Hart (pages 163-164).
“The Cottage Where We Dwell” (1842). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in The Gift: A Christmas and New Year’s Present, a gift book edited by Edward L. Carey & Abraham Hart (pages 321-322).
Journal Submissions
Poetry
“My Mother’s Sigh” (April 1831). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. IV, no. 4, page 159.
“Love the Lightest” (June 1831). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. IV, no. 6, page 277.
“My Window” (August 1831). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. IV, no. 8, page 371-72.
“The Star of Promise” (October 1831). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. IV, no. 10, page 442-43.
“The Bride” (January 1832). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. V, no. 1, page 30-31.
“Josephine” (January 1833). Published under the name “Florence” in The Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. VI, no. 1, page 3-5.
“To Frances Adelaide—An Infant, with a Birth-day Present” (March & April 1833). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L. Child): Vol. IV, no. 1, pg. 52.
“To My Sister” (November & December 1833). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L Child): Vol. V, no. 2, pages 119-20.
“Anecdotes of Mr. John Frost, The Celebrated Landscape Painter” (January & February 1834). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L. Child): Vol. V, no. 3, pages 233-36.
“To Frances” (March & April 1834). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L. Child): Vol. VI, no. 1, pages 36-38.
“Oh Dear! It’s All Gone Out!” (May & June 1834). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L Child): Vol. VI, no. 2, pages 133-34
“A True Story” (July & August 1834). Published under the name “Florence” in The Juvenile Miscellany (edited by Mrs. D. L. Child): Vol. VI, no. 3, page 261.
“The Child at Play with a Watch” (1837). Published under the name “Mrs. Osgood” in The New Monthly Magazine and Humorist (an English magazine edited by Theodore Hook): Vol. LI, part 3, page 12.
“Napoleon in Exile” (September 1837). Published under the name “Florence” in The American Monthly Magazine (edited by H. W. Herbert): Vol. 10, no. 3, page 293.
“A Child at Play with a Watch” (January 13, 1838). Published under the name “Mrs. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XV, no. 29, page 231.
“Lines for Ruth’s Album” (August 25, 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVI, no. 9, page 68.
“The Lover’s Appeal to the Painter” (September 1, 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVI, no. 10.
“To an Absent Sister” (September 8, 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVI, no. 11, page 84.
“Love and Time—A Lover’s Lay” (September 18, 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVI, no. 12, page 92.
“To ----- -----” (September 22, 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVI, no. 13, page 100.
“Hymn. Of one of the Deaf children restored to hearing by Mr. Curtis, of the Royal Institution” (January 1839). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood, London” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XVIII, no. 1, page 16.
“To Jessie, from Scotland” (February 1839). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XVIII, no. 2, page 61.
“A Distinguished Nobleman Refused a Dowry with His Bride—the Incident Suggested the Following Lines” (January 1840). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XX, no. 1, page 9.
“Lines to a Supposed Atheist, who Acknowledged Himself a Christian only to the Lady of his Love” (February 1840). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XX, no. 2, page 55.
“Let Me See Him Once More” (May 2, 1840). Published under the name “Mrs. Osgood” in The New York Mirror (edited by George Pope Morris & Samuel Woodworth): Vol. XVII, no. 45, page 360.
“Stanzas to -----. [As smiles with glory, soft but warm]” (August 1840). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XXI, no. 2, page 88.
“Anna, A Sketch” (November 15, 1841). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Family Companion and Ladies’ Mirror (edited by William Tappan Thompson & Sarah L. Griffin): Vol. I, no. 2, page 96.
“The Talisman” (January 1842). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XXIV, no. 1, page 18.
“To Little Cornelia” (January 15, 1842). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Family Companion and Ladies’ Mirror (edited by William Tappan Thompson & Sarah L. Griffin): Vol. I, no. 4, page 242.
”The Suitor’s Reply [To the Maiden Who Wished to Return His Gift]” (February 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no. 2, page 58.
“A Song” (April 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no. 4, page 115.
“Love’s Mistake” (May 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no. 5, page 152.
“Aspirations” (June 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no. 6, page 187.
“Garden Gossip” (July 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. VI, no. 1, page 16.
“To -------. [A Dear Little Truant Who Wouldn’t Come Home]” (August 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. VI, no. 2, page 41.
“The Dearest Hope” (November 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. VI, no 5, page 148.
“The Rivulet’s Dream” (April 5, 1845). Published under the name “Kate Carol” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar Allan Poe, C. F. Briggs, & H. C. Watson): Vol. I, no. 14, page 215.
“Love’s Reply” (April 12, 1845). Published under the name “Frances Sargent Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar Allan Poe, C. F. Briggs, & H. C. Watson): Vol. I, no. 15, page 231.
