of the one be proportionate to the failure of the other. Let us consider briefly the status of Literature in the South, supposing that it will not materially vary before the advent of peace, and in view of the probably early termination of the war.

each individual reflects his own taste and Messenger, as will also the disappointment judgment, and the great variety of opinion which must inevitably prevail among a large number of persons respecting any one subject, will suggest to the mind of the reader some idea of the various and composite character of the audience to whose entertainment we must minister. In the opinion of the world at large, we We must all at some period of our lives should be guilty of not a little arrogance, realize the importance of the old maxim in making any pretension to a national litof the necessity of concession to differen erature, notwithstanding the evidence of ces in taste. To those who point us to intellectual activity which the war has Blackwood for a model, to those for whom evoked, and the number of publications the Westminster has been a favorite com- which it has called into being. That would panion, and to the numerous admirers of be an exceedingly superficial view of the the Edinburg, the Cornhill; &c., we would matter which could suppose the mere temsay in all humility and sincerity that were porary efflorescence of the popular mind it possible we would cheerfully devote our a certain indication of well-grounded seed selves solely to your special amusement. promising a permanent and luxuriant But where is the guarantee that in minis-growth of healthful and enduring fruits. tering exclusively to the taste of one, we Nor will the achievement of our indepen should not fall very far short of the appro-dence alone constitute a great millenium bation of others, not forgetting too that nu- of literary regeneration. Just as in the merous class whose classification is hard-establishment of our political and commer ly known to the nomenclature of literature,cial interests upon a wise and safe basis, whose literary investigations have never we shall need a careful circumspection, gone beyond the ordinary text-books of the we shall have still greater occasion to emschool-house and the daily newspapers, ploy all our energies, and all our sagacity though occasionally diversified in times of in the embarkation of the delicate interest peace by a perusal of Harper's Magazine of Literature upon the uncertain tide of the and the New York Ledger, and for whose Future. Having no history except the educational advancement it will be one of tragic present, of whose scenes and events the highest obligations of editorial duty we are the interested spectators, and among Southern journalists to labour. therefore disqualified by our passions and As one of the pioneers in the great and prejudices for impartial judgment, a long arduons undertaking of the literary regen- time will elapse before we have our eration of the Southern people, we have Humes and Robertsons, Guizots and Gibtwo objects in view-a duty to discharge bons to trace our national progress; the and an individual interest to protect, not inspiration will not be wanting to create by any means wishing to assign the latter poets; indeed, in Hope, Thompson, Tima position of subordinate significance, for rod, Hayne, and others we have them alwe would impress upon our friends that ready, but centuries perhaps will elapse editors must have the pabulum of life, and before we can distinguish between our that like many other people they have a "Schools" of the "Transition" and the great aversion to devoting their energies" Lake" between our Chaucers and Spenand abilities to an enterprize which does sers, Miltons and Cowpers, Burns', Byrons not promise ample remuneration. Happi- and Wordsworths. Having virtually no ly the reconciliation of this duty and this history, and par consequence, comparatively interest, in our opinion, is not an impossi- few of those great landmarks of thought ble consummation. The successful prose and reflection in the shape of grand events, cution of the policy we have chosen in teaching the significance of historic order contributing our portion to the develope-in the majestic march of centuries, we ment of Southern literature' will of course shall necessarily find the earlier exhibitions measure the material prosperity of the of Southern genius imitative of others

rather than creative of a type of our own. taste is the culmination of literary distincWe do not ignore the national individuali- tion as realized for example by Dickens, or ty of the South which is quite as palpable Thackeray, or Fielding. and impressive in its features as those of Like all people much given to talking, any other mould of nationality. But be- Southerners, as a people, are little given to yond the expression of the more distinctly reading. Our education, like that of an pronounced features, of this national indi-old Greek, is derived chiefly from converviduality for some time to come our most sation and verbal discussion; and though marked successes in literature will consti- from this cause our opinions and perceptute simply approximations to the nume- tions are always ready and generally clever rous models before us. The selection of in subtilty, they are too often characterized these models of style for themselves and by the sophistry of superficiality. We can of thought for their readers will constitute never become profound in either thought one of the most important and delicate du- or education until this superficial habit of ties of Southern writers and journalists. education shall be supplied by some more It is to be hoped that no occasion exists durable form of instruction. Indeed, not for adinonition of the propriety of avoid-until we shall become more of a reading ing imitation of Yankee composition, while and less of a talking people, which latter in the various departments of English lit-result cannot be consummated until such erature we shall look for the safest and reading is placed in the hands of the peomost attractive examples.

