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SUPPLEMENT.
In compliance with the suggestion of many of our friends, and at the request of a majority of our contributors, we again publish a supplement consisting of Notices of the “Messenger.” We have duly weighed the propriety and impropriety of this course, and have concluded that when we choose to adopt it, there can be no good reason why we should not. Heretofore we have made selections from the notices received — only taking care to publish what we conceived to be a fair specimen of the general character of all — and, with those who know us, no suspicion of unfairness in this selection would be entertained. Lest, however, among those who do not know us, any such suspicion should arise, we now publish every late criticism received. This supplement is, of course, not considered as a portion of the Messenger itself, being an extra expense to the publisher.
We commence with the Newbern (North Carolina) Spectator — a general dissenter from all favorable opinions of our Magazine.
Southern Literary Messenger. — The May number of this periodical has been on our table for some days, but our avocations have prevented us from looking into it before to-day. It is as usual, a beautiful specimen of typography, and sustains Mr. White's acknowledged mechanical taste. Its contents are various, as may be seen by referring to another column of to-day's paper, and not more various than unequal. Some of the articles are creditable to their authors, while others — indeed a majority of them — would better suit an ephemeral sheet like our own, which makes no great literary pretensions, than the pages of a magazine that assumes the high stand of a critical censor and a standard of correct taste in literature. While its pretensions were less elevated, we hailed the Messenger as an attempt, and a successful one, to call forth southern talent and to diffuse a taste for chaste and instructive reading; and had its conducters been satisfied with the useful and creditable eminence which the work attained almost immediately, the Messenger would not only have had a more extensive circulation, but its labors would have been more beneficial to the community — the great end at which every periodical should aim. With the talent available in any particular spot in the southern country, it is out of the question, truly ridiculous, to assume the tone of a Walsh, a Blackwood or a Jeffries; and to attempt it, without the means to support the pretension, tends to accelerate the downfall of so indiscreet an attempt. We do not wish to be misunderstood in this remark. We believe, indeed we know, that the south possesses talent, and cultivated talent too, in as great abundance perhaps as any population of the same extent so situated; but the meaning which we intend to convey is, that this talent is neither sufficiently concentrated, nor sufficiently devoted to literary pursuits, to be brought forth in support of any single publication in strength adequate to establish an indisputable claim to superiority. Without these advantages, however, the Messenger has boldly put itself forth as an arbiter whose dicta are supreme; and with a severity and an indiscreetness of criticism, especially on American works, — which few, if any, of the able and well established Reviews have ventured to exercise, has been not only unmerciful, but savage. We admit that the number before, as well as the one preceding, is more moderate; and this change encourages the hope that justness of judgment and a dignified expression of opinion will hereafter characterise the work. The May number, however, is over captious, unnecessarily devoted to faultfinding, in a few cases. In criticising “Spain Revisited,” this spirit shows itself. About ninety lines are occupied in condemnation of the Author's dedication, a very unpretending one too, and one which will elevate Lieutenant Slidell in the estimation of all who prefer undoubted evidences of personal friendship to the disposition which dictates literary hyper-criticism. The errors of composition that are to be found in the work, grammatical and other, are also severely handled, we will not say ably. The following is a specimen.
“And now, too, we began” — says Spain Revisited — ”to see horsemen jantily dressed in slouched hat, embroidered jacket, and worked spatterdashes, reining fiery Andalusian coursers, each having the Moorish carbine hung at hand beside him.”
“Were horsemen” — says the Messenger, “a generic term, that is, did the word allude to horsemen generally, the use of the ‘slouched hat’ and ‘embroidered jacket’ in the singular, would be justifiable — but it is not so in speaking of individual horsemen, where the plural is required. The participle ‘reining’ probably refers to ‘spatterdashes,’ although of course intended to agree with ‘horsemen.’ The word ‘each’ also meant to refer to the ‘horsemen,’ belongs, strictly speaking, to the ‘coursers.’ The whole, if construed by the rigid rules of grammar, would imply that the horsemen were dressed in spatterdashes — which spatterdashes reined the coursers — and which coursers had each a carbine.”
With all deference to the Messenger, we would ask, if it never entered into the critick's mind that “slouched hat,” “and embroidered jacket” are here used as generick terms? Lieutenant Slidell evidently intended that they should be so received: but that he entertained the same intention respecting “horsemen,” the whole context disproves. Had the reviewer placed a comma [column 2:] after the word “horsemen,” in the first line of the paragraph which he dissects, (the relative and verb — who were — being elided, there is authority for so doing,) considered as parenthetical and illustrative all that follows between that comma and the one which comes after “spatterdashes,” supplied the personal relative and the proper verb, which are plainly understood before the participle “reining,” we presume that this sentence, ill-constructed as it undoubtedly is, would have escaped the knife, from a conviction that there are many as bad in the Messenger itself. The only critical notice which we have had leisure to read since the reception of the number, is the one which we have named. We may resume the subject in connexion with the June number.
We are at a loss to know who is the editor of the Spectator, but have a shrewd suspicion that he is the identical gentleman who once sent us from Newbern an unfortunate copy of verses. It seems to us that he wishes to be taken notice of, and we will, for the once, oblige him with a few words — with the positive understanding, however, that it will be inconvenient to trouble ourselves hereafter with his opinions. We would respectfully suggest to him that his words, “while its pretensions were less elevated we hailed the Messenger as a successful attempt, &c. and had its conductors been satisfied with the useful and creditable eminence, &c. we would have had no objection to it,” &c. are a very fair and candid acknowledgment that he can find no fault with the Messenger but its success, and that to be as stupid as itself is the only sure road to the patronage of the Newbern Spectator. The paper is in error — we refer it to any decent schoolboy in Newbern — in relation to the only sentence in our Magazine upon which it has thought proper to comment specifically, viz. the sentence above (by Lieutenant Slidell) beginning “And now too we began to see horsemen jantily dressed in slouched hat, embroidered jacket, &c.” The Spectator says, “We would ask if it never entered into the critic's mind that ‘slouched hat’ and ‘embroidered jacket’ are here used as generic terms? Lieutenant Slidell evidently intended that they should be so received; but that he entertained the same intention respecting ‘horsemen,’ the whole context disproves.” We reply, (and the Spectator should imagine us smiling as we reply) that it is precisely because “slouched hat” and “embroidered jacket” are used as generic terms, while the word “horsemen” is not, that we have been induced to wish the sentence amended. The Spectator also says, “With the talent available in any particular spot in the Southern country, it is out of the question, truly ridiculous, to assume the tone of a Walsh, a Blackwood, or a Jeffries.” We believe that either Walsh, or (Blackwood?) or alas! Jeffries, would disagree with the Newbern Spectator in its opinion of the talent of the Southern country — that is, if either Walsh or Blackwood or Jeffries could have imagined the existence of such a thing as a Newbern Spectator. Of the opinion of Blackwood and Jeffries, however, we cannot be positive just now. Of that of Walsh we can, having heard from him very lately with a promise of a communication for the Messenger, and compliments respecting our Editorial course, which we should really be ashamed of repeating. From Slidell, for whom the Spectator is for taking up the cudgels, we have yesterday heard in a similar strain and with a similar promise. From Prof. Anthon, ditto. Mrs. Sigourney, also lately reviewed, has just forwarded us her compliments and a communication. Halleck, since our abuse of his book, writes us thus: “There is no place where I shall be more desirous of seeing my humble writings than in the publication you so ably support and conduct. It is full of sound, good literature, and its frank, open, independent manliness of spirit, is characteristic of the land it hails from.” Paulding, likewise, has sent us something for our pages, and is so kind as to say of us in a letter just received, “I should not hesitate in placing the ‘Messenger’ decidedly at the head of our periodicals, nor do I hesitate in expressing that opinion freely on all occasions. It is gradually growing in the public estimation, and under your conduct, and with your contributions, must soon, if it is not already, be known all over the land.” Lastly, in regard to the disputed matter of Drake and Halleck, we have just received the following testimony from an individual second to no American author in the wide-spread popularity of his writings, and in their universal appreciation by men of letters, both in the United States and England. “You have given sufficient evidence on various occasions, not only of critical knowledge but of high independence; your praise is therefore of value, and your censure not to be slighted. Allow me to say that I think your article on Drake and Halleck one of the finest pieces of criticism ever published in this country.”
