University of Virginia Library

William Gilmore Simms and The Family Companion
by
Robert A. Rees and Marjorie Griffin

In the 1840's William Gilmore Simms was the South's most celebrated author and had vast experience as an editor and contributor to Southern periodicals.[1] He was probably the best qualified person in the United States to speak on Southern literature and Southern periodicals, and he gave this pessimistic view of them for publication in the Magnolia:

But Simms was caught between the hard facts of his experience and his persistent hopes for Southern periodicals. Within a year of his

letters to the Magnolia, he was editing that magazine, and, as it began to fail, he moved on to assist the Southern Quarterly Review. His justification, as he said to B. F. Perry, was "simply that we may have at least an organ among ourselves to which we may turn when it becomes necessary to express Southern feelings and opinions" (Letters, I, 370).

It is not surprising, therefore, that when Mrs. Sarah Lawrence (Drew) Griffin of Macon, Georgia, wrote to Simms during the winter of 1840-41 asking for his support in her projected literary venture, The Family Companion and Ladies' Mirror,[3] his response was ambivalent.

Mrs. Griffin and her husband, Benjamin F. Griffin, although originally from New England, had lived in Georgia since 1835. Mr. Griffin was a successful printer and Mrs. Griffin had authored a collection of tales for children and co-authored a series of school readers. Their youth (in 1841 he was thirty-three and she was twenty-nine) and earlier successes probably made the venture with the Companion the high point of optimism and ambition in their related careers.

Simms's first letter to Mrs. Griffin — now missing — probably contained the same sentiments as his letters to the Magnolia. She was apparently offended, for in his letter of June 8, 1841, he apologizes for being "a somewhat rude, blunt man," and, with typical Southern graciousness, accepts the blame for the misunderstanding. He explains the reason for his candor: "If in the case of young beginners, however, they [his views] 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." But Simms was encouraging as well: "I wish you god speed, and will try to do what I can to promote your successes. . . . That you will do well, & prosper, I not only sincerely wish, but sincerely believe."

Mrs. Griffin sent Simms an advance copy of the first (October, 1841) issue of the Companion in early September, apparently in an attempt to get his reaction. In his reply the day following receipt of the magazine, he praised her efforts: "You have done wonders. In fineness of paper, neatness of appearance, general propriety and completeness, your work will bear free comparison with the best of our periodicals." He comments on the articles and poems in the issue and generally praises the quality and variety of the literature and her editorial ability.

Perhaps her contentious reaction to his earlier letter had caused Simms to be less candid with her than he might otherwise have been, for in a letter to his good friend James Lawson, for whom he had just ordered subscriptions to the Companion and the Magnolia, Simms says, "I trust that these will amuse & interest you. They contain some good things though scarcely a fair sample of what might be done in the South with good Editorial management" (Letters, I, 283). On the other hand, this comment to Lawson may represent his sensitivity to Northern critics, for his correspondence with Mrs. Griffin indicates that he was genuinely impressed with the Companion.

For almost a year Simms maintained a serious interest in the Companion. During the early months of 1842, however, his direct connection with the Companion came to an end. At this time Simms was trying to finish his first important novel, Beauchampe, and may have been too busy to respond to further requests for editorial assistance and advice. Another and more important reason, perhaps, is that early in 1842 Simms began to have closer ties with the Magnolia. In April of that year he assumed its editorship, a position which he held until June, 1843.

In the letter to the Magnolia quoted earlier, Simms said, "When I sit down to write for a Southern periodical — which I do only as a professional duty — I do so under the enfeebling conviction that my labors and those of the editor are taken in vain; — that the work will be little read, seldom paid for, and will finally, and after no very long period of spasmodic struggle, sink into that gloomy receptacle of the 'lost and abused things of earth,' which, I suspect, by this time possesses its very sufficient share of Southern periodical literature" (Letters, I, 200).

