The two preceding numbers of the "Messenger" having been, as far as we
can learn, favorably received by its patrons, we have endeavored in
this to keep pace with expectation, by presenting a rich variety of
original matter, and a few interesting selections. Among the most
important duties of those who have any concern in the management of
such a work--it is not the least to be watchful of an enlightened
public opinion--to profit by the suggestions of others, and even to
receive with patience well-intended rebuke. It is precisely in this
latter spirit that we have noticed in the letters of one or two
correspondents, as well as in the public prints, some animadversions
upon the editorial remarks in the last number. We have been censured,
and perhaps justly, for bestowing too much praise on the contributions
of our friends. However great the error, it was at least honestly, if
not prudently committed.
It was believed that a little commendation was not only justly due, but
might stir up generous minds to increase their efforts in behalf of an
infant and laudable enterprise. We should always prefer erring on the
side of indiscriminate praise, rather than undeserved censure. The true
path, indeed, is to avoid both extremes,--but it is much easier to
prescribe good counsel than always to follow it. We have been
admonished too by a very sensible and judicious correspondent, in whose
judgment we entertain great confidence, that we have imposed
inconvenient and impolitic restrictions upon the writers for the
"Messenger," by limiting the subject matter of their contributions. We
are told that we have circumscribed too much the field of their labors,
by objecting to such materials as are drawn from foreign character and
manners,--and we are gently reminded of an apparent inconsistency,
between our professed attachment to domestic subjects, and the
admission into our columns of copious extracts from an English novel.
We are moreover informed from the same intelligent source, that our
denunciation of all such fictions as are founded upon fairy mythology,
is not very reasonable,--inasmuch as these may imbody the conceptions
of imagination and genius--and may serve to illustrate and display
Virginia talent and literature.
Now, with due deference to these various suggestions, which we know to
originate in perfect good will--it is proper in the first place to
remark, that we do not perceive any inconsistency between our objection
to "the trammels of foreign reading"--and the admission into our pages
of good selections from foreign publications. The "Messenger" is
designed chiefly to encourage the practice of literary composition
among our own writers of both sexes,--and of literary composition there
are great varieties,--some founded on fact and personal observation,
and some which are moulded exclusively out of the creations of fancy. A
writer who will give us facts or sketches of the character and manners,
or scenery of a foreign country, derived either from his own
observation or authentic sources, will render an acceptable
service;--but, in a pure tale of fiction, or in descriptive narrative,
founded for the most part upon the mere inventions of genius--why is it
necessary or proper to slight the familiar materials which every where
surround us, and resort to those hackneyed and frequently distorted
pictures of transatlantic manners, of which we can only form just
conceptions through the secondary medium of books? If we must have
foreign tales for our amusement and instruction, had we not better take
them from those who copy from life, and are more likely to present
faithful and finished sketches! Let foreign writers, therefore, give us
pictures of their own,--and such, as we like we will publish; but let
our own adventurers in the paths of literature, prefer rather to stand
upon ground with which they are acquainted. Let them weave their
garlands with flowers plucked from our native wilds, or our own
cultivated gardens, and not rely, as too many do rely, upon exotic
ornaments wherewith to embellish their pages. It is true that a
_strict_ observance of any such rule as this is not to be expected and
is perhaps not practicable--and we are perfectly aware, that
illustrious examples may be found in our own, as well as in other
countries, of a departure from its letter if not from its spirit. These
examples for the most part, however, will be found on examination, to
rest on peculiar circumstances. The genius of a Scott, may soar amidst
the grandeur of Alpine scenery,--or may depict the curious
superstitions and simple manners of the Shetland Islanders;--but minds
like his,--of such incomparable vigor and fertility, are neither bound
by the confines of space or time. They have a kind of exclusive
privilege to transcend ordinary rules,--and those who would plead their
example, ought at least to shew something like extraordinary merit to
entitle them to the same exemption. If we look to our own country, it
is well understood, that Mr. Cooper owes his reputation as a writer of
fiction principally to those fine romances, which are founded upon
native character and scenery--and that, if that reputation has suffered
at all, it is in consequence of his desertion of a field so wide and
magnificent, for the beaten and monotonous track of European character
and customs. Mr. Irving is undoubtedly most indebted for his literary
fame to such of his productions as are purely American; and it is
probable that in the future estimate which will be formed of his powers
and genius, his Bracebridge Hall, and the Tales of the Alhambra, will
hold no comparison in the scale of merit with his Knickerbocker, or
Salmagundi. But why amplify our illustrations? We will present no
absolute rule on the subject,--but rather choose to throw out these
opinions and suggestions to our readers and contributors, as matter for
their consideration.
In respect to the Legends of Fairy land,--which give such illimitable
scope to the fancy--and operate so feebly, if at all, in imparting
either rational amusement or instruction,--we confess that our opinions
are more decided and our objections more insurmountable. We think that
the day has past when such kind of reading will either be relished or
endured. In this age of comparative mental sobriety,--aliment like
that, is not likely to satisfy the intellectual appetite; no more than
the spectre tales of the last century would suit the rational and
regulated taste of the present time. This opinion it is not necessary
to enforce by a train of reasoning. We think that a large majority of
our readers will concur in the sentiment.