“Spring” (April 12, 1845). Published under the name “Violet Vane” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar Allan Poe, C. F. Briggs, & H. C. Watson): Vol. I, no. 15, page 231.
“Lulu” (May 10, 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar Allan Poe, C. F. Briggs, & H. C. Watson): Vol. I, no. 20, page 317.
“Slander” (August 30, 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar A. Poe): Vol. II, no. 8, page 113.
“Labor” (September 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The United States Democratic Review (edited by John o’Sullivan): Vol. XVII, no. 87, page 220.
“Labor” (September 20, 1845). Published under the name “Frances Sargent Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar Allan Poe, C. F. Briggs, & H. C. Watson): Vol. II, no. 11, page 168.
“To ------” (November 22, 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar A. Poe): Vol. II, no. 20, page 307.
“To -----” (November 29, 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (edited by Edgar A. Poe): Vol. II, no. 21 , page 318.
“A Shipwreck” (December 13, 1845). Published under the name “F. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (Edgar Allan Poe): Vol. II, no. 23, page 352.
“To ‘The Lady Geraldine.’” (December 20, 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Broadway Journal (Edgar Allan Poe): Vol. II, no. 24, page 365.
“Worship without Fear” (March 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Osgood” in Arthur’s Magazine (edited by T. S. Arthur): Vol. V, no. 3, page 137.
“A Valentine: Affectionately Inscribed to Mrs. Mary E. Hewitt.” (February 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in The Knickerbocker (edited by Lewis Gaylord Clark): Vol. 29, no. 2, page 128.
“Little Children” (June 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in The United States Democratic Review (edited by John O’Sullivan): Vol. XX, no. 108, page 528.
“Zarifa: Suggested by a Spanish Story” (July 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. I, no. 1, page 15.
“To a Dear Sister” (August 1847). Published under the name “F. S. O.” in The Knickerbocker (edited by Lewis Gaylord Clark): Vol. XXXIV, no. 2, page 157.
“Kate Carol to Her *” (August 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. I, no. 2 pages 55-57.
“De Warrenne Before King Edward” (January 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. II, no. 1, page 16.
“Lulin; or The Diamond Fay. A Fairy Legend; sent by a Lover to His Mistress, with a Diamond Ring.” (May 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. II, no. 5, page 198.
“God Loves Him Still” (October 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. III, no. 4, page 153.
“Ida to Ernest” (November 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland):, Vol. III, no. 5, page 215.
“Mary at the Feet of Jesus” (September 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. II, no. 3, page 110.
“The Diamond Fay” (July 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. III, no. 1 (July 1848), page 6.
“Woman. A Fragment from an Unpublished Manuscript” (December 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. III, no. 6, page 247.
“To a Slandered Poetess” (March 1849). Published under the name “Francis S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. IV, no. 3, page 180.
“The Prophecy of the Flower” (June 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. IV, no. 6, page. 405
“The Snake in the Grass” (October 1849). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. V, no. 4 page 240.
“The Surprise” (November 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XXXIX, no. 5, page 362.
“Alone” (November 1849). Published under the name “Frances Sargent Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. V, no. 5, page 311.
“I Said, Though All the World Beside” (November 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Peterson’s Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens): Vol. XVI, no. 5, page 164.
“Heloise to Brissot” (December 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. V, no. 6, page 359.
“Twilight Hours” (December 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Peterson’s Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens): Vol. XVI, no. 6, page 215.
“Song [Let me be free!]” (January 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XL, no. 1, page 69.
“The Haunted Spring” (January 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Peterson’s Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens): Vol. XVII, no. 1, page 19.
“The Conversion of St. Paul” (January 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. VI, no. I, page 41.
“The Spirit-Harp: A Legendary Ballad from the German” (January 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in the Southern Literary Messenger (edited by John R. Thompson): Vol. XVI, no. 1 , page 27.
“The Death of Las Casas” (June 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. VI, no 6, page 389.
“The Woiwode’s Glad Daughter. From the German of Emmanuel Geibl.” (July 1850). Published under the name “The Late Frances Sargent Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. VII, no. 1, page 51.
“Song. From the German of Emmanuel Geibe.” (September 1850). Published under the name “The Late Frances E. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Book (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XLI no. 3, page 152.
Prose
“A Day in New England” (February 1838). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Godey’s Lady’s Magazine (edited by Sarah Josepha Hale): Vol. XVI, no. 2, pages 65-67.
“Kate Melburne: Chapter I – Chapter V” (January 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no. 1, pages 24-27.
“The Poet’s Metamorphosis: Chapter I – Chapter IV” (March 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine (edited by Ann S. Stephens & Charles J. Peterson): Vol. V, no 3, pages 73-76.
