Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-08-02
From the New York Weekly Messenger.


!Wy. Editor.--It is now admitted, be-
lieve, that among the publishers of books in
these United States. few, if any, are more
generally known or more justly celebrated
than the Harpcrs.
That their connections in business arc
extensive, and ofthe first order, Is evident
from the simple flct that no sooner is a
popular work announced as being published
either in Europe or America, than It is also
announced that the same work will be forth
coming in a teU days, from 'liarper and
Brothers.
But it comes neatly executed, n fac smile
ofpcrfcction itself; and all this is performed
too, while other publishers arc adjusting their
lips TO make arrangements for publishing.
How they have become acquainted with
the religious, literary, and political communi-
ties of the civilized world in way to secure
that equitable AID praiscworthy monopoly
which they must unqucstionably have, is
mysterious 10 many.
1t is only few winters ago that the two
Oldest brothers were honorably serving ap-
prenticeships in this city!
Having been absent from the city short
period, was surprised OH returning, to be-
hold q sign in Pcarl.strcct, with this inscrip-
tion--"P Printing by J. 4. j. Hdrper.'
met with the father of the Messrs. lIar-
pers shortly after this, and took an occasion
by way Of satisfying Il singular curiosity,
TO inquire of the old gentleman respecting
the sudden outfit Of his SONS, &c. Being
intimately acquainted, he hcstated not to
say, "The boys, when they had served their
time faithfully, readily found friends from
whom they procured assistance, which, ad-
ded to the small amount could give, ena-
bled them to commence for themselves.
They began business on rather small scale,
hut through tie mercies of a kind Provi-
dence, they will succeed have no doubt" ="
The two Younger sons placed themselves
under the supervision and Instructions olthcir
elder brothers, and all things moved on har-
moniously; the firm, in the meantime, in
creasing gradually, but permanently, both in
wealth and strength Of character.
In little while the younger brothers were
admitted partners, and now they "go-a.
head" more rapidly than ever, if that be pos
sb!e.
The polite literature of the age springs
forth at their bidding, and the literati Of the
nation are first IN their servicc. They have
thus acquired stupendous power and an
overwhelming influence unprecedented in
the annals Of literature.
We speak of them as business men, who
have astonished The wofld by their opera
items, and have amazed us by the general
influence they exert as printers and publish
ers, among ali classes Of the community.
May we not with propriety ask, Where is 1t?
Some attribute it to the efficiency of their
iasrnaI economy, which, certainly, is as
alalirable as tits liberal.
The single fact that four different depart
mcnts can, and generally do receive the eff
cient superptendence ofthc four brothers,
every day, and all day, goes far 10 prove
the excellency fthcir internal arrangements.
Others again attribute more TO the enter
nal economy Of the firm, for which they arc
so Justly celebrated, and through which they
are enabled to secure and publish, with un-
parallcled facility, neatncss, and cheapness.
any popular work.
Now have no doubt but that both the
internal and external arrangements of the
establishment, are formed and executed in
the most liberal and judicious manner. and,
therefore, do much for them. Notwithstand-
ing this admission, however, am decided
" ofthe opinion that the principles of moral
integrity and religious l!berality, received
from paternal instructions, and religious as
sociation, have not only created, but kept
in order, the efficient operations Of the in
tricate machinery Of their noble establish
ment. | was confirmed in this opinion
white in conversation with one the broth.
ersa few days since. The conversation
regarded the parents Of the Mcssrs. Har.
pers.
"You know, sir said he, shat our pa
rents set us good example, and impressed
upon us the most wholesome precepts.
They always welcomed the good man to
their humble dwelling, and entertained the
ministers ofthe gospel with the greatest plea.
sure" said, of the fact I have personal
knowledge. SWELL" he continued, 'it is
the highest ambition of their sons, 10 follow
this their example. Our houses arc the
weary pilgrims home" | observed, you
arc so accessible to the scores of religious
friends, who are either passing through, or
visiting your city, that should think it would
be quite tax upon your generosity. "No,
no." he replied, "no, sir, we always deem i,
great privilege to break bread with the
Lords anointed. Why, sir, | have the full.
lest conviction, that if we are any thing, eth.
er in the intellectual, moral, or mercantile
community, We owe it all, oil, under God.