The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-08-26
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER

THOMAS w. WHITE, EDITOR AND PRoPRlETok
TNHIS is A MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted
i chiefly TO literature, but occasionally finding
for articles that fall within the scope OF Science and not
protesting an entire dsdain tasteful selections though
has been, will continue TO be, the main,
original
Party politics and controversial theology far pos
siblc, Jcalously excluded They sometimes 50
blended with discussions in literature moral science.
otherwise unobectonable to gain admtance for the
sake Of the valuable matter to which they adhere
but whenever that happens they incidental only not
primary. They doss, tolerated only because
well be severed from the sterling ore wherewih II IS
incorporated
the work and it is the editors aim that they should
have threeiold tendency-to convey IN q condensed
form, such valuable truths or interesting incidents rs are
embodied the works reviewed to direct the readers
books that deserve to be rcadand to
him against wasting and money upon that large num-
ber which only to be burned In this OF publ
cations that by their variety and multitude distract and
overwhelm every undscrminating student, impartial
criticism governed Ly the views Just mentioned is one Of
the most nestimable and indispensable OF auxiares to
him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales having IN view utility amusement
or both,-His,orca Sketches,-and "reminiscences OF
minute for history yet calculating it, and height,
cnng its Interestingly be regarded forming the staple
Of the work And Of Indigenous poetry, enough pub
ishedsometimes of mean srain-to manifest and 10
cultivate the growing poetical taste and talents OF oar
country.
The times appear for several reasons, to demand such
a work-and alone. but many. The public mind
is everish and rritated STILL from recent political srcs
The Soft assuasive influence Of literature Is needed 10
allay that fever and soothe that irritation Vice and folly
roting abroad They should be driven by indignant
rcbukc dashed by ridcue, their fitting haunts
Ignorance lords it over an immense proportion OF our
people Every spring should be set in motion, to arouse
the enlightened and increase their number that the
great enemy oil popular government may no longer bo"
like por,entous cloud the dcstines of country.
And to accomplish all these ends, wha, more powerful
agent can be employed than periodical on the plan OF
the Messenger II that plan be but earned out IN practice
The South, peculiarly, requires such agent In all
the Union south Of ashinston there but literary
nj tCIty
least twenty-five thirty Is this contrast justified w
the wealth, the leisure the native talent or the actual
literary taste Of the Southern people, compared with those
of the Northern No: for in wealth, talents and TASTE
may justly claim at least equality with our pre-
hrcn; and domestic institution exclusively our own
beyond all doubt affords if We choose, twice the leisure
for reading and Writing, which they ENJOY
II from deep Of this local want, that the
word SOUTHERN engrattcd on the name OF tins
periodical and with design 10 noursh local pre-
JUDGES, advocate supposed local interests ar IRON
such thought is the editors iervcn wish TO see tie
North and South bound endcannrly together forever IN
the sllkcn bands OF mutual Kindness and affection a.
from mcdating hostility to the North, he has already
drawn and he hopes draw much Of his choicest
matter thence; ano happy indeed will he deem himself
should his pages by making each region know the Other
better. contribute any essential degree to dlspe the
lowering clouds that threaten the peace OF both AMI
brighten and strengthen the sacred ties oil iratern-l
The Southern Literary Messenger has reached the
fifth No of third volume. How Tar It has acted out the
ideas here uttered. 1t not for the editor TO say ir
believes, however, that falls not further short Of them
than human weakness usually makes practice fall short q
theory.
The Messenger is issued monthly Each number Of tho
work contains ii large superroya pages, printed IN the
very handsomest manner on new type, ana on paper
equal least that which any other periodical Is
printed in country.
Ne SUBSCRIPTION viii be received for less than volume,
and must commence with the current The price =
IS per volume which must he paid IN all cases al the 'lne
OF suiscrJirs Tins particularly aiseried 70 no" !"
avoid misapprrhcnson future misunderstanding
no order III hereafter he attended TO unlcss accompanied
] with tie price Of subscription.
Tho postage thn Messenger Is SIX cents on any sun
ole No for all distances under 100 mlesover 100 miles,
| ten cents :,
An communications or letters relative to tho Mcsscn
4 ger INNS, lc addrc sscil 10 THoMAs w WHITE,
Sou,hcr m Literary Messenger Office, Richmond, Va