Simms's presentiment about Southern periodicals came to pass for the Companion. In May, 1842, he wrote to Lawson that the Companion would "probably go down at the end of the year." In August he was more definite, indicating that it would "probably stop on the 1st January" (Letters, I, 310, 322). The signs of decline were all too evident to Simms. A short August number was followed by an announcement in the September issue that there would be a reduction in price, "which would put it in the power of every one to become a subscriber." Apparently the subscriptions were not immediately forthcoming, however, for no numbers were issued in October and November. The December, 1842, and January, 1843, numbers appeared on schedule, but the February number was late. A note in the Editorial Department apologized for the delay and announced that there would

be no March issue and that the April and May issues would be combined. To counter what must have been the unmistakable evidence of decline, Mrs. Griffin stated optimistically, "Our readers may rest assured, that the Companion will appear with undeviating punctuality in [the] future; and we trust with renewed interest" (Companion, III, 200). No further numbers of the Companion appeared.

The failure of the Companion was due to many factors. To begin with, it was established at a time when competition was great. Frank Luther Mott suggests that approximately 500 periodicals (not counting newspapers) were begun between 1825 and 1850. Many of thesedid not survive more than a few months.[4]

In his introduction to James Russell Lowell's The Pioneer, Sculley Bradley points out that "in 1843 . . . the world of the American magazine was characterized by rapid expansion, ruthless competition, high mortality, and cheap devices to win the largest number of subscribers at whatever cost to artistic integrity."[5]

There were several personal factors involved in the failure of the Companion. A dispute developed between the Griffins and William Tappan Thompson in the late spring of 1842. Thompson had joined the Griffins in the early part of 1842, in a merger prompted by their need for editorial assistance and Thompson's need for funds with which to salvage his Augusta Mirror from financial collapse. The union lasted only a few months, however. According to Bertram Flanders, "The new editor had not been working long at his duties before friction developed between him and his associates. First of all, Thompson, in ill health at the time, was irked by his arduous duties. Griffin wanted him to perform the labors of a journeyman in the printing establishment. Thompson was editor, contributor, and general superintendent of the office. He read proof sheets, made up the pages of the magazine, and directed and assisted with the job work. He had no control over what went into the Companion or what was left out of it."[6]

The trouble came to a head when Thompson suggested that a series of sketches begun in an earlier issue and entitled "Cousin

Betsey's Letters on Matters and Things" be discontinued, unaware that Mrs. Griffin was the author. Thompson quit the Companion and was soon editing the Southern Miscellany. According to Flanders, "Both Griffin and Thompson aired their views of the controversy in the papers of the day, and strong words were used on both sides. . . . The Southern Miscellany published several of Thompson's 'Letters to the Public,' in one of which Mrs. Griffin was called 'a vain vulgar woman'" (Early Georgia Magazines, p. 65).

It also seems reasonable to assume that the magazine's failure was due in part to the fact that Mrs. Griffin could not supply the time and effort needed. Her seventh child was born in February, 1842, or February, 1843; either date would indicate an inevitable diminution in her professional efforts.

The Griffins remained in or near Macon until 1856, when they removed to Brunswick, Georgia. Four years later, they moved to Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. Griffin remained in printing and publication activities until his death in 1887. Mrs. Griffin is described as already an invalid when the family moved to Kansas. She had borne fourteen children of whom only five survived. Family tradition has it that in later years disaster or tragedy drew no more from her than the words, "I have no more tears." She died in 1872.[7]

Bertram Flanders offers this estimate of Mrs. Griffin's success: "The Family Companion stands at the very top of Georgia ante-bellum monthlies, sharing honors with the Magnolia (Savannah) and the Orion (Penfield). Mrs. Sarah Lawrence Griffin, though not the best judge in the world of reading matter, in some way managed to get

contributions that were among the best to be found in Southern periodicals."[8]

Although Simms's interest in the Companion was short-lived, his influence on it was substantial. He was generous with advice, encouragement, contributions, and editorial assistance. Judging from the suggestions she employed, it seems clear that Mrs. Griffin respected Simms's editorial experience and his knowledge of Southern periodicals.

