"February 17, 1864."--Johannsen, A. House of Beadle and Adams and its dime and nickel novels, volume 1, page 128, no. 4.
Illustrated paper wrapper in orange and green.
Printed in double columns.
"American News Company, Publishers' Agents, 121 Nassau St. N. Y."--Cover.
"No publisher's name is given on the wrapper, title, or in the advertisements, but in its place appear the words 'Sinclair Tousey, Publishers' Agent, 121 Nassau Street.' This imprint continued for two more numbers, issued in December and January. On the first of February, 1864, the American News Company was formed as a combination of Sinclair Tousey and Dexter, Hamilton & Co., and Nos. 4 and 5 of the American Tales bear the imprint of the new company on the wrapper but of Sinclair Tousey on the title page, the booklets having been printed, apparently, before the combination of the two firms. Thereafter, the American News Co.'s imprint appears as Publishers' Agent, but Sinclair Tousey continued to take out the copyrights until the first series ended. ... It is probable that Beadle was the actual publisher from the first."--Johannsen, A. House of Beadle and Adams and its dime and nickel novels, volume 1, page 127.
Illustration engraved by N. Orr Co. and H. Fenn.