University of Virginia Library

Letter 7

My suggestion on the subject of my History of South Carolina[51] was in anticipation of a new stereotype Edition of that work which I am about to prepare. Since writing to you on the subject I have opened a Sort of treaty with Mr. Hart, Book Seller of Charleston, who, being in the city, in the way of trade, appears better calculated than myself to attend to the publication of Such a work. I have requested him to treat with You on the Subject. — I have ordered that a certain small supply of copies of Carl Werner, Southern Passages, Atalantis, and the Defense of Slavery,[52] should be sent to you on Sale. The remaining copies are few, and I have counselled them not to burden your shelves unnecessarily. Please advise me what number of these works you may receive. — We very much want a Southern Publishing House in our country, and a Publisher of any courage & tact must do well. Our public ought to be provided with Educational books at home, which Should do justice to the fame of our people, and conserve the character of our Institutions. They are, I think, just becoming aware of

this necessity, but the cursed Parley Books,[53] which are vile & injurious humbugs, Should be written down. I am not wedded to the Northern Publishers, and Should freely give my Strength & Succor to any enterprising Gentleman at home who would launch fairly into the Stream. I spoke a few days ago in Charleston to Mr. Tefft[54] of Savannah, and Suggested the propriety of getting up a series of Southern biography after the manner of Spark's.[55] I suggested to him that the State might be brought to co-operate in this object, in the creation of County School libraries, as is now done in N. Y. Mass. N. J. &c. &c. If the Histc. Society of Savannah would take it up, & your Legislature would Second the plan, I suspect that not only Nor & South Caro, but that Virginia & Alabama, Mississippi & Louisiana, would follow Suit. A moderate appropriation, from Each of these States for a certain number of copies would make a permanent foundation. I should be willing and partially prepared to begin with a Life of Marion, one of Sumter, and one of Greene — &c.[56] This would be a good subject for the Editorial pen of Mrs. Griffin. The Histy of Georgia I have determined to decline, as I find Dr. Stevens busy upon a similar work.[57] I have <not seen> the copy of your Botany which you speak of in your letter.[58]