Although several of Simms's letters to Mrs. Griffin are missing, those which are presented here provide a full picture of an interesting relationship. They also add a chapter to our understanding of Simms and his relationship to Southern periodicals.

*

The style followed in presenting these letters is similar to that employed in the collected Letters. The letters are printed verbatim — including misspellings, faulty punctuation, and Simms's own erratic capitalization — except for inadvertently repeated words and crossed-out words which have been omitted. Significant inadvertent omissions have been supplied in square brackets. Indecipherable words are represented by dashes in angle brackets, with a dash for each word. Conjectural readings are also supplied in angle brackets.

*

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

Letter 2

Your first number was received yesterday, & I must confess quite Surpasses my expectations. You have done wonders. In fineness of paper, neatness of appearance, general propriety and Completeness, your work will bear free comparison with the best of our periodicals. Your letter press too is very good. John Neal's verses are rather less mad than usual & Contain some forcible & fine lines.[20] Those by Wilde,[21] though not equal to some others of his pieces, are graceful & sensible. The paper on Classical Literature by our young Countryman Holmes[22] shows reading and is very well expressed. Perhaps it shows too much reading. The notes are quite unnecessary & cumber the narrative, besides giving an air of pedantry to the paper which lessens the reader's interest as well in the writer as in the Subject. If they are to be put in, I would recommend that you throw them at the foot of the columns, and not suffer them to be massed like so many hyeroglyphics, to themselves. The article on Education, though very <sensible> & Showing thought is too long.[23] The commonplaces of this Subject should be rejected in Such essays. Of the tales I cannot well judge having only glanced at a few paragraphs. Your own Editorials (Qu?) betray unnecessary timidity. I suspect you feel alarmed, but you really

need not. You give an ample quality of matter, and in this you have the advantage of Several of your Competitors. I do not think your artists have been quite Successful with the plate.[24] The choice of the subject was very unfortunate. The scene itself, now that my taste is more mature, should never have been written. At all Events it is one of those Scenes of which the artists Could make little or nothing. You recollect, also, that I warned you that the Partisan I considered the most faulty and the least successful of my books. You were pleased to think differently, but without impressing me with your own more favorable estimate. How you can give a plate at all, is another subject of wonder. — I intended that my Sonnets should be published as a series. I wrote you or meant to write you, that I should regularly give you a contribution of verse for each Number. Let me beg that you will put the remaining Sonnets in a batch together[25] — unless they usurp a place that might be better occupied. — I note your offer for prizes. Perhaps, it would be advisable to define to your readers what you require for a prose tale, of what length &c. A small prize for the best essay of two or three pages might also be of good results. Of course you have the privilege of publishing such as you please of the unsuccessful articles. Mr. Hart has a subscriber for you, for whom you must send a copy. He, Mr. H., suggests you should send a show copy of the work to him. He is an excellent man and will make a good agent.

I do not know what your calculations are. I trust you may not deceive yourself. I suppose you See the Magnolia. I think it not possible that such a work can be successful. It wants variety.[26] Yours has Enough; but subscriptions in the South are bad things, and Correspondents not to be relied on. Your chance is better as your book is larger, better looking, and promises to compete on Equal ground with the Northern journals of the same class. In the number of pages you beat both the N. Y. Companion and Godey's Lady's Book. I have just bought one of your first books for children[27] I think it very good. It is not improbable that your Class Books for the South will take the lead of all others. —[28]

At this moment I am a<laborer> at the mill. I have Some literary engagements with Northern publishers which Scarcely leave me time for sleep. I have written you this scrawl, with tremulous fingers, after penning 20 pages foolscap. In the early part of the Season Sickness, night-watching &

finally death in my family,[29] kept me from performing my tasks. It will be November before I am free. This will excuse me to you for not having complied with your request for a Story. — By the way, when you set up my Indian Sketch,[30] perhaps it will be safer to send me a proof. Send me 2. — by different mails; so that, should one fail the other may be sure. In conclusion, let me say, again — you have done wonders. Your work does equal credit to the taste of the publisher and the talents of the Editor. I have little or no fault to find. What I have, is already expressed. I put up a copy of my poems for you some months ago, but it remains still with Hart waiting for an opportunity to be sent. Can you suggest one? With Sincere wishes for your Success. I am very respectfully

