University of Virginia Library

Letter I

Your last favor has been lying by me unanswered because of my Sheer physical inability to bring myself to the labors of the desk. My little family, myself not exempt, have all been suffering from Sickness, not the less annoying because it was not actually dangerous. Even now I am suffering from disordered digestion the certain consequence of our warm climate & my Sedentary pursuits. I trust this statement of facts will do away with any impression of neglect which may have been induced by my delay to answer.

I gather from Something in the tone of your last letter that I must have

said Something in one of mine which was obnoxious to misconstruction: Let me in this place assure you of my innocence of intention if Such is the case. I am a very unconventional Sort of person; very ardent in my temperament, very earnest in my object; express myself usually in the first words that come uppermost; write usually as I talk; and as the world goes, am accounted a somewhat rude, blunt man. An unamiable character, enough, but one which, perhaps, is not without its virtues, which, in my case, I must leave to the charity of my friends to find out for themselves. Do me the kindness, my dear Madame, to take for granted that I have Every disposition to promote your wishes, and to do justice to your claims, as well as Lady as Litterateur. Do not be angry at my inadvertencies; believe only that an habitually earnest — perhaps, dictatorial habit of speech, has beguiled me into a too great plainness of utterance, in which I betray my own bluntness of character, without meaning to offend the sensibilities of yours. I trust I am forgiven for all my unwitting offences.

In giving utterance to my opinions on Magazines & Southern Literature, I was prompted by a desire to comply with your request. It is not improbable that I exaggerate the difficulties in your way. I trust Sincerely you will find it so. But in thinking as I do, I was bound to speak Sincerely. The easiest task in the world is to answer as the world would wish to be answered. My choice is not the Easiest, and my opinions, therefore, are not likely to be often the most popular. If in the Case of young beginners, however, they produce an extra degree of caution, and lessen to a certain extent, that wild and sanguine confidence, which in our country ruins so many thousand, my purpose will be answered, and I shall be satisfied. I have no doubt that you know better than I do, the Sort of material which will better please the great body of readers — Nay, with Some qualification, I am willing to agree with you; but it does not need that we should attempt a discussion which involves So many controversial points. Enough that I wish you god speed, and will try to do what I can to promote your Successes. The notice of the 'Companion' which I sent you, contained in The Charleston Courier was only in part written by myself.[10] The portions so Eulogistic of the Novel, were interpolated by the Editor, who is a very warm friend of Mine, and, I believe, conscientiously thinks of the work all that he said. I need not again assure you, — in spite of your very flattering

remarks in opposition — that, on this Subject, I cannot help differing in toto from both of you. I wish it were what you believe it, as well for your Sakes as for mine. I regret the mistake about the Subject of the plate, but it will not be injurious, and is not of vital moment.[11] Am I to understand that the Sketches are from your pencil? Are you able to exclaim with the Italian — "Anch' io Son pittore!" If so, I should like you to send me some of the illustrative sketches you have made, for though no manipulator, I am yet, professedly, a wonderful dealer in grouping & landscape.

I enclose you a batch of Sonnets,[12] which I really think among the best of these things which I have Ever done. I am very much afraid that I shall be able to do nothing in Season of the Sort you wish. My Engagements with my publishers are very pressing. I am pledged for two large works to be finished this Summer;[13] and to coerce the imagination is to destroy it. The task of inventing against the desire is unfavorable to the author and would be productive of discreditable performances. If I feel the impulse I will obey it and you shall have the fruits. But my daily tasks must now be resumed; and I have written So many <small> stories that I should really be at a loss for a topic. If the scheme, the groundwork, the agents were suggested to me, — if I had any clue to them, there would perhaps be little difficulty. Recollect, Even Shakespeare, with all his invention, Stole all his plots — his stories ready made to his hands. I fancied when I sent you Oakatibbe,[14] that I was actually send.g. you one of my best labors — not as a Story perhaps, but as comprising a very bold, original philosophical argument, on a Subject, of all others, the most vital to the interests and feelings of the South. The grand questions with regard to the Indian & negro races, I sought to discuss in a Style equally fanciful & philosophic, and I am pleased to think that there is a gradual & not slow rising of the

public Mind in our Country to the Comprehension of these Subjects.—[15] You are right in the determination to pursue your way as Editress, alone. I did not Suppose that Neal was associated with you.[16] I only though that you might not know his proverbial indiscretion of character. I am pleased to perceive the solemnity with which you address yourself to your task. Without a stern resoluteness nothing of any value has Ever yet been done. That you will do well, & prosper, I not only Sincerely wish, but Sincerely believe — always with the one reservation, however, against any hopes of extravagant Success in the South, unless you do what has never yet [been] done by Southern Editors — Secure a large, various host of able contributors, depend upon no amateur literature, let your work contend on Equal grounds, So far as type, paper, press work & illustrations are concerned, with Northern contemporaries, get good agents, and keep your collector (who shall be honest at the Same time) constantly at his tasks. Do not fear, now that your hand is in. Remember what Spenser writes over all the doors but one — "Be bold, be bold, be bold!" Over only one door he writes — "Be not too bold." Touching the articles on Southern Literature, I must say but one word at present.[17] I must wait a little while before I can answer you. I will Send the volume of Poems to Mr. Hart.[18] In conclusion, while I still say you have undertaken a very Serious labor, one that requires great faith, constancy and diligence, I see nothing which Should make you faint or fear. There is nothing in your tasks which a noble woman, energetic, believing, having a deep strong heart, a fervent Soul and a good mind, may not compass. You will, I think, if anybody. Respectfully and faithfully, Yr friend