The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-02-06
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER,

w.
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 disdan Of tasteful selections though
its matter has been as will continue to be, IN the man,
original
Party politics and controversial theology as far pos.
sibe, jealousy excluded. They sometimes
blended with discussions literature or in moral science
otherwise unobectonabe, to gain admttance for the
sake of the valuable matter to which they adhere
but whenever that happens they incidental only not
primary. They dross, tolerated only because
well be severed from the sterling whercwh
incorporated
Reviews and Critical Notices occupy their due space
the work and is the editors aim that they should
have threefold tendency--to convey in condensed
FORM such valuable truths interesting incidents
embodied in the works reviewed., direct the readers
attention 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 pub
cations that by their variety and multitude distract and
overwhelm every undiscriminating student impartial
the most nes,imabe und indispensable Of auxiares,
him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales, having in view utility amusement.
boil, Historical Sketches,-and "reminiscences Of
events too minute for history yet elucdang it, and height
ening Its Interestingly be regarded forming the staple
Of the work. And Of Indigenous poetry, enough pub,
lished-sometimes of srain--to manifest aud 10
cultivate the growing poeca taste and talents OF our
country.
The times appear for several reasons demand such
a work-and not alone but many. The public mind
is eyerish and irtated still, from recent political s,ries
The soft assuasive influence of literature is needed 70
aay that fever and soothe that irritation. Vice and folly
roting abroad They should be driven by indignant
rebuke, dashed by rdicule into their hitting haun's,
Ignorance lords it over Immense proportion oil of
people Every spring should be set in motion, TO arouse
the enlightened and their number; so that the
great enemy of popular government may no longer BROOD
like portentous cloud the destinies OF country
And to accomplish all these ends, what more poweril
agent be employed than periodical on the plan
the Messenger If that plan be but carried out IN pacc
The South peculiarly, requires such an agent In al
the Union, south Of Washington there are but two literary
periodicals Northward Of that city, there probably al
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 our bf'
thren; and domestic institution exclusively our own
beyond all doubt affords if We choose twice the leisure
for reading and writing, which they enjoy.
II was from deep of this local want, that ne
word SOUTHERN engrafted the name Of ms
periodical and not with any design TO noursh oca pre-
JUDGES advocate supposed local interests Ear iron
any such thought il is the editors ervent wish to see W
North and South bound endearingly together forever ~
the slken bands Of mutual Kindness and affection fM
from medtating hostility to the North, he has aready
drawn and he hopes hereafter TO draw much OF his cho
matter thence; happy indeed will he deem himself
should his pages, by making each region know inc H
better contribute in any essential degree 10 dlslc We
lowering clouds that threaten the peace OF both anu
to brighten and strengthen the sacred ties Of nera'
love. ~.
fifth No of its third volume How far it has acted on re
ideas here uttered, it is not for the editor TO say W
believes however, that 1t falls not further short o. h'
than human weakness usually makes practice fall short
theory.
The Messenger is issued monthly Each number q IL
work contains "a large superroyal pages, printed " W
very handsomest manner, new type, and on par
equal at least to that which any other periodical
printed in country.
No subscription will be received for less than yoom
and must commence with the current The pnor'
IS per volume which be paid in all cases ~ The %
Of subscribing This is particularly adVened 70 no"
no order will hereafter be attended to unless accompam0
with the price Of subscription
The postage the Messenger Is SIX cents on any u.
Gle No Tor all distances under 100 mes-over 100 mics
ten cents. -,
An communications letters relative 10 the M6sS'H
ger, must be addressed TO THOMAS " "HlI L. 5.
southern Literary Messenger Office, Richmond v