ple as will arrest their interested attention. The mass of men cannot be transformed in an instant into philosophers and savans,

and until the dream of Utopia is realized, when all men shall occupy one common footing of blissful equality, some conces sion must be made to degrees of intellectual advancement, as well as to degrees in cultivation of taste. Let our literary men remember this; otherwise those who em brace the profession of letters will do little more than save themselves from starvation

while the people look to others for the entertainment which they cannot find at home.

The literary men of the South will receive a salutary lesson, both for themselves and for those whom they wish to be their readers, when they shall appreciate the necessity of avoiding models of a too exclusive or elevated caste. If we wish the people to read we must make our offerings suitable to their capacity and taste. That capacity and taste can be educated and developed, but not suddenly or by violent remedies. The popular taste can be elevated gradually and even rapidly, if it shall receive wholesome food agreeably administered. The people will inexora- There is nothing whatever in the prosbly demand of those who claim their sup-pective condition of the Confederacy, either part, information and discussion of those political, commercial, or social, which for things which concern their personal and bids the sanguine expectation of a permanational interests, and a agreeable to nent advancement of the literary profestheir individual tastes and fancies. If sion. All the theories which can be urged, Southern writers cannot furnish this the such as the incompatibility of the predomi people will inevitably, as heretofore, seek nance of agricultural interests and an adit from those who will with alacrity-Yan-vanced state of letters, the indifference of kees and foreigners. the Southern mind to its literary interests, To thus meet the popular requirements, and the numerous other suggestions of inand at the same time exalt the popular superable obstacles to the growth of literataste, it is not necessary to write down to ture, should be but so many additional ina level of ignorance and vulgarity, from centives to exertion with those who have which education and decency should ever the matter in hand. What fact of physi shrink with disgust. The capacity to de-ology, or suggestion of common sense, can pict popular subjects in their true traits furnish a tangible reason why a planter of and colours, so that all classes of society may recognize their fidelity, and yet avoid offence to the refinements of cultivated

Virginia, or South Carolina, should be more disinclined to reading than a shoemaker of Massachusetts, or a coal-digger of Penn

sylvania, provided acceptable matter is] offered him? We, who are most interested A correspondent reminds us of the in this matter, have only to obey the sug- omission to mention, in our last monthly gestions of practical wisdom, to disregard summary, which contained an account of the wild theories based upon anything else Kilpatrick's raid around Richmond, the than practical experience and common honourable part enacted by Henley's Bat sense, which will be urged upon us for talion in the defence of our menaced meadoption; to consult the popular taste; if tropolis. We cheerfully supply this omisnecessary to make proper concessions to sion as an act of simple justice to a gal. it, and thus to control it gradually along the successive stages of improvement.

| land command of worthy gentlemen, who so nobly discharged the obligations of pa We should not overlook one important triotism, and whose conduct is worthy of feature in our past history, which, in the more enduring record than that supplied unhappy consequences of our previous in- by the accounts of the daily newspapers. difference to the philosophy which it The successful defence of Richmond teaches, should not fail of as an earnest against this most serious attempt of the and impressive lesson-the absence of enemy, preserving it not only from cap. unity of purpose, sympathy and co-opera-ture, but from the horrors of a most barbation among the literary men of the South. rous incendiarism and massacre, will conA contemporary, a few days since, appro-stitute a striking episode not only in priately called attention to the touching the history of this struggle, but in the anspectacle witnessed at the grave of Thack-nals of modern warfare." The whole eray; Dickens weeping, with all the sin-country resounded with one gallant ac cerity of the tenderest fraternal attach-claim of praise to these gallant citizen ment, over the remains of his great com- soldiers, who, with a devoted zeal seldom petitor for popular fame, whom he none paralleled, abandoned at a moment's the less regarded as a noble and illustrious warning the pursuit of civil avocations, brother in a most worthy cause, at whose to become the heroes of an achievement sepulchre, in common with other "fellow-of which a brigade of veterans' might be workers in the Arts," he mourned as an "old comrade and brother in arms." Such