These decisions, on the part of such men, it must be [page 518:] acknowledged, would be highly gratifying to our vanity, were not the decision vetoed by the poet of the Newbern Spectator. We wish only to add that the poet's assertion in regard to the Messenger “putting itself forth as an arbiter whose dicta are supreme,” is a slight deviation from the truth. The Messenger merely expresses its particular opinions in its own particular manner. These opinions no person is bound to adopt. They are open to the comments and censures of even the most diminutive things in creation — of the very Newbern Spectators of the land. If the Editor of this little paper does not behave himself we will positively publish his verses. — Ed. Messenger.
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From the Augusta Chronicle.
Southern Literary Messenger. — The following flattering tribute to the merits of this Southern periodical, is from the New York Courier and Enquirer; and, for its liberality and independence, it is scarcely less creditable to the Messenger, than to the paper from which it is extracted. The Courier and Enquirer is ever ready to do justice to the South, in all its relations, and to defend it when assailed, and therefore richly merits the warm gratitude and liberal patronage of its people.
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From the Courier and Enquirer.
“We have received the May number of the Southern Literary Messenger, and its contents are equal to its reputation. We feel no hesitation in declaring our opinion that this publication is in every essential attribute, at the very head of the periodical literature of its class, in the United States. We do not agree by any means with some of its literary conclusions. For instance, it is very wide of our opinion on the merits of Halleck, in this very number; but there is a vigor and manliness in most of the papers that appear in the Messenger, which we are almost ready to admit, are found no where else in American periodicals. At all events, it holds a proud post among its compeers, and its criticisms in particular, though sometimes a little too tomahawkish, have, generally speaking, a great deal of justice on their side.”
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From the National Intelligencer.
On the subject of the right of instruction, we find in the June number of the Richmond Literary Messenger, a very able paper, which, as soon as we can free our columns from the mass of Congressional matter on our hands, we will spread entire before our readers. The article comes to us in the shape of a letter to a gentleman in Virginia, and is understood to be from the pen of that distinguished jurist, Judge Hopkinson, of Philadelphia. It was elicited by a recent article in the Richmond Enquirer in defence of the right of mandatory instruction, and furnishes a luminous and complete refutation of that, amongst the most mischievous of the fallacies which obtain occasional popularity in particular States. Hearing of this letter, the publisher of the Messenger had the good sense and good fortune to obtain a copy of it, and the manliness to publish it in his valuable journal. In so doing he has rendered a service to the public, and enriched his pages with an article which is, itself, worth five years’ subscription to the Messenger.
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From the Richmond Compiler.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — Every body must remember, that a very short time ago the attempt to establish a magazine in Virginia, was looked upon as chimærical in the last degree; and when, at length, the publication was commenced, in spite of a host of difficulties, its speedy downfall was universally predicted. Such predictions, no doubt, tended in a great degree to verify themselves, and are the usual resources of the enemies of any scheme of the kind. But it is saying a great deal for the enterprize and talent which have been employed in the service of the Messenger, that it has not only overcome difficulties such as no other magazine in the country ever successfully contended with, but that it has succeeded in attaining to the very first rank among American monthly periodicals. Since the commencement of the second volume, there has hardly been a dissenting voice, in this respect, in the many notices of the journal which have come under our observation. The first literary names in the Union (without reference to mere Editorial opinions) have not scrupled directly to avow their belief, that the Messenger is decidedly the first of American Journals, and that its Editorial articles and management in especial, are far superior to those of any magazine in America, but have suffered these opinions to be published. Here, then, there can be no suspicion of puffery. Yet in spite of all these things, — in spite of the energy which has been displayed in getting up the Journal — in spite of the acknowledged ability with which it is conducted, and the admitted talents of its principal contributors (Judge Hopkinson, Professor Dew, Rbt. Greenhow, Heath, Timothy Flint, Edgar Foe, Judge Tucker, Groesbeck, Minor, Carter, Maxwell and a host of others) — in spite, too, of the general acknowledgement that such a publication is an honor to the State, we find our citizens regarding the work with apathy, if not treating it with positive neglect. Our public presses, too, we think to blame, in not entering more warmly into the cause of the Messenger. We happen to be aware that these presses are, one and all, favorably disposed to the Journal and proud of its success. But they are, in a measure, bound to some active exertions in its behalf. In such a case as that of the Messenger, [column 2:] silence amounts to positive dispraise. The public in other States naturally look to the Richmond presses for opinions in relation to the magazine, and are at a loss to account for not finding any, except by supposing some demerit. We are quite sure that Mr. White has neither any expectation nor desire that we should puff his Journal — that is, praise it beyond its deserts. Yet we may certainly notice each number as it appears, expressing freely, although briefly, our opinion of its deserts. This is nothing more, it appears to us, than our absolute duty — a duty we owe to the cause of Virginia literature, to Mr. White, Mr. Poe, and to ourselves.
The present number, we do not think equal as a whole to the March number, and still less to that for February — which latter may be safely placed in comparison with any single number of any Journal in existence for the great vigor, profundity, and originality of its articles. Yet we do not mean to say that the number now before us is not an admirable one, and fully equal to any of our Northern magazines in its communications, while it far surpasses the best of them in its Editorial department.
The first article is “MSS. of Benj. Franklin,” printed from MSS. in the hand-writing of Franklin himself, and never published in any edition of his works. It is unnecessary to say more than this to call public attention to so valuable a paper. “Lionel Granby,” chap. X. is the next prose article. We like this chapter as well if not better, than any of the former ones. The writer of these papers is evidently a man of genius — we might perhaps express our meaning more fully by saying that he has that degree of genius which enables him to appreciate, and keenly feel the labors of men of genius. Some of his detached passages may be considered as very fine. He has, however, no capacity to sustain a connected narrative of any length, and these chapters of “Lionel Granby” are consequently replete with the most ludicrous incongruities. They evince great ignorance of what is called the world. They are full of a shallow pedantry. Their style is excessively turgid, ungrammatical, and inconsequential. “The Prairie” is a delightful little sketch of real scenery. “Random Thoughts” is an excellent article, evincing much true learning and acumen. Such contributors as the author of this paper are invaluable to the Messenger. “Odds and Ends” is from the pen of Oliver Oldschool — a former correspondent of the Messenger. We believe Oliver Oldschool to be Mr. Garnett, the author of many excellent things on Female Education. His present essay is exceedingly amusing — but somewhat old fashioned. “The Hall of Incholese” by J. N. McJilton should not have been admitted into the columns of the Messenger. It is an imitation of the Editor's tale of Bon-Bon, and like most other imitations, utterly unworthy of being mentioned in comparison with its original. Nothing but the most extraordinary talent can render a tale of this nature acceptable to the present state of the public appetite. If not exceedingly good, it is always excessively bad. It must be a palpable hit or it is nothing. The “Lecture on German Literature” is in every respect worthy of the talents and learning of its author, George H. Calvert, Editor of the Baltimore American, and the writer of several popular works. It is a spirited and accurate sketch of German Literature from its origin to the present day. The Messenger should secure Mr. Calvert if possible. “Readings with my pencil, No. IV,” is a very good paper. “American Social Elevation” is the best communicated article in the present number, and perhaps one of the best, if not indeed the best (of a similar nature) which has ever appeared in any Journal in the country. Its philosophy is bold and comprehensive without being minute — its style fervid and exceedingly pure. From the initials and place of date, we are led to attribute this essay to Mr. Groesbeck of Cincinnati. “Verbal Criticisms” is a good paper, but we cannot agree with the critic in his strictures on the phrase “being built.”