“The Soul Mirror: Chapters I - 4” (January 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Ladies’ National Magazine, vol. VII, no. 1, pages 1-4.
Drama
“From an Unpublished Play” (March 15, 1842). Published under the name “Mrs. F. S. Osgood” in The Family Companion and Ladies’ Mirror (edited by William Tappan Thompson & Sarah L. Griffin): Vol. I, no. 6, page 363.
“A Wish: From an Unpublished Play” (January 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. IV, no. 1, page. 21.
“primary contributor”
During this era, magazines sought out “primary contributors”—celebrated authors who were willing to contribute work consistently to the magazine. This arrangement benefited both the magazine, which now boasted the work of popular authors, and the authors themselves, who earned greater exposure and income in a more reliable situation. During her lifetime, FSO was a “primary contributor” to several magazines.
GRAHAM’S MAGAZINE
Beginning in 1842, FSO was listed as a “primary contributor” on the title page of each new volume of Graham’s Magazine. She remained a primary contributor through the year 1848.
Poetry
“May Evelyn” (March 1842). Published under the name “Frances Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XX, no. 3, pages 145-149.
“Venus and the Modern Belle” (May 1842). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XX, no. 5, page 274.
“The Daughter of Herodias” (July 1842). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXI, no. 1, pages 14-15.
“Waste Paper; or ‘Trifles Light as Air’” (September 1842). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXI, no. 3, pages 146-150.
“The Life Voyage—A Ballad” (November 1842). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXI, no. 5, pages 265-266.
“The Flowers and Gems of Genius” (February 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. II, no. 2, page 82.
“The Soul’s Lament for Home” (March 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXII, no. 3, page 194.
“First Affection” (April 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXII, no. 4, page 214.
“Little Red-Riding Hood” (May 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXII, no. 5, page 296.
“Earl Albert’s Bird. A Scotch Song” (April 1844). Published under the name “Francis S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 4, page 164.
“A Song. ‘Asking for More.’” (May 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 5, page 224.
“Scene in an Alpine Valley” (September 1844). Published under the name ”Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 3, page 578.
“The Fan. A Lover’s Fantasy” (April 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVII, no. 4, pages 166-167.
“Caprice” (February 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVIII, no. 2, page 71.
“For Thee!—A Song” (March 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVIII, no. 3, page 108.
“The Weed” (April 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVIII, no. 4, page 182.
“Fanny’s First Smile” (April 1847). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXX, no. 4, page 262.
“Eurydice” (May 1847). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXX, no. 5, page 274.
“Dream-Music; or, The Spirit-Flute. A Ballad.” (July 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXIII, no. 1, pages 39-40.
“A Billet-Doux” (March 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXIV, no. 3, page 177.
“Lines to an Idea that Wouldn’t Come” (May 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXIV, no. 5, page 285.
“Marion’s Song in the School-Room” (January 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXIV, no. 1, page 61.
“A Farewell to a Happy Day” (October 1848). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXIII, no. 4, page 203.
“Ermengarde’s Awakening” (August 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXV, no. 2, page 121.
“Fragments of an Unfinished Story” (November 1849). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXV, no. 5, pages 263-265.
“A Spanish Romance” (February 1850). Published under the name '“Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXVI, no. 2, page 142.
“The Coquette’s Vow” (January 1850). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXXVI, no. 1, page 68.
Prose
“Truth” (December 1842). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXI, no. 6, pages 316-319.
“The Coquette; or The Game of Life” (January 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXII, no. 1 pages 24-28.
“Dora’s Reward. Or the ‘Ruse de guerre.’” (June 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXII, no. 6, pages 357-362.
“Daguerreotype Pictures: Taken on New Year’s Day” (November 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXIV, no. 5, pages 255-257.
“Grace Melvyn. Or Which is the Blue-Stocking?” (August 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXIV, no. 2, pages 93-97.
“Lizzie Lincoln. A Tale of the Last Century, Founded on Fact” (October 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXIV, no. 3, pages 184-187.
“The Wife” (December 1843). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXIV, no. 6, pages 268-271.
“A Match for the Match-Maker” (February 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 2, pages 53-56.
“Feeling Versus Beauty” (June 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 6, pages 274-276.
“Newport Tableaux” (January 1844). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 1, pages 19-24.
“Virginia, The Little Match-Girl of Kentucky” (March 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXV, no. 3, pages 133-135.
“Valentine’s Day. Or a Lover’s Reminiscences.” (July 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 1, pages 23-25.
“The Flower and Gem. Or the Choice of Grace Gordon” (August 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 2, page 63-64.