We

justly proud. That day of Dahlgreen's repulse at "Glenbernie" is the noble spirit of sympathy, which, hov vindication of our Department clerks, a gave a proud ering like the Genius of Good over the class of citizens who had been the unde pathway of aspiring merit, conducts it so serving objects of so many shafts of maloften through the portals of Fame, and ice, whose usefulness has been questioned, whose absence cramps the pinions of whose patriotism has been doubted, whom Genius, and condemns it to a condition of even members of Congress, in a spirit of obscurity and neglect. Can we not feel Buncombe and demagogueism, have as ourselves "co-workers in a grand cause sailed with a malignity unworthy of their worthy of our sincere devotion, united zeal and unflagging perseverance? station, who nevertheless perform more actually indispensable service to the country may complain of the refusal of society to than any other equal number of individ recognize us as one of its most valuable uals, and have most signally exhibited constituent classes, of the refusal of men to concede our usefulness, but we shall their capacity and readiness to meet any continue to experience the same want of obligation which the exigencies of the consideration until we shall assert our country may require. We will not be aeclaim to recognition. Let us constitute cused of interested motives in offering ourselves a class entitled to universal re-this feeble tribute to meritorious services, cognition, by a ready and earnest embrace since we are no Government clerk, and of the advantages of harmony, unity of very much question our fitness for that action and zealous co-operation, and we useful position, whose duties require shall not be long in receiving our rightful much more of practical experience and measure of consideration and honour. business qualification than many people imagine.

Literary Notices.

MACARIA, or Altars of SACRIFICE, By the
Author of Beulah.

Our correspondent says: "Harper's failure to answer each contributor indi Magazine for April, after mentioning some vidually. We are not responsible for of the incidents of the raid, states' that MSS. after they are published as rejected, the second line of fortifications, a mile longer than the appearance of the next nearer, was reached, and a desultory fire succeeding number. was kept up for some hours. But it was clear that the defences of Richmond were not to be successfully assailed by cavalry.' The fight with Dahlgreen took place on the Westham plank road, 24 miles from the city, on ground hastily chosen by Captain McAnneny, in command of the Departmental Battalion, upon the sudden appearance of the enemy; and after an engagement of thirty minutes, these robbers and mercenaries were repulsed, after two desper ate attempts to charge our lines. have an acknowledgment in the above extract, as well as from the press of the Con federacy, and by an act of the Virginia Legislature, that the clerks of the Confederate Government contributed materially to the salvation of Richmond and its citizens from the execution of the diabolical orders of Dahlgreen, and the brave command should always receive the praise to which they are justly entitled." We heartily endorse our correspondent's opinion, believ ing the repulse of Dahlgreen, all things considered, one of the most gallant achievements of the war.

We

The reading public, we are assured, will receive with sincere delight the announcement of the appearance of a new novel from the pen of the gifted lady whose Beulah" a few years since gave so much pleasure to a large number of readers. The conceded superiority of the author of Beulah over all our Southern female novelists, the well-established reputation which she enjoys, which is by no means confined to the Confederacy, and the great interest which her previous writings have inspired, will undoubtedly command an unusual degree of attention for her last production. We are satisfied that "Macaria" will fully realize in power, interest and general attraetiveness the justly fastidious requirements The ladies of Richmond, we are in- which public taste will exact from it in formed, design presenting, through Mr. view of its having the same authorship with Beulah. The hasty perusal which we Secretary Memminger, during the present week, a beautiful Confederate flag to the have been compelled to give it, just as we Battalion, as a fitting expression of confi-are placing our last page in the hands of dence in their valour to preserve untar- the printer, while it has assured us of the nished its consecrated colours, and of their superior merit of "Macaria" has by no gratitude to the defenders of their fire-means satisfied our desire for a more famisides.

BEJECTED MSS.