The Editorial Department is (as it invariably is,) full, bold, vigorous and original. The first paper is “Lynch's Law,” and gives the history and origin, together with a copy of the law. Then follow Critical Notices. New works are reviewed — of Slidell's, of Professor Anthon's, of Mrs. Trollope's, of Paulding's, of Walsh's, of Cooper's, and of Mellen's. Praise and blame are distributed with the soundest discrimination, and with an impartiality, (even in the case of known friends,) which it is impossible not to admire; or to impeach.
The Poetical Department is quite limited. Two pieces by Mr. Poe are very beautiful, the one entitled “Irene,” in especial, is full of his rich and well-disciplined imagination. The lines on “Camilla” by Lambert A. Wilmer, are a perfect gem; full of antique strength and classic sorrow.
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From the Baltimore Gazette.
The Southern Literary Messenger for April, has been received rather late in the day. Though the appearance of the Messenger is occasionally delayed (from us) longer than we might wish, yet we ever give it the cordial welcome which a most interesting and worthy friend never fails to receive at our hands. The present number, we perceive, contains less than the usual amount of matter, owing to the increase of the pages of the March number occasioned by the insertion of Professor Dew's valuable address upon the influence of the federative republican system of government upon literature and the development of character.
The long and able article on Maelzel's Chess Player, contained in this number, does credit to the close observation and acute reasoning of its author, who, as the article is published under the editorial head, we infer is the talented editor himself. The question whether or not the chess-player is a pure machine, is, we think, completely put to rest. The nature of the game of [page 519:] chess is such, that no machine, however ingeniously arranged may be its mechanism, could of itself perform its constantly varying operations. We have never, at any time, given assent to the prevailing opinion, that human agency is not employed by Mr. Maelzel. That such agency is employed cannot be questioned, unless it may be satisfactorily demonstrated that man is capable to impart intellect to matter: for mind is no less requisite in the operations of the game of chess, than it is in the prosecution of a chain of abstract reasoning. We recommend those, whose credulity has in this instance been taken captive by plausible appearances; and all, whether credulous or not, who admire an ingenious train of inductive reasoning, to read this article attentively: each and all must rise from its perusal convinced that a mere machine cannot bring into requisition the intellect which this intricate game demands, but on the contrary that every operation is the result of human agency, though so ingeniously concealed as to baffle detection, unless by long continued and close observation.
This question, so often, and in this instance so ably, examined, was settled in Baltimore several years ago, by the actual discovery of a man emerging from the top of the chest or box, on which Mr. Maelzel's figure moved the chess men, the lid, which moved on a pivot like some card table covers, being turned on one side. This was seen by two youths of respectable character, through a window, accidentally open, in the rear of the room in which Mr. Maelzel's Chess Player was exhibited. Of the truth of this discovery we are entirely satisfied.
The Lecture “On the Providence of God in the Government of the World,” from the original manuscript of Benjamin Franklin, and which has not hitherto been published in any edition of his works, is properly entitled to the first place in the columns of the Messenger. The argument of the Providence of God contained in this lecture, is admirable for its brevity and conclusiveness. Franklin reasoned well, and wrote as well as he reasoned. Forming his style after the model of the most chaste and classic writer of the English language, and drawing from the resources of a capacious and well stored mind, he never failed both to please and to instruct his readers. His aim was to benefit his countrymen; and he wrote for them in a way in which they could understand, appreciate, and profit by every thing that came from his pen. The epistles published more than a century ago in his Pennsylvania Weekly Gazette, contain many valuable hints respecting domestic economy, some of which might be treasured up with advantage at the present day; for, generally speaking, economy is not an American virtue. Two of those epistles, one from Anthony Afterwit, and the other from Celia Single, have made their appearance in this number of the Messenger. Neither of them, it seems, has been inserted in any of the editions of the Doctor's works.
The article on “Genius” is perhaps more in accordance with our views than with those of the editor, who seems to think the writer's inferences lag behind the spirit of the age, and hence deduces the important conclusion, that his correspondent is not a phrenologist. We leave both the editor and his correspondent to the enjoyment of their own respective opinions, while we pass on to entertain ourselves for a little while in the “March Court” of our sister State. Nugator describes to the life the scenes of every day occurrence both in and around a Virginia Court House, and concludes the picture he has so happily drawn, by introducing the trial of a negro woman for murder, during the late war, and at the time the British were ascending the Potomac.
The article on “Woman,” by Paulina, is sensible and well written — far more just and philosophical than a vast deal that has been said on this fair subject. Commend us to the ladies in general, and to Paulina in particular, for just views of the gentler sex. It is to be hoped the fair writer may perceive that the subject is not exhausted in a single essay.
“Leaves from my Scrap Book,” includes much that is excellent within a limited space. The writer has improved his naturally correct taste by close communion with the ancient and modern classics.
A Tale of Jerusalem, is one of those felicitous “hits,” which are the forte of Edgar A. Poe. The point, like that of an epigram, lies in the conclusion.
The “critical notices” of the present number, evince the usual ability of the editor in this department; though, what is more to our taste, not quite so caustic, as hitherto. We accord with the review of the “Culprit Fay.” The merits of this poem, despite the praise lavished upon it, when critically sifted, will be found to be like the little Ouphe himself, rather a small affair.
Our article has been lengthened so far beyond the usual limits as to preclude attention to the poetical department.
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From the Norfolk Herald.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — The present number of the Messenger, although not altogether equal to some previous ones, is full of highly interesting and valuable matter, and sustains the well earned reputation of the Journal. The first article is “MSS. of Benjamin Franklin.” These MSS. are copied from the hand writing of Franklin himself and have never appeared in any edition of his works. Among other good things, they include the following question and its solution. “A man bargains for the keeping of his horse six months, whilst he is making a voyage to Barbadoes. The horse strays or is stolen soon after the keeper has him in possession. When the owner demands the value of his horse in money, may not the other as justly demand so much deducted as the keeping of the horse six months amounts to?” The second prose article is “Lionel Granby,” a series of papers which we cannot consider [column 2:] as at all creditable to the Messenger. The “Prairie” is a very good sketch. “Random Thoughts” are somewhat pedantic, but make a very excellent article. “Odds and Ends” we fancy is from the pen of Mr. Garnett; it is full of humor, and will be generally liked, although we agree with the Richmond Compiler in thinking it rather too old fashioned. The “Hall of Incholese” is decidedly bad, and moreover a direct imitation of Mr. Poe's tale of “Bon-Bon.” The Editor should have refused to admit it in the Messenger, if for no other reason, on account of its barefaced flattery of himself. Mr. Calvert's (of the Baltimore American) “Lecture on German Literature” will be generally read and admired. It is a well-written and comprehensive essay, evincing intimate acquaintance with the literature of which he treats. “Readings with my Pencil, No. IV” by J. F. O. is like all the other numbers, good. “American Social Elevation” is most admirable: if we mistake not, this article is from the pen of Professor Dew. “Verbal Criticisms” are just, but rather common place.
