APPENDIX B

LETTERS OF T. W. WHITE TO LUCIAN MINOR

Richmond, Feb. 17, 1835.(1)

Lucian Minor, Esq.

My Dear Sir,

Most anxiously have I looked for a letter from you ever since you left Virginia, — and I am at last gratified with one announcing your safe arrival at your present residence, — a residence however which I must again invite you to change for one among us.

My devoted friend Heath cannot find the leisure to do me half that service which he wishes; and continually importunes me to procure the assistance of a competent editor, — and no other name always [page 94:] assails me than yours — “Get Lucian Minor,” — “Get Lucian Minor” — “he is the man for you, and for your Messenger,” — always accompanying his recommendation with a highly colored panegyrick.

Nor is Mr. H. the only individual who points you out as the very individual I ought to have. Professor Rogers (your warm friend) who was on a visit here last week, is equally zealous that I should have you for my editor as is my totally-uninterested and disinterested friend Heath. Nor am I less anxious than either H. or R. I therefore earnestly again invite you to my editorial chair, — for which services I will hand you a compensation of $800 per annum. To be sure the salary is not an enormous one, — nor yet are the services which I should expect from you enormous. I cannot believe that what you would be called upon to contribute to my paper, would at all enterfere [sic] with your professional duties. True, I should have occasionally to consult and advise with you, — but half a dozen hours per week would consume all I would have to pour in your ear. — And, I am equally sure, that 24 more hours in the week, would be amply sufficient for you to nourish my Messenger.

Touching practice in Richmond, I am satisfied you can get as much of that as you would care for. — You have many strong and discriminating friends in this quarter. Heath himself is a host, — and I know he would leave no stone unturned to serve you.

Admitting I was totally disinterested, I would still say to you — “Come to Richmond by all means.” — Your “stipend” from me is as certain as if it were promised by Chief Justice Marshall. — I leave no stone unturned in my profession, — and as I do nothing without giving God all the thanks [from my heart — speak I cannot](2) so I firmly believe he will not suffer me to fall thro’ in the vocation to which I have been brought up and to which I am almost enthusiastically devoted.

I was pleased to hear that you presented my few introductory lines to Dr. Shattuck.(3) — He is indeed a gentleman — and a scholar. I know of no man who is more justly entitled to praise — he is scrupulously honest — and as humane as he is honest. I wish he would send [page 95:] his subscription — I would then show him the Virginia character, the re-remittance should be made. When I knew him in Boston, I was indeed a child of nature. Poor — but happy.

I am not taken by surprise in the treatment my Messenger received from Buckingham.(4) He is, it is true, a man of great talents — I might almost say of wonderful talents. There is one thing [he](5) lacks however — Charity. And, I fear I might add to the catalogue a long list of sins equally reprehensible. He belongs to the Walpole school, in the full meaning of the price he set upon the mass of the corrupt.

So soon as I can spare the time I will make out and forward to you a list of names of contributors to Nos. 4 & 5.

Yours truly,  
Thomas W. White.

Richmond, April 18, 1835.

Lucian Minor, Esq.

My Dear Sir, —

You cannot feel half the mortification which I do that your No. 5 does not grace my 7th No. — It will however lose none of its interest by its postponement till No. 8. Come when it will it will be sure to meet with a most favorable reception from the entire reading public.

I am in hopes you will find leisure to give me a continuation of these interesting letters, notwithstanding all your fears to the contrary.

The Tale from Florian(1) pleases the Chief Justice. He spoke to me of its excellence, — and pointed out a real Democratic truth in it — namely, beginning, if I remember correctly, about 4 lines from top of first col. of page 379 and going down 7 or 8 or more lines.

I have called E. V. Sparhawk's attention to that part of your letter touching his notice of New-England Letter No. 4. He promises to look to it. [page 96:]

You will receive by the same mail which conveys this letter to you, a proof-sheet of No. 5 Letter. Be good enough to read it over with great care; and, if possible, return it to me by return mail.

