The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-04-07
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER

| THOMAS W. WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
THIS IS A MONTHLY MAGAZINE, dGool
| chiefly 10 literature, but occasionally finding
for articles that fall within the scope Of Science and
processing entire dSdain Of tasteful sectioas thu
its matter has been, as it will continue TO be, in the
original
slble, are jealously excluded They sometimes
blended with discussions literature or in moral scienr
otherwise unobectonable, as to gain admance for tie
sake of the valuable matter which they adhere
but whenever that happens, they incidental only
primary. They dross, tolerated only because
not we'll be severed from the sterling wherewih
incorporated.
Reviews and Critical Notices occupy their due space
in the work and the editors aim that they should
have a threefold tendency-to convey in condenSd
form, such valuable truths interesting incidents
embodied in the works reviewedto direct the readers
attention TO books that deserve to be read and
him against wasting time and money upon that large
Der, which merit only to be burned In this age of ps
cations that by their variety and multitude distract ana
overwhclm every undiscriminating student impara.
criticism governed by the views just mentioned ~ one OF
the most ncstimabe and indispensable Of auxliarcs, 70
him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales, having in view utility amusement,
or both,.-Historical Sketches "reminiscences Of
events too minute for history, yet Calculating it, and height
enlng It's Interestingly be regarded forming the staple
of the work. And of indigenous poetry, enough Is Iu
llshed-sometimes of strain-to manifest aud 10
cultivate the growing poetca taste and talents OF o"F
country.
The times appear, for several reasons, demand sor
work--and not alone but many. The public mDuI
is feverish and iritated STILL from recent political st
The SOFT assuasive influence of literature is needed g
aay that fever and soohc that irritation Vice and folly
rotipg abroad They should be driven by indignant
rebuke, dashed by rdicule into their fitting ham'>
ignorance lords it immense proportion OF orr
people, Every spring should be set in notion 10 arouse
the enlightened and increase their number so that the
great enemy of popular may longer brood
like portcntous cloud the dcs,nes of our country
And to accomplish all these ends, what more powerful
agent be employed than periodical, on the plan
the Messenger; if that plan be but carried out nprac
The South, peculiarly requires such an agent. In all
the Union, south Of Washington, there are but two literary
periodicals Norhward Of that city, there probably at
least twenty-five thirty Is this contrast justified N
the wealth, tho leisure. the native talent the actnd
literary OF the Southern people, compared with
OF the Northern No: for in wealth, talents, and taste
we may justly claim at least equality with our hre-
thren; and domestic institution exclusively our o"R
beyond all doubt affords if We choose, twice the l"ls"re
for reading and writing, which they enjoy
II was from deep sense OF tins local want 'ha' zee
word SOUTHERN was engraited on the name OF ms
periodical and not with any design TO norsh local pre-
udiccs or to advocate supposed local interests Far from
any such thought ii IL the editors tervent wish to sec r
North and South bound endearngy together forever IN
the silken bands Of mutual kindness and affection RAJ
from mcdltang hostility to the North he has already
drawn, and he hopes hereafter draw much OF ms choce
matter thence; ano happy indeed VIII ne ueeth hiHS''
should his pages by making each region hho" tie "'
better contribute in any essential degree 10 dispel me
lowering clouds that threaten the peace OF Doh' ana
to brighten and strengthen the sacred ties oil iTattrm
love.
The Southern Literary Messenger has reached ne
fifth No of It's third volume How far has acted ont The
ideas here uttered i is not for the editor to say ne
believes however that il falls not further short OF them
than human weakness usually makes practice fall short
theory.
The Messenger is issued monthly Each number " ~"
work Ga large superroyal pages, printed IN "'
very handsomest manner, on new type, and on payer
equal least that which any other periodical IS
printed in country.
No subscription will he received for less than volur"
and must commence with the current one. Inc Fhcc'
IS per volume which must he paid IN alt cases az tc r
~ subscribing This il particularly ndvcrled 10 no" to
avoid misrepresentation, or future miSund'FSlunn'E
no order will hereafter he attended 10 unless aceoa"
with the price Of subscription. .
The nosagc on the messenger is six cents on any SIN
Gle No for ali distances under 100 mcs-ovct 100 miles
ten cents. .a =, =,
All communications or letters relative to the MeSScH
ger must be addressed 10 thomas W. WITT;
southern Literary Messenger Office, Richmond Va