The “Editorial” of this number is very forcible nod racy as usual. Among other things we notice an account of the origin of “Lynch's Law.” The “Critical Notices” embrace all new publications of any moment, that is, American publications; and we approve of the Editor's discrimination in not troubling himself, except in rare cases, with those of foreign countries. The books reviewed are Slidell's “Spain Revisited,” “Paulding's Washington,” Mrs. Trollope's “Paris and the Parisians.” Walsh's “Didactics,” Anthon's “Sallust,” Cooper's “Switzerland” and “Mellen's Poems.” A press of other matters prevented us from doing what we intended in relation to the last Messenger. We wished especially to have called public attention to the Editorial critique on the poems of Drake and Halleck, and the article (also editorial) on the “Automaton of Maelzel.” Both these pieces are unanswerable — and perhaps the two best articles of any kind which have ever appeared in an American Periodical. The essay on the Automaton cannot be answered, and we have heard the Editor challenges a reply from Maelzel himself, or from any source whatever. The piece has excited great attention. The poetry of the Messenger improves: there are some excellent lines in the present number.
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From the National Gazette.
The May number of the Southern Literary Messenger contains several excellent articles. Mr. Calvert's Lecture on the Literature of Germany may be commended to the attention of all who are either about studying the German language, or would wish to know something of the authors of that country. His descriptions, though necessarily brief, are satisfactory, and his estimates of the comparative merits of the authors he mentions, are, in general, judicious. The MSS. of Benjamin Franklin (not in his works) are from the same source which furnished some for the April number. They will be read with interest by all. The chapter of Lionel Granby does not advance the thread of the story. It describes a visit of the hero to Lamb (Elia Lamb,) and pictures his guests, Coleridge, Godwin, &c. “Odds and Ends” is the title of an attempt to divide mankind into genera and species, such as have not yet been named in any work on natural history. It will furnish amusement and perhaps instruction to the reader. The author (Oliver Oldschool) is an old correspondent of the Messenger. The essay entitled “American Social Elevation,” deserves great commendation. How fatal to the advancement of society too great attention to money-making and politics is proving in this country, is well exhibited, and remedies for this are judiciously suggested. A new account of the origin of Lynch's law is given, which is probably the true one.
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From the Baltimore American.
In the Southern Literary Messenger for April, which reached us a few days since, the Editor opens the department of “critical notices” with some spirited and just remarks on the puffing system, as practised in this country towards native writers, and a vindication of his own course. He is on the strong side, whatever number or influences may be arrayed against him, and will do much good even though he run occasionally into the extreme of severity. Many people really believe, by dint of reading the repeated praise bestowed on them, that the marrowless prose fictions and “baseless” verse of the day constitute a Literature. Let the editor of the Messenger and others, go on purging their judgment of such crude notions, and assuming a high standard of literary merit, require substantial qualifications in candidates for fame, and condemn unsparingly all who do not unite genius with cultivation, a union indispensable for the production of works of permanent value.
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From the Baltimore Athenæum.
Southern Literary Messenger. — The April number of this excellent periodical is before us, and fully maintains the dignity and reputation won by its predecessors. We have read it carefully, and therefore hold ourselves qualified to pronounce judgment on its general merit. The articles in prose, are all good. We wish we could say the same of the poetry; which, with the exception of the dramatic sketch entitled “The Death of Robespierre,” (admirable by the bye, although we think the writer has caught somewhat of the reflection of Coleridge,) we say, with the above exception, the poetry, judged by the Editor's own standard, that of Ideality, does not rank above mediocrity. The critical notices, together with the brief introductory essay “On the present state of American criticism,” are in the Editor's best vein. We like the independent spirit, and critical acumen, which [page 520:] he evinces in the performance of his duty; and, however we may at times be induced to differ with him in opinion, yet we cannot but say, that in general his dissections of “poor devil authors,” though apparently severe, are well merited. In making this admission, we do not withdraw any opinion heretofore expressed when we have differed from the Editor of the Messenger, for, whenever we dislike an article we shall, (as we have ever done,) speak our mind fully though in all friendliness. But we assert our conviction, that judicious criticism, exercised without regard to persons, has been long wanting. There was a time when American Reviewers imported their decisions on the works of native authors, and frowned down any attempt to resist the foreign decree. They have now rushed into the opposite extreme, the barrier once broken down, the torrent of adulation has lifted up every man who could fill a book with words; and changed the current of popular feeling to such an extent, that it is only by strenuous exertions it can be brought back into its mediate and true channel. They have given Phæton the reins, and if his steeds are not checked by a more powerful hand, the most disastrous effects must inevitably ensue. We, therefore, bid our friends cherish a work that upholds independent criticism, and pursues the “even tenor of its way,” the friend of all who deserve its friendship, but the slave of none. Cherish it we say, that by a more extended circulation it may fulfil the christian precept, and “go about doing good.”
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From the Baltimore Athenæum.
The Southern Literary Messenger for May. — This number contains, among other excellent papers, an address on “German Literature,” by our townsman, George H. Calvert, Esq., delivered before the Athenæum Society of Baltimore, on the 11th of February, 1836. The pleasure derived from a perusal of this admirable lecture was greatly enhanced by the fact of our having been present at its delivery, and our still vivid recollection of its varied beauties and excellences, heightened and rendered impressive by the peculiar manner, emphasis, and enunciation of the speaker. Of the literature of Germany, deeply metaphysical, and rich with an abounding store of learning as it is, we are by far too ignorant, and we owe much to the author of this address for his labors in opening for us many sources of rich intellectual enjoyment, in his translations, of which Schiller's Don Carlos may be named as his most elaborate effort yet published.
We cannot enter into an analysis of the entire number of the Messenger before us; it is however highly interesting, as is usual with all the issues of this Magazine. The paper called “Odds and Ends,” we recommend to the especial perusal of all who have any desire to reform their manners and morals. It is a pleasant and well conceived satire.
Some of the northern critics have intimated that Simms was the editor of the Messenger. This is an error. It is now edited, as we understand, by Edgar A. Poe, formerly of this city, a young gentleman of excellent talents, and untiring industry. He is earning for himself a fine reputation.
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From the Baltimore Patriot.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — The May number of this handsome and ably conducted periodical has just come to hand. It comes late, but in the case of this Messenger we may truly say “better late than never;” tor the tales it tells, and its qualities as a temporary visiter and companion, must always secure it a cordial reception, however it may procrastinate its stated journeys, or linger by the way side. The Southern Literary Messenger is now under the editorial conduct of Edgar A. Poe, Esq. formerly of this city, and has been so, as we understand, since the commencement of the second volume. This gentleman has been, the while, a liberal contributor to its columns, and this thorough identification with a periodical, marked with unusual ability and attended with extraordinary success, must be satisfactory to the editor, and afford ample testimony at the same time that the conduct of the Messenger is in fit and competent hands. The May number of the Messenger contains the usual variety, and is marked with the freshness, spirit, and independence, which are characteristic of the work.
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From the Baltimore Patriot.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — The April number of this fresh and spirited periodical has come to hand. Its contents exhibit the usual variety. The character of this work is now so well established, that we need not speak to the question of its general merits, and shall only say that the visits of this “Messenger,” though sometimes tardy as in the present case, are, to us, always and altogether acceptable. The number now before us contains a long and ingenious editorial article, on the modus operandi of Maelzel's Chess Player.
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From the New Yorker.
Southern Literary Messenger. — The April number of this spirited Monthly reaches us somewhat later than its date would indicate, yet so excellent in matter and manner that the reader will easily be induced to pardon the delinquency. The remarkable typographical neatness of the Messenger we have frequently alluded to, in glancing rapidly, as now, at the more intrinsic character of its contents. Some of those of the present number deserve a more extended consideration than we have time or space to give them.