I will give you the names of all the writers for the present No. of the Messenger at least all I know, — and all I feel free to disclose to you.

Reminiscences of a Western Traveller, — by Judge Beverley Tucker.(2) Marrying Well — Charles Brown, Merchant, Philadelphia.(3) Sketch of Virginia Scenery — Miss DuPre, of Powhatan.(4) Shipwreck, — (poor affair) — by a gentleman of Alexandria; — facts however.(5) I dare say he likes it vastly well. Thoughts on Affection, by John H. Bernard, of Caroline.(6) — This article is really a miserable affair — I say to you a complete failure. Fine Arts — George Cooke, — Artist.(7) Scene in Paris, — from the Pen of Professor Saunders.(8) — Read it and tell me if he has not carried you to the spot. — If I am not an enthusiast, you will agree with me that Saunders is a transcendantly chaste and most beautiful writer. — Added to all he is a gentleman.

Rosalie Lee — by P. P. Cooke, of Winchester.(9) — Stray leaves, — unknown.(10) — To Miss C. — unknown.(11) — Lines for Miss Tyler's Album, — Mrs. Semple, of Williamsburg.(12) — To one who will understand me, — unknown.(13) To Hope — do.(14) To the Bible — by a gentleman who married St. Leger Carter's sister — now no more.(15) Hopes & Sorrows — Rogers.(16) True Riches & Glory — Rogers.(17) [page 97:]

I am so nervous today (Monday the 20th) that I am really unable to write.

Believe me to be  
Your Constant Friend,  
T. W. White.(18)

Confidential — Tear this off.

Jonathan Bull & Mary Bull. is by James Madison.(19) I am placed under an injunction of secrecy. — so you will not in any event betray me.

Richmond, Aug. 18, 1835.

My Friend, —

I must crave your indulgence and pardon for being so remiss in discharging my duty — I will however now proceed to give you the names of the contributors to No. 11.(2)

Letters of a Scotchman, I believe to be from the pen of Geo. Watterston, of Washington City.(3)

Grayson Griffith — in cog.(4)

Visit to the Springs, by I forget who.(5)

Grayson Griffith — Rev. Mr. Plumer — (confidential.)(6)

Peter's Mountain — unknown.(7)

The Duel — Dr. Egan.(8)

The Lawyer — unknown.(9)

Reviews, all by Sparhawk.(10) [page 98:]

The Dial — Paraphrase — Lines in Album, — Answer to Willis — all by Judge Wilde, of Geo.(11)

I have, my dear Sir, been compelled to part with Mr. Sparhawk, as regular editor — I have run too fast. He will however continue to assist me.

Mr. Poe is here also. — He tarries one month — and will aid me all that lies in his power.

I stand in need of your pen just now.

Your Friend,  
T. W. White.

Richmond, Sept. 8, 1835.

My Dear Friend —

I did not receive your kind favor of the 31st ult. till a few minutes before the hour allotted for closing the mail to Louisa — on Saturday. This will, I trust, be ample atonement for not accompanying the proof-sheet with a letter — a letter of gratitude, — for I am a great debtor to you in that line.

I am now as it were my own editor — No. 12 is made out of my wits.(2) When we meet, I will tell you why I was obliged to part with Sparhawk. Poe is now in my employ — not as Editor. He is unfortunately rather dissipated, — and therefore I can place very little reliance upon him. His disposition is quite amiable. He will be some assistance to me in proof-reading — at least I hope so.

I will now tell you, so far as I can, who are the writers for my No. 12.

The Reclaimed, — Miss DuPre, of Smithville, Powhatan, (Va.)(3) — All the Critical & Literary Notices, by Mr. Poe.(4) Death of young Carter, Mrs. John G. Mosby.(5) Richmond Theatre, by widow of [page 99:] Gov. Page.(6) Lines in remembrance of my son, Mr. Sands.(7) Maniac, Miss Melford, I believe.(8) Horace Translations, Dr. Robertson [sic], Petersburg, Va.(9)

Tell me when I may expect to see you in Richmond, and whether you will not be able to manage it so, as to stay here (and at my house too) several days.

