The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-10-10
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER,

THOMAS W. WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
THIS is A MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted
i chiefly TO literature but occasionally finding
for articles that fall within the scope Of Science and not
protesting entire dsdain of tasteful selecos though
its matter has been, as it will continue to be- the MAN,
original s.-. ."% "A.
Party politics and controversial theology as far as pos
siblo, jcalousy excluded. They sometimes
blended with discussions literature in moral science
otherwise unobcctonahe, gain admittance for the
sake of the valuable matter which they adhere
hut whenever that happens. they incidental only not
R,sssars They dross, tolerated only because
sS well 10 severed from the sterling ore wherewith ii
Incorporated ..:~"
Rss<~s aud Cr.sieal Notices occupy their due space
u the work ard Is the editors aim that they should
Aas~ snrsShsA4 tsa&cncy-so convey in condensed
tess seh yashis truths ar interesting incidents
ssaSsted the works reyiewsdso direct the readers
ssts1ssoa Il. ks thai deserve TO be read-and TO
him against wasting and money upon that large
Der. which men, only be burned In this age Of pub
cations that by their variety and multitude distract and
orerwhelm every undiscrminating student, impartial
criticism governed by the views just mentioned, is Of
the most inestimabe and indispensable Of auxares to
him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales, having in utility amusement,
or both,-Hstorical Sketches--and "reminiscences Of
events too minute for history calculating it, and height
ening its interest," be regarded forming the staple
Of the work And Of Indigenous poetry, enough pub
shed-somemes of no mean strain-to manifest and TO
cultivate the growing poeca taste and talents Of our
country. .,a.
The times appear for several reasons to demand such
work-and not one alone, but many. The public mind
is feversh and irrtated still, from recent political sres
The soft, assuasve influence Of literature is needed
alay that fever and soothe that irritation Vice and o
are rloting abroad They should be driven by ndgnau
rebuke or dashed by ndicule into their fitting haunis
Ignorance lords it over immense proportion of
people. Every spring should be in notion
the enlightened and TO increase their number so that the
great enemy Of popular government may longer brood,
like porentous cloud the desnies Of our country
And to accomplish all these ends what more powerful
agent can be employed than periodical, on the plan ..
the Messenger if that plan be but carried out practice
The South, peculiarly requires such an agent In all
the Union, south Of Washington there but two literary
periodicals Norhward Of that city, there probably
least twenty-five thirty Is this contrast justified by
the wealth. the leisure the native talent, 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 bre.
thren; and domestic institution exclusively our own,
beyond all doubt affords choose twice the leisure
for reading and writing which they enjoy.
1t from a deep Of this local want, that the
word SOUTHERN was engrafted on the name of this
periodical and not with any design to noursh local pre-
JUDGES, to advocate supposed local interests Far from
any such thought it is the editors erven wish TO see the
North and South bound endearngly together forever
the silken hands of mutual kindness and affection Far
from medtating hostility to the North, he has already
drawn and he hopes hereafter draw much ohs choicest
matter thence; ana happy indeed Will he deem hmS"!
should his pages, by making each region know the other
better, contribute in any essential degree 10 dispel the
lowering clouds that now threaten the peace Of both and
TO brighten and strengthen the sacred ties Of raternA
love.
fifth No OF its third volume How far has acted out tie
ideas here uttered, it is for the editor say He
believes, however that it falls not further short Of them
than human weakness usually makes practice fall short o.
theory.
The Messenger is issued monthly Each number Of the
work contains GA large superroya pages printed TIE
very handsomest manner, on new type, and on pai"r
equal at least to that which any other periodical IS
printed in country.
No subscription will be received for less than avolume,
and must commence with the current one The prce =
IS per volume which must be paid in all at the time
Of subscribing This is particularly adverted 10 no" 70
avoid misrepresentation, future msnnders,andnE-aS
-.
with the price Of subscription.
The postage the Messenger is six cents on any SIN
gle No for all distances under l00mes-over loo miles
ten cents
All communications OF letters, relative 10 the Messon
ger, must be addressed to THOMAS " WHITE,
Southern Literary Messenger Office, Richmond va