―320―

to correspondents.

THE Editor has just received a
very flattering letter, accompanied
with two small pamphlets, from the
borders of the Mississippi. The
writer is assured that no applause
can be more acceptable than that
which is obtained from such men as
himself…..'Tis fame indeed when the
praise-worthy praise. It is with
great reluctance that he reminds
his correspondent of that political
neutrality to which he has condemn-
ed himself, and which obliges him
to decline the introduction of the
favours sent him. No one can be
more sensible than he is of the me-
rit of the performances alluded to,
as specimens of eloquence; and he
would willingly adorn his pages with
the whole or part of them, if he
were not under a moral necessity
of silence. Should his correspond-
ent find time or inclination to send
any thing of a popular and general
nature, the production of his own or
any of his friends, it will be receiv-
ed with gratitude and pleasure.

Valverdi has received a place in
the present number. Will this cor-
respondent forgive the Editor for
hinting, that he holds a much more

judicious and masterly pen in prose
than in verse? In the former pro-
vince, the most austere and scrupu-
lous critic must acknowledge his
merit, while, in the poetical track,
his step is more indicative of future
than of present excellence. For
Valverdi's favours, in prose, we
shall always be particularly grate-
ful, while we lament the necessity
of omitting other favours, probably
written with a hasty and careless
hand.

C***** is sincerely thanked for
his reproofs, to which a due atten-
tion shall be paid. We regret that
any thing, in this publication, has
given uneasiness to any religious
mind. Nothing could be more re-
mote from the intention of the writer
of the pieces alluded to, than to call
in question, or even to speak disres-
pectfully of, the tenets or practices
of any sect. As he has always avoid-
ed the reality, so he will hereafter
study to shun even the appearance,
of such contempt. That class which
our correspondent represents, is be-
hind none in the moral and intellec-
tual merit of the individuals of which
it is composed.

The author of the poetical epistle,
published in the present number, is
thanked for his communication…..
Any coin from the same mint will
always be deemed genuine and cur-
rent with us.

To M………. we cannot give any
satisfactory answer. We know not
what is already done, nor what is
intended to be done, in the affair he
mentions. His wishes correspond
with that of a writer, whose thoughts
he will have an opportunity of ex-
amining in the present number…..
The Editor presumes not to form a
judgment in this matter, till the
whole subject is before him.

The Editor regrets that a very
valuable communication, containing
an authentic abstract of the travels
of Baron Humboldt, drawn up from
his own notes, came too late to re-
ceive such a place in the present
number as its importance deserves.
It is inserted by way of supplement.