My contributors are growing lukewarm. — Suppose you write, for rue, an editorial for next No. (to come first thing) trying to rouse them up again.(10)

I am in treaty for a beautiful fount of type for 2d Vol. — If the founders can get it ready in time, the Messenger shall be the handsomest work in the Country.(11)

Believe me  
Your devoted friend,  
Thomas W. White.

Lucian Minor, Esq.

Richmond, Sept. 21, 1835.

Lucian Minor, Esq.

My Dear Sir, —

I ought long since to have returned you my sincere and hearty thanks for the Index you have been pleased to make out for the 1st Vol. of my Messenger. When I was so importunate for it, I expected to have been prepared for it forthwith. Circumstances entirely beyond my control, have prevented me from putting it in hand [page 100:] up to the present time, — and I fear I shall not be able to do so for a week to come. So soon as I get the pages of No. 13 up,(2) I will do my best towards finishing the Index — tho’ I am afraid I shall murder it. If possible, I must have the same hand to finish it, — and shall accordingly, endeavor to arrange matters so as to send it to you.

The article respecting General Warren is admirably written.(3) — It is in truth, worth a score of the Work it professes to Review.(4) I purpose sending a copy of the No. in which it will appear not only to Dr. John C. Warren, — but to all of his relatives whose names and residences I can hear of ? [sic] Can you furnish me with any such information.

I send you a copy of an old Boston Magazine. You will find in it a Memoir of Mrs. Eleanor Davis,(5) the mother of Mrs. Dr. Shattuck. I have often wished for an opportunity to introduce a sketch of this uncommon lady in the Messenger. I knew her well — she was all and more than her Biographer has said of her. If you could pen an article on the Female character, and could introduce her as an example to bear you out in any eulogiums you might chuse to pass on the sex, I would like to have you do so. You cannot, I assure you, say too much in praising Mrs. Davis. It would at the same time be a good occasion to speak of Dr. Shattuck, in terms such as he deserves. — He is a great and good man.

Poe has flew the track already. His habits were not good. — He is in addition the victim of melancholy. I should not be at all astonished to hear that he had been guilty of suicide.

I am now alone.

Your Real Friend,  
Thomas W. White.

Richmond, Oct. 1, 1835.

Lucian Minor, Esq.

My Dear Sir,

I send you a proof-sheet of the Index, so far as you have made it out — accepting [sic] the Barbary Sketches — those Mr. Greenhow prefers making out to suit his ideas.

I also send you sheets of 7’ forms of the Messenger. These will enable you to make out the list for me up to page 780. “Autography” No. 1, I shall not insert. Well penned and witty, as I think it is, I think it unnecessarily severe on Cooper? Read it — and candidly tell me what you think on the subject. — After you have read it, cut it out, and destroy it.(2)

Keep the sheets if you please, — and if you have time it would not be amiss for you to be preparing a critique of No. 13,(3) for the Enquirer. — Its appearance, about the time of the appearance of the Messenger, might save me from many discontinuances. — I am sure it would have a good effect.

Dr. Maupin has been directed by the Institute of Hampden Sidney College to apply to me to have your recent Address delivered before that Institution, inserted in the Messenger. I told him I would give place to it with great pleasure. I hope you will have it ready so that I can have it by the 10th Oct.(4)

Since scribbling (for I cannot write nor think) the foregoing, I went to dinner — and, on my return, had the satisfaction to descry — or espy — in my box, a letter. It proved to be from yourself — and acceptable indeed it was.

I will give the notice, as properly and modestly, suggested. [page 102:]

I am glad to learn that you think favorably of Stanton's effort.(5) I had feared that it was a failure.

