Mr, gascoignes mind seemed to run on political topics but whether relating to the past present or future could not easily

The correct answer is:

Be determined

The Casket was an American magazine offering "flowers of literature, wit, and sentiment", published in Philadelphia in the early 19th century. he name of the magazine varied somewhat over time, with some issues and volumes titled "Atkinson's Casket", after the magazine's publisher.

"Mr. Gascoigne's mind seemed to run on political topics, but whether relating to the past, present, or future, could not easily be determined"

well idk if im right cause u know but any ways i belive that its civil

adverb is the answer i believe.