“MSS. of Benjamin Franklin” form the opening paper of the Magazine — three hitherto unpublished though characteristic essays from the pen of the first eminent philosopher and sage whom [column 2:] America can claim as her own. ‘A Lecture on Providence’ is replete with the profound yet perspicuous common sense which was ever so prominent a feature in the character of the inventor of the lightning-rod; while the letters of ‘Anthony Afterwit’ and ‘Celia Single’ are in his lighter vein of humorous utilitarianism which would have done no discredit to the pen of Addison. (By the way, why have we no compilation or edition of the Life and Writings of Dr. Franklin at all commensurate with the dignity of the subject? Such a work would form a valuable and now desirable addition to American literature.)
“Genius” is discussed in the succeeding prose paper, and to better purpose than in the majority of essays on the subject. The writer maintains that “Genius, as it appears to me, is merely a decided preference for any study or pursuit, which enables its possessor to give it the close and unwearied attention necessary to ensure success.” This proposition is stoutly and ably maintained, and, though we cannot concur in it fully, we believe it much nearer the truth than is generally supposed. If true at all, it is a profitable truth, and should pass into an axiom with all convenient celerity.
“Some Ancient Greek Authors Chronologically Considered,” is an article evincing profitably directed research, which we shall copy.
“March Court” is a sketch so exclusively Virginian, that we can hardly judge of its merit.
“The Death of Robespierre” is a dramatic sketch — a species of writing which we do not properly appreciate. We, who do not worship even Shakspeare, cannot bow to the sway of his humbler satellites.
“Woman” is the topic of the succeeding paper — judicious and sensible, but not very original or forcible, considering that the essayist is a lady.
“Leaves from a Scrap Book” will be found among our literary selections. We regret that its Greek characters and phrases compelled us to exclude the author's forcible illustration of the disadvantages under which the earlier poets labor in a comparison with the moderns. Nothing could be more conclusive.
The Editorials of the number are ably written, though some pages are devoted to a solution of the mystery of the Automaton Chess-Player, doubtless the correct one, viz. that, after all the scrutiny which it has undergone, there is actually a man concealed in the pretended machinery. We are not sure that this demonstration, conceding it to be such, is worth the space it necessarily occupies.
In the matter of Criticism, the Messenger has involved itself in a difficulty with some of our Northern periodicals, either party, as is not unusual in such cases, being just about half right. The Southern Editor has quite too savage a way of pouncing upon unlucky wights who happen to have severally perpetrated any thing below par in the literary line, like the Indian, who cannot realize that an enemy is conquered till he is scalped, and some of the mangled have no more policy than to betray their soreness by attempts at retaliation, under very flimsy disguises, invariably making the matter worse. We think the Messenger often quite too severe, as in the case of ‘Norman Leslie,’ but still able and ingenuous. The Poems of Drake and Halleck are reviewed this month — neither of them after the fashion of an ardent and awed admirer — but faithfully, fairly, and with discrimination.
In conclusion, we take pleasure in remarking the fact that the cause of literature at the South is so flourishing as it appears to be at present. We believe the whole number of periodicals which may be distinguished as literary on the other side of the Potomac, has more than doubled during the last two years, and that their circulation has increased in at least equal proportion. We rejoice at this state of things, though it may be justly thought to militate against our own personal interest. The South has interests and feelings which find little real sympathy with us, though a profound and respectful deference elsewhere; and it is right that she should have literary as well as political journals to maintain those interests and challenge respect for those feelings. We shall not grudge them a generous patronage.
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From the Charlottesville Advocate.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — The May number of this work has appeared, with its usual variety of valuable matter.
Foremost in merit as in place, are more of those MSS. of Dr. Franklin, which are contained in the April No., and which have never yet been published in any edition of his works. They seem, all, to have been communications to a newspaper called the Gazetteer; though we are not informed whether they actually came forth in its columns or not. One piece purports to be from a gossipping “young girl about thirty-five,” who styles herself “Alice Addertongue;” and who makes an ingenious, (and of course satirical) defence of Scandal. Another consists of some “Queries to be asked the Junto,” (his club, perhaps;) one of which is, “Whence comes the dew that stands on the outside of the tankard that has cold water in it, in the summer time?” The simplicity of this question would warrant the belief, that the doctor was then but little advanced in his career of physical knowledge; unless we suppose that he propounded it only to stimulate some of his friends or readers to thought. The following question and answer have much of the true Franklin shrewedness and pungency: “I am about courting a girl I have but little acquaintance with; how shall I come to a knowledge of her faults, and whether she has the virtues I imagine she has? Answer. Commend her among her female acquaintance.”
The Messenger has Chapter X. of “Lionel Granby;” a sort of novel, in which there has been much to admire; but we are [page 521:] altogether dissatisfied with the present Chapter, crippling, as it does, several of the good things said in the Essays of Elia, by making the hero of the story hear them (and very clumsily retail them) from the lips of Charles Lamb himself, the real “Elia.” We would advise the writer to bring his hero tete à tete with no more literary lions, if he can shew them off to no better advantage than he shews Lamb. What will our readers think of his talking of “the ‘willie-draughts’ which are pledged to the memory of boyhood,” meaning an allusion to the “guid-willie waughts” of Burns, in “Auld Lang Syne?”
We like such collections of scraps, as are bundled together in the piece headed “Random Thoughts.”
“Odds and Ends,” by our old friend Oliver Oldschool, is a whole gallery of satirical portraits; representing various forms of human weakness or depravity — sketches of character almost worthy of Theophrastus, or La Bruyere. Of female characters, the Tongue-tied, or Monosyllabic, the Bustlers, the Tom-boys, the Peace-sappers, the Tongue-warriors, and several other classes, are held up to just ridicule; and of males, the Busybodies, the Touch-me-nots, the Gastronomes, the Devillish Good Fellows, &c. &c.
“A Lecture on German Literature,” by George H. Calvert, of Baltimore, is a pregnant outline of a great deal that is inestimable in the literary store houses of probably the most enlightened nation (if we set aside politics) on earth.
We welcome No. IV. of “Readings with my Pencil,” from a practised pen, and full, cultivated mind.
The article headed “Verbal Criticism,” is of a sort which all the repositories and guardians of Literature ought oftener to contain: brief reprehensions of too prevalent errors in language; interspersed with curious philological remarks.
The somewhat long essay on “Social Elevation” has much that is praiseworthy, neatness (sometimes force) of style, and in the main, great justness of thought. Its aim is, to expose and rebuke those two ruling passions of our countrymen, the love of money, and the love of political preferment. It justly and forcibly shews how these obstruct our progress in knowledge, virtue, liberty, and happiness, by merging all enlarged patriotism in the most narrowly selfish considerations. Bent on wealth, half our people forget their country's weal, in contemplating the increase of their private hoards. Bent on rising in the State (as it is called,) or on ministering to those who do wish to rise, the other half sacrifice their country to their party, or to its leaders. God speed the Essayist in the wide, the universal dissemination of the views on this subject!
