Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-10-05
History of Virginia.

To the Editors Of the Whfg.
"enuenen-we have been graufed at seeing so much
interest manifested OF late in regard to our own history
the History OF Virginia. Ii has heretofore been shameful
~ neglected. These master spirits OF the Revolution. who
dyed the helds with their blood. should have taken in
hand this great and important work. Marshall's abilities
would have well suited him for the task. jefferson. with
ms eloquent pen, might have dispelcd all the darkness
which hangs aboa, our early history. and rendered immor-
tai the events which have transpired since the settlement ri
these American colonies. These two eminent men have
given bat faint sketches Of the history OF their native State.
and ii has devolved upon others To perform the ,ask hey
have neglected.
Some few have attempted to write this history; but how
lar theis efforts have been successful may be judged by the
fact that not one man in twenty. who lives in Virginia, has
ever heard OF the histories OF Burke or Stth.
The former Of these writers appears from a short ex.
tract published lately in the Southern standard" to sur
pass our Western orators in B Ombasi, while the other 10 cor.
rseuy styled "a mounting lrshman.'
since their time, IN the year lS45, Mr.. Howe has pub
lshed his Historical Collections OF Virginia THIS work
l. n valuable compendium OF facts and incidents connected
with our history, but 1t eau never be entitled a history
Ma. Howe deserves credit Tor his industry and zeal, and
hrs book should be read by every Nirginian.
we have heard that there are two works now in pro-
gress which BID tar To occupy 4 permanent place in our
literature. Mr.. Howison, a talented member Of the Rich.
mond bar, has, We understand, taken in hand this impor-
tani work. We hope he may succeed. His talents well
NJ him tor the asA; and should his diligence equal his
zeal. VIC. are assured OF his success. The editor OF the
Southern and Western Literary Messenger and Review"
uas pccn engaged likewise IN tins enterprise; aud his eN-
celicnt periodical will be enriched for some time TO come
with what the editor modesly styles Contribution 10 the
History OF Virginia" We invite attention 10 his labours.
and would recommend 10 every young man especially the
Pcrussl OF these papers. They are repleie with interest,
and viii well repay the reading.
II We desired TO see the history OF Virginia written for
no other purpose, II would be enough TO render US jealous
IA the enterprze that the name OF that old hero, Capt. John
Smith,. nigh; be rescued from oblivion. He deserves TO be
ranked amOaE the master spirits OF the seventeenth centu.
~. His adventurous spirt enabled him TO succeed where
one OF less energy would have utterly failed OF success
To him, more than any one else, do we owe our existence.
No other mind could nave devised the means TO btfis the
wary Iadian-nO other hand could have succeeded IN pro.
curing in this country Il foothold. Even Powhalan fell this;
and on one occasion he complains bitterly Of encroach.
mentS on the part OF Smith. HIS character Is thus given
by one who was well acquainted with him: "In all his
proceedings he made justice his first guide, and expert
euce his second, even hating baseness, s!oth, prde and
iEdignIty more than any danger-he never allowed more
for himself than his soldiers upon no danger would he
send them where he would not lead them himself-he
would never see us want what he either had or could b.
any means get us-he would rather wani than borrow, or
sarye than not ply-hc loved action more than words, and
hated falsehood and coyetOusness worso than death. His
adventures were our lives, and his loss our deaths"
Many Others have adorned our history whose memory
we wish preserved. Let Virginians encourage the enter
prizes which are now taken in hand, and, we have no
doubt their greatest desres will be granfed. r..