Letter 3

If I might presume so far, I should concur entirely with your husband in assuming that you do want nothing but practice and very little more of that, to edit your Companion with satisfactory Success. At all Events do not weaken yourself by a premature distrust of your own ability. One thing alone should make you confident. There is precious little ability in any editorial department, in any of the established monthlies. What is the Messenger's, the Knickerbocker's, which are considered among the best? The one is a blank, the other a petit maitre in the literary image of a monstrous petty circle.[32] In the Competition, at least, which you are to meet, there is nothing to alarm you. But I trust you will work out your editorials without regard to the doings of your bretheren. The standards

of composition should be intrinsic. The ideal of one's own mind should be the highest & the best.

I should prefer that the Sonnets should go together. They were meant as a sort of family group. I am very sorry that Oakatibbe does not please you, the more particularly as just now I am over head & ears in labor and can do nothing out of the <brain>. You are aware that the story was meant to be Subservient to the argument. Perhaps a brief note to this effect would be of Service.[33] At all Events you promised me a proof of it. Do let me have two impressions sent by different mails — So that if one sh'd fail, we should still be tolerably sure of the other. Touching the price of these contributions I can say nothing. I leave this matter entirely to yourself for the present. I should be better pleased that you should determine their value for yourself. This will depend on the degree of patronage you receive. At all Events I am willing that it should be so, in respect to the Sonnets & Oakatibbe. We can have a more decided understanding in the Event of further contributions.

I do not know that I shall be free to do anything for a month, unless it be to correct some occasional Copies of verse which are already by me. Pledges of performance made a year ago, and interrupted by the Sickness & death in my family, are now pressing upon me. I write daily, an average from 15 to 22 pages of foolscap. Hard work this, & grievously against the Spirit. I trust to be free by November & to continue tolerably free during the winter. The paper of Mr. Curtis on Sacred Poetry[34] is very well written. The Ins & Outs very spirited — very well done. Perhaps a little over done — but Still lively & stirring. Who is the author? — I can not guess.[35]

I repeat that your book is singularly creditable, — not as a first number merely. I do not doubt that you will Succeed in making a deserving & valuable miscellany — of your recompenses I say nothing. Time will show. You give perhaps too much matter, but you know best. — I regret to hear that you have been sick, but the bracing airs of October are already with us, and you cannot help but do well now. You have my Sincere wishes for your restoration to health, with the Success of your literary & all other pursuits.

Very respectfully
[Y]r obt Sevt &c
W. G. Simms

P. S. You request a very spirited article for No. 3? When will that number appear? I know not what leisure will be left me, and can therefore promise

nothing. But one thing I may say — I regard the writing of Small Stories as a grievous task. These things are done by every body. I have become So arbitrary in these matters, that I write only in obedience to my humours. I prefer a spirited essay or Review — perhaps a Sketch mingling philosophy & humour, — as for example, my article in Godey's Lady's Book for Sep. — "The Philosophy of the Omnibus."[36]

The toil of inventing a tale of 20 pages is about as great as that of inventing it for 2 vols. I do not think you will Ever want for Stories. Our magazine writers are Spinning them day & night. They are the Staple. You will rather want the <—> weights by which they are to be balanced — kept down — kept from being too etherial & flying away with the 'Companion.' You must give me the privilege accorded me elsewhere, of writing according to the movements of my own mind. I shall then write more confidently, and I trust more successfully.