After all, the “Critical Notices” of the Editor have afforded us by no means the least pleasure. They are acute, just, and pungent. There is one thing we particularly like in the criticisms of the Messenger. While it displays a becoming pride in whatever excellences our country and its literature possesses, it does not hold itself bound, like many of our journalists, to applaud every thing that is American, and to admit the justice of no animadversions upon us and ours, from foreign tongues or pens. Thus, in an article on Mr. Cooper's “Sketches of Switzerland,” it joins him in a just fillip to our national vanity, which has made us believe for many years past, that “the name of an American is a passport all over Europe,” a boast which Mr. C. says is refuted by many mortifying tokens wherever an American travels in Germany, France, Switzerland, or Italy. In a review of Mrs. Trollope's Paris and the Parisians, the Messenger again justly rebukes the same American weakness, by averring (what we have always upheld) that her book upon the “Domestic Manners” of America had many more truths than our self love would let us acknowledge. “We have no patience,” says the Messenger, “with that atrabilious set of hyper-patriots, who find fault with Mrs. T.'s flumflummery about the good people of the Union. The work appeared to us an unusually well written performance in which, upon a basis of downright and positive truth, was erected, after the fashion of a porcelain pagoda, a very brilliant, although a very brittle fabric of mingled banter, philosophy and spleen.”. . . “We do not hesitate to say, that she ridiculed our innumerable moral, physical, and social absurdities with equal impartiality, true humor and discrimination; and that the old joke about her Domestic manners of the Americans being nothing more than the Manners of the American Domestics, is, like most other very good jokes, excessively untrue.” Of all people on earth, it might be supposed that we, rational American freemen, would be most ready to bear with unpalatable truths told us of ourselves, and to profit by the admonitions those truths involve: that we would most willingly pray
“O would some Power the giftie gie us,
To see oursels as others see us!
It would frae mony a blunder free us,
And foolish notion.”
But instead of doing so, we wince, swear, and call names, at the slightest hint from a foreigner that our country and all belonging to it, are not the very beau ideal of perfection. It must be thus, if we would make those advances towards perfection which the true patriot covets for his country. Pope's precept applies no less to nations than to individuals —
“Trust not yourself; but your defects to know,
Make use of every friend, and every foe.”
“Paulding's Washington,” “Anthon's Sallust,” “Walsh's Didactics,” “Mellen's Poems,” and Lieutenant Slidell's “Spain Revisited,” (all native American works) are reviewed in a manner at once kind, just, and interesting.
The Number contains a good deal of original Poetry; the [column 2:] merits of which we must consign to the judgment of those who have more pretensions to taste in poetry than we have.
We wish the Messenger all honor and prosperity — a steadily increasing list of punctually paying subscribers.
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From the New Yorker.
Southern Literary Messenger. — We believe our respected cotemporary has profited by our advice this month before it reached him, for we find the June number on our table in much better season than its predecessors. We mark the improvement with pleasure, even though we cannot take credit to ourselves for effecting it. A few words on the papers which compose it.
“The Right of Instruction” is ably and temperately discussed in the leading article, which we may safely attribute to the pen of Judge Hopkinson, of Pennsylvania. The essay denies the right of a Legislature to instruct authoritatively the U. S. Senators of the State — or rather, the obligation of the Senators to obey unhesitatingly such requisition. We shall take cognizance of this subject in another place at an early day; but, for the present, we must be content with the remark that the argument drawn from the spirit of the Constitution and the intent of its framers is formidable, if not conclusive.
“Perdicaris,” a sketch of the Greek scholar now lecturing on the literature and polity of his native land, is only remarkable for a translation of a beautiful little poem ‘from the Romaic of Christopoulos.’
“MSS. of Benjamin Franklin” are continued in this number.
“Losing and Winning” is one of the most quietly affecting and excellent tales that we have perused for months. Let who will declaim against the evils wrought by fiction, we are sure that this same story contains more true practical wisdom — more forcible persuasives to the paths of virtue and duty, than many a well-intended volume of fact or direct exhortation.
“The Swan of Loch Oich” is fair verse, and fair only.
“Ulea Holstein — A Tale of the Northern Seas,” is touching in its catastrophe, but not well imagined. The writer is evidently no veteran.
We have sometimes fancied we had reason to dislike the poetical contributions to the Messenger, while we were better suited with the prose. In the number before us there are three articles in verse — ”The Laughing Girl,” “A Birth-Day Tribute,” and “Thy Home and Mine,” — which would do credit to any periodical. The Editor is evidently ‘weeding out’ as well as strengthening his crops of contributors, much to the advantage of his work.
“Court Day” and “My First Attempt at Poetry,” are both well done.
A Lecture on Education concludes the contributed articles, and is devoted to a portrayal of the parental faults and misdemeanors which operate as serious obstacles to the inculcation of right principles and correct ideas in the minds of children. We heartily wish it could be read and appreciated by all the parents in our country.
The Editorial Criticisms are spirited but just. “Recollections of Coleridge,” Colton's “Religious State of the Country,” &c. &c. are praised without stint; while Col. Stone's unfortunate “Ups and Downs in the Life of a Distressed Gentleman,” is most unsparingly shown up. We like the independence, the directness, of the Editor, though he sometimes contrives to tread emphatically on the corns of an author for whom we have a tenderness. In the present instance, however, he has managed to be just right throughout, and our appreciation of his labors is graduated accordingly.
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From the National Gazette.
The number of the Southern Literary Messenger, for June, contains, among other excellent articles, “A reply to a late article in the Richmond Enquirer in favor of the mandatory right of a State Legislature to instruct a Senator of the United States, and supported by the [page 522:] alleged opinions of King, Jay and Hamilton, as expressed in the Convention of New York.” It is said to be by “a distinguished jurist of Philadelphia;” and the signature of H., together with the internal evidence of the composition, leave no doubt that it is from the pen of the eminent Judge of our District Court. He concludes the article with stating that a week or ten days before the death of Chief Justice Marshall, having called upon that great and good man, the question of instruction being then in high debate in the papers — he said to him that he thought the Virginia doctrine of instructions was inconsistent with all the principles of our government, and subversive of the stability of its foundations. To this the Chief Justice replied, in these words — ”It is so; indeed, the Virginia doctrines are incompatible, not only with the government of the United States, but with any government.”
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From the Boston Galaxy.
The Southern Literary Messenger is before us. Too much praise cannot be conceded to the publisher of this Monthly. He started on untried ground — but has brought forward his forces with such superior skill, and maintained the combat so manfully, that he has won the entire victory. The Messenger is an honor to the South. The articles it contains are for the most part of a superior order, while a spirit characterizes its editorial department exceedingly gratifying. The number before us has many most valuable articles; and so long as those concerned in its publication exert themselves with their present success, a corresponding flow of patronage must ensue. There is an original manuscript of Ben Franklin — desirable if only as a matter of curiosity — a poem by N. P. Willis, furnished by J. F. Otis, to be found on our outside — an interesting chronology of authors — a story by E. A. Poe, &c.
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From the United States Gazette.
Southern Literary Messenger. — Backward, like every thing else this spring, the April number of this periodical made its appearance in the first week in May. It is a good number, and though the reader may think the variety of its articles not so great as in some of the preceding, it contains many interesting papers. The first consists of “MSS. of Benjamin Franklin,” comprising a Lecture upon Providence, never before published, and two humorous letters in the manner of those in the Spectator, published originally a hundred years ago in the Pennsylvania Gazette, and now republished from the original manuscripts. The article upon Maelzel's Automaton Chess Player is the most successful attempt we have seen to explain the modus operandi of that wonderful production. The writer advances a multitude of reasons to sustain his position, that a human being is concealed in the box and figure, and might be considered to have achieved complete success, were it not that an objection at once suggests itself. Could any human being have played so often and so long without once betraying himself by a sneeze and a cough? The “March Court” is a racy sketch, and the writer brings before us the justices, jurors, counsellors, clients, planters, pettifoggers, constables, cake women, candidate and jackass, as large as life, to say nothing of the sheriff running down a man who endeavors to escape, not punishment for some offence of his own, but the honor of sitting on the jury to decide upon the guilt of others. Nothing of the kind can be better than the anecdote in this piece, of the suppression of the British authorities by the report from the British cannon during the last war. The dramatic sketch entitled “The Death of Robespierre,” is much to our taste. The incidents are well told, the language is poetical, and the versification smooth and harmonious. It is to be hoped that the readers of the Messenger will hear again from this author. The Essay on “Woman” is, we conclude from the signature, from a female hand, and contains just views upon a subject long neglected, but now beginning [column 2:] to attract a proper share of attention — Female Education. The present number is smaller than usual, its predecessor having exceeded the standard, to admit Professor Dew's Address. The subscription list continues steadily to increase, and includes the names of several Philadelphians. The citizens of Richmond appear determined to give it a liberal support, and testify their opinion of its excellence in the most substantial manner.