We are also informed from more than one quarter, that we awarded too
liberal and dangerous a compliment in our last number, to one article
especially, to wit--the "_Recollections of Chotank_;"--that we have
thereby, without intending it, given a sanction to vices which were
once fashionable, but now no longer so: that we have offended against
the laws of that chaste empress, TEMPERANCE,--who sits enthroned in so
many hearts, and who will not countenance the slightest inuendo against
her sovereignty; and that we have actually been guilty of the sin of
commending a paper, which contained enticing references to the social
excesses and abuses of ancient hospitality. To all this we reply, that
we spoke of the "_Recollections of Chotank_" as a _literary_
composition,--and that we had no more design, in the tribute which we
paid to its merit, to recommend the vices of "gambling and drinking,"
than we believe the author himself had, when he sat down to sketch his
reminiscences of by-gone days. We hope that the most fastidious will be
content with this disclaimer.
It is impossible that the "Messenger" can always please each one of its
readers. Its contents must be necessarily varied--and it will often
happen, that an article which will dissatisfy one person, will be
particularly acceptable to another. So it is on the stage, at the
forum, and in the pulpit. Some will loath that very part of the
performance, the argument or doctrine, which will inspire others with
delight. As we cannot possibly please all, we must endeavor to satisfy
the greater number, and in so doing we may probably please ourselves.
There is one thing of which our readers and patrons may rest assured,
that we shall never knowingly countenance any thing either false in
taste, or wrong in morals;--and we hold--that purity in both, is
necessary to the dignity and value of literature.
We have been gently reprimanded by some of our friends for not
confining ourselves exclusively to _original matter_, whilst others
have thought, that a few more good _selections_ would add to the value
of our pages. Such is the "incurable diversity of human opinion." Our
own view of the subject is so much better expressed by a distinguished
writer, than we can do it--that we shall give below in the "_Extracts
from the letters of our correspondents_," a full quotation from his
letter.
But what shall we say of the contents of the present number?--shall we
say nothing, least peradventure we may say too much? Must we be
altogether silent, in order that our patrons may judge for themselves,
unbiassed by our own humble opinion? We cannot in conscience be so
uncivil as not to return the kindness of our friends, with the simple
expression of our thanks; and if perchance we should so far suffer our
good feelings to master our judgment, as to bestow praise where none is
due, we feel confident that the superior discernment, and more
enlightened taste of our readers, will correct the error.
Let us therefore take a rapid survey of the feast which we have spread.
Perhaps our bill of fare may tempt curiosity and whet the appetite.
The article entitled "_Sketches of the History and Present Condition of
Tripoli_," will be read and admired, not only for the style, but the
really valuable and interesting information it contains. The source
from which it comes may be fully relied on.
The domestic grievances of "_Belinda_" are we hope not without remedy.
Time and strict regimen may perhaps restore her dyspeptic consort to a
more equable frame. His humors have at least had the effect of
supplying us with a good article.
The "_Reporter's Story, or the Importance of a Syllable_," is by a
practised writer,--whose pen is humorous, caustic and brilliant, as
occasion requires. We should be glad to secure his constant assistance.
The "_Cottage in the Glen_," is by a lady not unknown as a writer.
There are few who will not admire the simplicity and beauty of her
narrative; and to such as are of a serious or religious cast of mind it
will be particularly interesting. We hope that the authoress will often
favor us with the productions of her pen.
The "_Alleghany Levels_," is by a gentleman of scientific acquirements
and classical taste. It is with peculiar pleasure that we insert in the
"Messenger" such articles as his and "_The Cyclopean Towers in Augusta
County, Virginia_." They develope some of those rare curiosities and
remarkable features in the scenery of our state, which have hitherto
been undescribed. The latter article is by one who possesses a
cultivated taste for the beautiful in art and nature.
The story of "_My Classmates_," will be read when it is known to
proceed from the author of "An Extract from a Novel," which was
inserted in the last number of the Messenger. The space which the story
occupies will be its greatest recommendation; it is one of thrilling
interest, and told in powerful language.
We know not how all our readers will relish "_Cupid's Sport_," but
there are some passages in it which Yorick himself would not have been
ashamed to write, even with "the high claims and terrifying exactions"
of the widow Wadman's eyes to inspire him.
"_Pinkney's Eloquence_," it will be seen is from the pen of "Nugator."
His pieces need no commendation from us; we are charmed with every
thing about them except the signature.
The "_Leaf from the Journal of a Young American Tourist_," we noticed
in our last number. It is a graphic sketch, from the port-folio of an
accomplished young traveller.
The "_Dandy Chastised_," will be relished by all who desire to see that
anomolous species lampooned out of countenance.
The _selections_ in the present number are accompanied by prefatory
remarks. "_The Letters from New England_," the first of which is
inserted, though originally published in the Fredericksburg Arena, have
been revised and corrected by their author expressly for the
"Messenger." They deserve a more enduring record than the columns of a
newspaper.
The suggestion has been made to us by one entitled to respect, that in
the present condition of the public taste, too much space has been
allotted in our columns to the productions of the Muse. We humbly hope
that our friend is mistaken in this opinion. Nothing would grieve us
more than the conviction that, among southern readers generally, there
was not felt a lively concern and growing interest in the successful
cultivation of that charming branch of literature; and indeed if this
were the proper place, we think we could easily demonstrate that poetry
exercises a most potent, diffusive and abiding influence upon the
interests and happiness of society. Our present number will be found to
contain some precious gems, which fully establish the claims of
southern genius to high capabilities in the tuneful art. We forbear
however to discriminate, confident that the taste of our readers will
readily discern all that feeble language could express.