“The Soul Awakened. Or Which Will Win Him?” (October 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 4, pages 152-154.
“The Magic Lute” (November 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 5, pages 214-216.
“The Little Lost Shoe. Or Fielding in Search of a Foot.” (December 1844). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVI, no. 6, pages 287-291.
“Carry Carlisle. Or the Last Tournament” (March 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXVII, no. 3, page 128-130.
“Florence Errington. ‘An O’er True Tale.’” (February 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol: XXVII, no. 2, pages 54-56.
“Athenais” (September 1846). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXIX, no. 3, pages 141-143.
“Glimpses of a Soul” (February 1847). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXX, no. 2, pages 90-91.
“Life in New York. A Sketch of a Literary Soiree” (March 1847). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in Graham’s Magazine (edited by George R. Graham): Vol. XXX, no. 3, pages 177-179.
THE COLUMBIAN
While The Columbian did not list any authors as “primary contributors” to their magazine, Osgood’s consistent and numerous contributions between 1845-1848 would certainly have qualified her for such a list.
Poetry
“To Amelia Welby” (March 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. III, no. 3, page 110.
“A Flight of Fancy” (April 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. III, no. 4, page 185.
“Golden Rules in Rhyme. From a Matron to a Maiden.” (May 1845). Published under the name “Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. III, no. 5, pages 208-209.
“To Sybil” (July 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IV, no. 1, pages 9-10.
“A Mother’s Prayer in Illness” (October 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IV, no. 4, page 164.
“A Remembrance” (December 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IV, no. 6, page 16.
“A Lover’s Lay” (January 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): vol. 5, no. 1, page 7.
“The Good Angel” (February 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. V, no. 2, page 56.
“Ida’s Farewell: From an Unpublished Novel” (Jun 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & robert A. West): Vol. V, no. 6, page 246.
“A Dream” (November 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VI, no. 5, page 232.
“The Lost Lily” (December 1846). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VI, no. 6, page 254.
“Reflections” (January 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 1, page 18.
“To My Pen” (February 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 2, page 62.
“Sorrow’s Holiday” (March 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 3, page 129.
“To -------” (April 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 4, page 179.
“The Indian Maid’s Reply to the Missionary” (June 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 6, page 262.
“An Exhortation. To One Who Will Hardly Understand It.” (December 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 6, page 276.
“No!” (July 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 1, page 28.
“The Magic Prism” (August 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 2, page 80.
“The Poet to a Coquette” (September 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 3, page 117.
“The Poet to One Who Loves Him” (October 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 4, page 187.
“The Poet’s Reply to Undeserved Praise” (November 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VIII, no. 5, page 206.
“Sorrow and Joy” (January 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood" in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IX, no. 1, page 25.
“Stanzas for Music” (March 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IX, no. 3, page 116.
“The Prism, The Flower and the Sunbeam: A Fable” (April 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IX, no. 4, page 152.
“The Starlight and Music of Home” (May 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol IX, no. 5, page 204.
“A Waking Dream” (June 1848). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. IX, no. 6, page 254.
Prose
“Mabel. A German Legend.” (February 1845). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. III, no. 2, pages 70-72.
“Kate Carol to Mary S.” (May 1847). Published under the name “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 5, page 203.
song lyrics.
Throughout her life, FSO collaborated with several musicians to write songs that were then released either in journals or in stand-alone pamphlets.
“Lulu.” (1842) A song with words by “Mrs. Osgood”; no composer is listed, making it possible that Osgood herself is the composer. Published by F. D. Benteen, Baltimore.
“Echo Song: I Know a Noble Heart!” (1845) A song with words by “Mrs. Francis S. Osgood” and music by Hermann S. Saroni; published as a pamphlet by George Willig, Philadelphia.
“The Fetter ‘Neath the Flower” (April 1847). A song with words by “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” in The Columbian (edited by John Inman & Robert A. West): Vol. VII, no. 4, pages 188-89.
“I Wandered the Woodland.” (1849) A song with words by “Mrs. Frances S. Osgood” and music by Herrman S. Saroni; published as a pamphlet by William Hall, New York.
“Call Me Pet Names” (July 1850). A song with words by “Mrs. Osgood” in Sartain’s Union Magazine of Literature & Art (edited by John Sartain & Caroline M. Kirkland): Vol. VII, no. 1, page 2-3.
“I Have Something Sweet to Tell You.” A ballad with words by “Frances Sargent Osgood” and music by James E. Magruder; published as a pamphlet by J. L. Peters & Bro. and A. C. Peters & Bro.
“Your Heart is a Music Box, Dearest.” A song with words by “Mrs. Osgood” and music by J. C. Beckel; published as a pamphlet by J.C. Beckel, Philadelphia.