Letter 4

My new work is not yet published, though I suppose it will be very shortly. I have not a Sheet or passage of it in my possession, and by the time you could receive them from Phila. I suspect the whole work would be in the hands of the public. I should have no sort of reluctance to provide you with the sheets, were I able. I send by Mr. Hart's bundle to Mr. Griffin a copy of my Poems. I am in possession of a few copies which I should like to dispose of, as I happened to be originally interested in their Sale. Do you suppose that Macon would furnish a market to a small extent. Pray, oblige me by making this inquiry of your husband to whom they may be sent if the prospect of selling them shall seem fair to him. For my own part I have no faith in our taste for any of the Fine arts. I send you by this mail, a copy of the Charleston Courier of this day which contains a notice of the "Companion."[38] Our papers are chiefly business sheets, do not deal

much in Literary Criticism and perhaps exercise a very small influence over the opinions of our people. You are already in possession of my opinions on the subject of periodical Literature and its chances of success in the South. Your State betrays a more active character, and a more ambitious spirit, in Literary matters than any of its Southern Sisters, and this may tend to falsify my predictions and disperse my fears. At all Events, whatever I may do incidentally in promoting the success of your journal, shall be done. But individually I go but Seldom into Society, and my time is really so much tasked, that I am prevented doing what I would, for yourself & other literary friends, in the shape of an occasional notice in the public prints. I trust shortly to be relieved from this pressure, when, if a kind word from me will be of service, your work shall have it. — The writer of the Pacolette papers is not a Mr. Porter, but "Col. Henry of Spartanburg."[39] I really forget his Christian name & address, but will Endeavor to procure & send them to you. Possibly, a communication addressed simply as above will find him out. You should secure the contributions of Dr. Wm. H. Simmons of St. Augustine,[40] a gentleman who writes a very excellent article in Prose & verse, though a very villainous scrawl. Your Printer will be very apt to regard it as Tony Lumpkin regarded the pothooks of his cousin. He is the author of an account of the Seminole Indians, and of "Onea" one of the most beautiful fragments of Southern poetry which I can now lay my hands on. He may also have in his possession some of the inedited M.S.S. of his brother who is now Treasurer of the Republic of Texas — Mr. James W. Simmons, the author of "The Exile's Return" and sundry other volumes of prose & verse. No doubt you would be able to secure a valuable Contributor in W. H. S. and he might prompt his brother ultimately to give you a series of Texan sketches to which task he is very Competent. My History of South Carolina,[41] has now been published about a year. It is very generally adopted in our Schools and will probably become in time the Class Book throughout the State. I am now meditating a Second & Stereotype Edition, and would be glad to supply Mr. Griffin with any number for his series on very favorable terms. For the copyright of the work, my price is $3,000. I had commenced taking notes for a History of Georgia, on a similar plan, but laid it aside under the pressure of other labors.[42] I will probably finish it this winter, and should be pleased to find a Purchaser for it in Mr. Griffin. It would not be so copious a work as that of South Carolina. Should Mr. G. be so pleased I should like to treat with him for two abridged histories of Carolina & Georgia. These, however, it appears to me should be separate. We in South Carolina are under the impression that there is some little jealousies toward us, in some sections of your State, which operate unfavorably to both Countries. It is one important work before you as Editress to smoothe down these ruffling prejudices, and inspire the people of both regions with a Sense of the necessity of harmonious action as the only means of securing a common fame and a prolonged existence. To recur — I should be pleased to have proposals from Mr. G. for Either one or both of these Histories. — I shall be very well pleased to receive the series of your Publications.[43] I have two daughters, the one 12, the other 2 years old, to whom they will be valuable. —

With much respect,
I am, Madam,
Yr very obt Servant
W. G. Simms

P. S. I can provide Mr. Griffin with a few copies of three of my works, which I suspect have never been offered for sale in Macon — viz:

The sale of these would promote my interests in Some small degree.

