Text: Lawrence Labree, “Literary: ‘Old Kit’ and James Russell Lowell,” Illustrated Magazine of Literature and Art (New York, NY), vol. I, no. 4, October 11, 1845, p. 64, col. 2

LITERARY.

“OLD KIT” and JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. — In the September number of Blackwood, we have another ferocious growl from the Editor toward a young American Author, which we are happy to see is meeting with a just response. Among others, Mr. Poe, has taken up the gauntlet, and reciprocates his savageisms with proper severity. That Mr. L. erred, is perfectly apparent. He goes abroad with a broadaxe, when he should leave it at home. He attempts to resuscitate what has found its grave in the judgment of discriminating men for full half a century: so far our sympathy runs in favor of his assailant. We have too long imported our opinions upon such subjects, and their EXPORTATION, (or any other course, but that of indifference) is the only one in the premises. We have a broad arena HERE, and with such genius as Mr. L. possesses, if employed more rationally than writing Popish dialogues upon defunct dunces, we shall soon assume a position which will give us the right and power to decide for England, for Europe, and, what is much better than either for OURSELVES.