From the Methodist Conference Sentinel.
Southern Literary Messenger. — We are indebted to the politeness of the publisher for the May number of this periodical. We have looked over some of its articles with pleasure. Among others “Odds and Ends,” “German Literature,” and “American Social Elevation” are well worthy of an attentive perusal. The character of this monthly “Messenger” is, in the general, unexceptionable, and it will, beyond question, exert a powerful, and, we trust a purifying, influence upon Southern literature. “The Hall of Incholese” is not only a failure in that department of literature with which it claims affinity; but it certainly possesses a character that can reflect but little credit upon the heretofore well established reputation of the “Messenger.” It seems neither fit to “point a moral, nor adorn a tale.” If the author has any desire for distinction in that particular line of writing, it will be necessary for him to form a more extensive acquaintance with “the little figure in black” before he can even hope for success. It would be better however to withdraw from the association altogether. In objecting to this article, we cannot be understood to object to the work in which it is found. The “Editorial Notices” are, to us, the most interesting part of the periodical. We turn to them with pleasure, in anticipation of an intellectual feast, and we are never disappointed. Though we sometimes differ with the editor in matters of taste and opinion, yet we find satisfaction in following the ever flowing stream of thought along which he leads his readers. We bid it welcome to our desk, and heartily wish it success.
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From the Petersburg Constellation.
Southern Literary Messenger, for June. — Our best thanks are due to the attentive proprietor for his prompt attention in forwarding the Messenger. As usual, it contains many pleasing articles: the MSS. of Franklin are literary curiosities. An excellent moral tale, entitled “Losing and Winning,” adorns the number. Our present limits will not permit more than these cursory remarks, but if enterprise and talent are any guaranty for success, Mr. White need feel no alarm for the ultimate success of his efforts in favor of Southern Literature. Let the New York Mirror snarl if it will; there are papers in each Messenger which will outlive all the Norman Leslie “Pencillings by the Way,” and “Wearies my Love of my Letters?” of its erudite editors. Kennel a stag-hound with a cur, and the latter will yelp in very fear.
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From the Winchester Virginian.
The June number of the Southern Literary Messenger has reached us. Its contents are of a highly interesting character — among them is a very able article on the “Right of Instruction,” by a distinguished jurist of Philadelphia, but one in which the conclusions are not such as have obtained in Virginia, nor such as we have always inclined to believe correct. We are rather gratified than otherwise, however, at the introduction into the Messenger of essays upon such topics. Of the prose articles, one entitled “Losing and Winning,” by the author of “Sensibility, &c.” is a most valuable contribution; several others in the same department are very well written. The poetical articles are generally in good taste, and the critical notices are, as usual, able, candid and fearless. The Messenger is taking a higher and still higher stand among the periodicals of the day. [page 523:]
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From the New Hampshire Patriot.
Southern Literary Messenger. — In acknowledging our obligations to the publisher for the above work, we cannot do less than express our unqualified approbation of the character, contents and design of the Messenger. We have often seen it favorably noticed by our brethren of the corps editorial, as among the first monthly magazines in this country — by some even placed at the head of the list — but it is only by an examination and perusal of the numbers before us, that we have learned to appreciate the justness of their praise. The correctness, neatness, beauty and elegance of its typographical execution and appearance, not less than the rich and attractive guise thrown over its pages by the combined union of wit, genius and learning therein displayed, certainly surpass any thing to be met with in any similar periodical within our knowledge. We have not space to detail its particular merits, and will only remark generally in the words of another, that the contributions, prose and poetical, are of a high grade of excellence, the critiques precisely what they should be in such a work — faithful mirrors, reflecting in miniature the book reviewed, and exposing alike its beauties and deformities without favor or affection. We should be glad to enrich our columns by transferring to them several articles from the Messenger — perhaps hereafter we may be enabled to do so. At present we can only commend it to the countenance and patronage of our literary friends.
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From the Charleston Courier.
The Southern Periodicals. — We have received the April number of “The Southern Literary Messenger.” It contains, among other articles of interest, a highly ingenious attempt to show that Maelzel's Chess Player is not a pure machine, but regulated by mind — by a human agent concealed within it.
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From the Louisville City Gazette.
The Southern Literary Messenger is the title of a periodical, published at Richmond, Virginia, that has no superior, either in the taste and genius of its contributors, or the beauty of its mechanism. Its criticisms are prepared with peculiar justness and acumen — not leaning to the side of mercy, and throwing a protecting veil over the sins and faults of others, but plainly pointing them out — not screening the errors of a friend, or sparing the tender places of an enemy. Such guardians we want to preserve the vigor of American Literature. There are some nurses so tender and so indulgent, that the children under their tutelage, either die of a surfeit of sweets, or languish through their too great care and tenderness. This will never be the case with our literature while guarded by such vigilant sentinels as the Southern Literary Messenger.
We had an opportunity, while conducting a periodical in a neighboring city, of seeing some of the earlier numbers of the Messenger, and on such occasions expressed the gratification and pleasure enjoyed in their perusal. And it is not only well sustained, but improves. Lionel Granby is kept up with spirit. Edgar A. Poe sprinkles his gems among the leaves of the Messenger. George H. Calvert, Esq. of the same city, freights it with the researches of ripe scholarship in the lore of German Literature. The May number is excellent, and we shall recur to it often, before it gives place to its successor.
We are indebted to Mr. White, the publisher, for his present, and assure him he could not have sent us a budget which would have been received by us with more pleasure.
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From the Oxford Examiner.
Southern Literary Messenger. — He who assumes to himself the province of amusing and instructing mankind for “a consideration,” is amenable at all times to [column 2:] just criticisms. The publisher of a newspaper or journal of any kind, should never feel hurt, as a caterer for the public appetite, if some of those to whom they minister should growl and find fault. He ought not to claim pre-emption over all other men, but should be satisfied if he occasionally received an approving nod. It is always a strong evidence of a want of force of mind to fly in a passion at the suggestions of a friend, when they are disposed to disapprove of our acts, although they may be unjust. We make these preliminary remarks in allusion to a hasty notice we took of the April number of the Messenger, which the publisher was polite enough to send us. Our time is generally much occupied, and we perhaps gave that number and others which have been occasionally handed us by a friend, rather a hasty perusal. We felt then, as we do now, that the editor's criticisms were unnecessarily, perhaps, strictly severe in some instances. The eagle who towers above all other birds, and even dares to look upon the sun, would not, unless hard pressed, condescend to notice the earthly flutterings of a tomtit — he aspires to higher game.
We may have done the editor injustice; and we hardly expected him to send us another number — but perhaps, in his youthful days, he has read the fable of the gnat and the ox — whether he did or did not, we feel obliged to him for the May number.
We have always freely accorded to Mr. White almost unrivalled excellence as a printer, and we now as freely accord to him the most unqualified praise for the matter as well as the manner of his last number.
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From the Columbia (S. C.) Times.
We acknowledge the receipt of the May number of that chaste and interesting publication, the “Southern Literary Messenger,” published by T. W. White, Richmond, Va. It undoubtedly contains more matter, for the price, than any other southern publication, and in style, is altogether unlike the mawkish effusions denominated “literary” with which our community is so liberally inundated.
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From the New Hampshire Patriot.