"Tramp, Tramp, Tramp"-"Memories" "Wasted Heart ""Little Boy ""Les Miserables"-Is It Anybody's Business? "A Love Letter."

liar acquaintance with its beauties of style and manner.

We are convinced of its great superiority to any similar production of Southern writers during the war, and are pleased to note its appearance as the most promising indication that we have yet seen of a fu ture elevated standard of Fiction among Southern authors.

By the announcement of Messrs. West & Johnston as the publishers of "Macaria," the public will understand that everything which good taste, liberality and enterprize could impart in paper, typography, &c. has

The above named contributions are respectfully declined, and will be returned upon receipt of the necessary postage. The large number of MSS. presented for our decision will be an apology for our been abundantly supplied.

A SECтCH OF THE LIFE OF RANDOLPH FAIR- cordial support from the cl:urch whose inFAX. a Private in the Ranks of the Rock-terests it seeks to promote. bridge Artillery. With a Brief Account of Jackson's Valley Campaign.

This pamphlet is the work of Rev. Phil ip Slaughter, an eminent divine of the Episcopal Church in Virginia, and is designed to commemorate one of the most splendid illustrations of the Christian hero which the war has exhibited. The sketch seems to have been a labor of love to its distinguished author, and is a fitting trib. nite to virtues which though unostentatiously displayed in the humble position of private, were yet so conspicuous as to elicit eulogy from the illustrious comman der of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the no less honourable testimonials of his

brave comrades in arms. We regret that our limited space does not permit the republication of the noble letter of Gen. Lee to the father of the gallant youth, written a few days after his fall at the first battle of Fredericksburg.

EDUCATION AFTER THE WAR

Is the title of a letter addressed to a member of the Southern Educational Con vention at Columbia, S. C., by Professor Edward S. Joynes. This is an exceeding. ly able paper, upon one of the most vital interests of the country. Professor Joynes is well known in Virginia as one of the most accomplished of our professional literary men. As Professor of Greek literature in the venerable college of William & Mary before the war, and in other positions of public usefulness, he has given evidence of abilities an:l attainments of a high character. He rightly says that those matters which pertain to our educational interests are "next in importance to the war itself, in which are staked our exis

tence and our liberties."

GRAMMAR OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE; By
Jno. Christison, of Dundee College. First
Confederate edition.

A more careful examination of this

We have received from Messrs. Evans & Cogswell, at Columbia, S. C., copies of General Orders from the Adjutant and In- work than we were able to give it prespector General's Office, Confederate States vious to our last issue, has satisfied us of Army, dating from January 1862, to De. its decided merit. We commend it to the cember 1863, (both inclusive), in two seattention of teachers and pupils in the ries. Also, appended certain orders of the Confederacy. The Grammar is a careful present (1864) series, which are of imme-adaptation of the work of a most eminent diate interest and value to the army. Ac-and successful teacher, and is prepared by companying the volume is an Analytical a gentleman of extensive practical expeIndex, with material enlargement and im-rience in the business of education. We provement. The work is very handsomely executed, and we recommend it to the public and to officers of the army especial ly, as a most valuable publication.

invite attention to the advertisements upon our back sheets of Messrs. Dunn & Co., the enterprising publishers of this and numerous other publications, of value and interest.

CONFEDERATE STATES MEDICAL AND SURGI
CAL JOURNAL..

We have the April No. of the Southern Presbyterian Review, conducted by an Association of Ministers, in Columbia, S. Carolina. The" Review" will be found We omitted to mention in our last numto be exceedingly interesting, containing ber the reception of the February issue of a number of very ably written articles, the Surgical Journal, which has a variety among them a discussion of the proposed of articles of interest to the profession, plan of Union between the General As-embracing original communications, hoss sembly and the United Synod of the South, pital reports, editorial and miscellaneous by Rev. Dr. Palmer, the distinguished pul-matter, and a chronicle of medical scipit orator, of New Orleans. The Review ence. Like most of the publications of

is conducted in a style worthy of the high Messrs. Ayres & Wade, the Journal is die character of the Presbyterian clergy of the tinguished by much neatness and tame is South, and we doubt not will command a lits typographical features.