Letter 5

Do send your work to "James Lawson, Esq, New York, ["][46] and credit him with his subscription for one year, which amt. you will please charge to me. Mr. Lawson, by the way, is a Gentleman of Letters who writes both prose & verse with ability, and you would find him a valuable acquisition could you Secure his assistance. He writes for the Knickerbocker & the South. Lit Messenger, and was the author of the Biography of Bryant.[47] I reviewed his writings in the latter work sometime last year.[48] May I hope to hear from Mr. G. shortly on the subjects of my last letter. I should like to treat with him for an Edition of 1500 Copies of a School History of Georgia. On the first Novem. my address will be "Midway, Barnwell District, South Carolina.—" I send you a vol. of Poems in a bundle which Hart puts up for you today.

Letter 6

You see by this I have changed my abode for the Season. Jack Frost gives us carte blanche (almost literally) and we are once more among the "woods and braes of bonny" Edisto. Perhaps, this change has Somewhat delayed the progress of your proofsheet; the first part of which only reached me last evening. I have corrected it and return it by this day's mail. You refer to Some portions of your last which I left unanswered. The omission was surely accidental. Indisposition & the singular pressure of my literary

tasks, may have rendered me more than usually obtuse and unobserving. May I trespass upon you so far as to request that you will readvise me of any topic which I have failed to notice, — as just now amidst the confusion by which I am Surrounded, it will not be easy for me to lay hands upon the letter to which you allude. Your last letter dated Oct. 2 did not reach me until Nov. It is Endorsed, as brought by private hand, but at the Same time postmarked at Macon, Oct. 20.(?) Did I mention to you that one or two of your previous letters, Sent by private hand, were postmarked to me, a month after, from N. York? I see favorable notices of your work in Several of the Northern papers. I have no Sort of doubt that you will make a work highly deserving of both praise & profit. May they always go together. I give the rest of my letter to Mr. Griffin.

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]

Letter 8

In making out my account and drawing upon you, I entirely forgot to give you credit for the subscription of Mr. Lawson[60] (not Hall) of New York. But I will send an article to Mrs. Griffin which will Square our obligations.[61] I deducted one half of the difference of exchanges, however, as amounting to something like Six dollars. I had directed an exchange with the Companion before receiving your letter, and by this time, I suppose that Mrs. G. must be in receipt of the July number of the Magnolia. A notice of her School Books was prepared but excluded from our July number by the press of matter which had been lying some time on hand. I am in hopes that Mr. Binger will treat with you for the Companion. Say to Mrs. G. that I should really be well pleased to have her a <resident> of Charleston. I do not see that the injustice of her contemporaries is any evil, since it will have the effect of Stimulating her exertion to disprove their disaparagements, and babble their hostility.[62] If wrong indues her with the proper strength and courage it will prove a blessing rather than an injury. As for the Knickerbocker & some of its kindred works, as I happen to know them well, I know how to despise Them. I am glad that Mrs. G. is sufficiently bold to see, the truth, even through that thick veil of Veneration, which, in the South, our people are too apt to cast over the real character of what is distant. Here we venerate any thing that is not known. By a joint & corresponding action, we may soon strip these miserable Jays of their borrowed plumage. —

On the subject of the work "Beauchampe"[63] I should much prefer just now to say nothing. It and its Companions are imputed to me, and in such cases I neither deny nor admit. It will give me no sort of concern

whether they impute it to me or not, in whatever terms; — my rule is simply, not, myself, to give them any authority which they might use, for doing either. Mrs. G— will not only easily understand me, but my reasons, in this matter. Say to her that the Magnolia shall always be sent her — that I have an unfeigned respect for her talents — & congratulate her Sincerely on what she has done, & upon her increasing courage. Her article on Campbell was well done.[64] I shall be really happy to know her better. — I fancy that you & Pendleton[65] had best say nothing to each other. You seem both too bitter & too hostile to concur in any arrangement. Mr. Binger is a man of plain business habits, much moderation & good Sense — very strict in what he undertakes & very Cautious in all money matters. He tells me that your charge for your list is an extravagant one. On this subject, as I really know nothing, I pretend to no opinion. With best respects to your lady & good wishes,

Notes