The Southern Literary Messenger, for April, has just reached us, and though rather late in the day, we cannot omit observing that it is excellent — well sustaining the high reputation of its predecessors. We renewedly commend the work to the favor of our literary friends, as one every way deserving their patronage — in many respects unrivalled by any similar publication in the country.
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From the Winchester Virginian.
Southern Literary Messenger. — We have just received the April No. of this work, but have barely had time to read the article on “Maelzel's Chess Player,” which happened to arrest our attention on opening the book. It is exceedingly well written and interesting. The table of contents holds out quite a tempting bill of fare.
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From the Richmond Whig.
The Southern Literary Messenger. — The May number of this periodical has just appeared. Though not perhaps equal to some of the preceding numbers, it is far, very far from being deficient either in entertainment or instruction. As all the supporters of this work, and indeed the public generally, have a deep interest in its reputation, it is not only right, but a duty, to pass an occasional judgment upon its merits — to commend its various excellences, and to point out in the spirit of liberal criticism, such faults as may be perceived to exist. The Messenger, to be extensively and permanently popular, must mingle the useful with the sweet. It must not only mirror the burning thoughts and glowing images which teem in the world of fancy, but also condescend an occasional visit to this dull planet, the Earth. It must mix familiarly with ordinary mortals, take some interest in their concerns, and lend a helping [page 524:] hand in the struggles which are now making against power and corruption. Not that the Messenger should become a vehicle of mere party politics, but that the great principles of liberty should be boldly and steadily espoused by its conductors and those various and important measures which concern the welfare and happiness of the State, freely and frequently discussed in its pages. If the Star of this Republic, “the world's last hope,” is destined to go down in darkness, corruption and misery, literature will either follow its fate, or be no longer worth cultivating or preserving. As essentially connected with the great cause of civil liberty, sound morals ought also to find in the Messenger a constant and able advocate. Without freedom and virtue, it is difficult to conceive the existence in any community of a pure and exalted literary taste. Such articles as the “Hall of Incholese,” by J. N. McJilton, are popular only with a small number of readers, and are not calculated to increase the moral reputation of the Messenger. The introduction of the Evil One, as a familiar in human society — as a social companion in scenes of revelry, has rather a tendency to throw an air of ridicule upon the truths of Divine Revelation. Milton indeed pierced the mysterious veil which shrouds the monarch of darkness, but Milton's Satan, “high on his throne of state,” is invested with a sublime terror which forbids the approaches of levity, and leaves behind it no impression inconsistent with revealed truth. No similar exception, however, can be taken to any other article in the present number of the Messenger. The MSS. of Franklin are interesting remains of that great man — interesting as illustrations of the strong common sense which peculiarly distinguished him. “Lionel Granby” is one of the best chapters which has appeared under that title. A novel however, published at intervals in the pages of a monthly miscellany, necessarily loses by that circumstance much of its interest. The author of “Odds and Ends” has attempted with much humor and effect, a new moral classification of that strange compound animal called Man. His satire is for the most part just, and his style racy and agreeable. “Random Thoughts,” saving and excepting one or two smutty allusions, are excellent. They have an air of freshness and originality, which is quite delightful, considering how little can be said which is new upon any subject. The Lecture on “German Literature,” by Mr. Calvert of Baltimore, now for the first time published, is highly creditable to its author. It evinces much classical taste, combined with a spirit of philosophical criticism. Mr. Calvert is sometimes, however, careless in his style, or rather in the formation of his sentences, which a good writer should study to avoid; and the great literary sin of this country, a propensity to bombast — is discernible in some parts of his lecture. Take for example the following passage, “John Wolfgang Goethe, was born at Frankfort on the Maine, in 1749, ten years before Schiller. ‘Selectest influences,’ leagued with nature, to produce this wonderful man. To give its complete development to a mighty inward power, outward circumstances were most happily propitious. Upon faculties of the quickest sensibility, and yet of infinitely elastic power — wide convulsions and world-disturbing incidents bore with tempestuous force, dilating the congenial energies of the young genius who suddenly threw out his fiery voice to swell the tumult round him, and announce the master spirit of the age.” This would certainly be a very unfair specimen of the general character of the lecture, and it is the more surprising, that such a sentence should have escaped the vigilance of the author. The slightest departure from the simplest mode of expression, if it does not degenerate into bombast, is almost certain to be attended by a certain degree of obscurity. The author of the “Hall of Incholese,” is himself not free from this blemish. The following passage is entirely unintelligible: “The Spanish minister was married; but a star on the fashionable horizon higher than the vesta of his own choice, prompted the proffer of his help, in the establishment of a medium [column 2:] point of lustre.” The meaning might be guessed at by very laborious study — but popular literature should never levy so severe a tax upon its subjects. The paper on “American Social Elevation,” contains many just thoughts and patriotic reflections, expressed in an unusually agreeable style — and the 4th No. of “Readings with my Pencil,” is quite passable. The design of the writer is excellent, and deserves to be imitated. The “Critical Notices,” though in themselves good, are not generally equal to the Editor's previous efforts. As it was however permitted to Homer sometimes to nod, so should the really gifted mind which presides over the Messenger, be allowed occasionally a little repose. Of the poetry, the writer of this brief notice will say nothing. Some of it is good — but he is but an indifferent judge.
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From the New York Weekly Messenger.
Southern Literary Messenger. — The high encomiums which this periodical has received from all parts of the Union, it most richly deserves. We have been favored with the five first numbers of the current (second) volume, and have had an intellectual feast in the perusal of many articles contained therein. To express our opinion candidly of the talents and erudition of the worthy editor of this monthly, would expose us to the charge of plagiarism, because it would be exactly similar to half a hundred others, who have preceded us in expressions of approbation. What shall we do then? To go through and examine every article in five numbers, is more than we have space for. But we must — we feel bound to say, Virginians especially are indebted to Mr. White for his unprecedented literary zeal. He ought to meet with encouragement; in short, we believe he does, — but there should be an effort made to sustain the undertaking, by a continually increasing list of paying subscribers.
If our friends in the city or country wish their table filled with rich literary food once a month, they should immediately order “The Southern Literary Messenger,” published by T. W. White, Richmond, Va. There is one article to which we object, the burlesque, or caricature, not criticism, on Fay's “Norman Leslie,” but in making only one objection, we think much is said for the periodical, more than can be said of any other of the monthlies. We really do think it is as good as any, if not the very best in these United States. We think so highly of the Richmond “Messenger,” that if we had the numbers of the first volume, we would have them neatly bound, and placed in our library as a literary treasure.
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From the Norfolk Herald.
The Southern Literary Messenger for May very gallantly holds it own. The ‘manuscripts of Franklin’ are well worth publishing. The chapter of Lionel Granby introduces us into the bodily presence of Lamb and Coleridge, and the ragged regiment of folios and quartos pass in review before us. The Lecture on German Literature, by Mr. Calvert of Baltimore, is a very entertaining discourse on the history of the poetry and philosophy of that wonderful people; but it is clear that the author of the lecture has paid more attention to the German than to the English and those languages from which the English flows. The paper of Oliver Oldschool is worthy of its author, and we were happy to see the story of ‘Tang Lang’ appended as a foot-note. The critical notices are very good for the most part; but then we could hardly expect Mr. Poe to be sour ere the honey moon be past. What has become of the remaining numbers of the series of articles on the distinctive differences of the sexes from the pen of one of the strongest writers of the Commonwealth? We sincerely hope, that, after such a fair beginning, the theme has not proved too mighty — if it has, the author may henceforth ponder well on the advice of Horace. Still we are on the look out for the essays.
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Notes:
None.
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[S:0 - SLM, 1836] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Poe Bookshelf - Supplement (Various)