I really wish you could twist an article out of Mrs. Davis's memoir. Hold her up as an example (to mothers) worthy of imitation — speak how well Dr. S. must have realized all her fondest and most sanguine anticipations. Manage as it would a knotty law case.

Do not, my friend, desert me now. I require your assistance more than I have ever done at any time since I issued the Messenger. — Stick by me, or I may perish.

I have just seen Mr. Heath. He thinks he can manage the Autography for me. He proposes striking out Cooper's and Irving's names.(6) I will not put the article in till I hear from you. Give me your candid opinion of it. Poe is its author.

I should not like to shoot so sarcastic an arrow at poor Cooper — however much he deserves it.

If you cannot send me the proof-sheets back by return mail, be sure and let me know about the autograph article.

I am your Friend,  
T. W. White.

N. B. — I am very nervous to-day — I hope you may be able to guess at what I wished to have said.

T. W. W.

Richmond, Oct. 20, 1835.

Lucian Minor, Esq.

My Dear Sir,

I was barely able, before the hour for closing the mail had arrived on Saturday, to send you a proof-sheet of your Address.(2) It has not yet been read by me. Mr. Poe, who is with me again, read it over by copy with great care. He is very much pleased with it — [page 103:] in fact he passes great encomiums on it to me, and intends noticing it under the head of Reviews.(3)

If you still wish me to separate it from the Messenger, and print you 200 or more copies, please say what words I ought to place on it. — And whether you design to have a preface to it.

Cupid's Sport — Munford.(4) My Tongs — by I know not who. — Excellent.(5) King Pest — Poe.(6) Early Adventures — Unknown to me.(7) Shadow — Poe.(8) Door Latch — Mrs. Storer(9) — No. 1. Spring article, J. E. Heath.(10) Critical Notices, all by Poe.(11)

Victim of Disappointment — by —.(12) E. A. S. is Mrs. Semple, of Williamsburg.(13) Lines in Album, Poe.(14) Curse, &c. by H. Bedinger, of Harper's Ferry.(15) Pirate's Wife, Mrs. Thornton.(16) To Claudia, by A. H. Pemberton, Aug. Georgia.(17)

Your true friend,  
T. W. White.

Richmond, Oct. 24, 1835.

My Dear Sir,

I thank you most sincerely for the notice you have been pleased to prepare of C. R.'s new book.(1) It shall certainly appear in my [page 104:] next — as shall also the article you refer to,(2) if it reaches me by the 1st Monday in Nov.

I very much fear that I shall not be able to issue the 1st No. of my 2d Vol. till about the 25th Nov.

Suppose you send me a modest paragraph — mentioning that the gentleman [Edward Vernon Sparhawk] announced as my assistant in the 9th No.(3) of the Messenger retired from its editorship with the 11th No.(4) — that the paper is now under my own editorial management, assisted by several gentlemen of distinguished literary attainments. — (5)

You may introduce Mr. Poe's name as amongst those engaged to contribute for its columns — taking care not to say as editor. All this I wish you to manage with great care for me. Let it come in a separate letter to me — directed to “T. W. White.”

I also want a powerful appeal to the public (particularly to the people of the South) to sustain me by contributions, &c. — This I am sure you can manage for me if you can possibly spare the time, — and I hope you will spare the time, now that Sparhawk has taken the field against me. I will speak to you on this head when I next see you — which I hope will be soon.

I do not like the idea at all, of printing the extra copies of your Address in Messenger form, or on Brevier. I prefer your extending it to any length you may see fit, — and I will issue a handsome B or L edition of it — on my own account, — or on yours (if you say so — at a cheap rate to you — securing the copy right). It shall succeed — if I may count on your exertions to make it sell.

I am in no little trouble. — My wife is very sick now, and has been for 10 days — though I think her much better to day.(6)

Your true friend,  
T. W. White.

On New Long [illegible]

Octavo page [page 105:]

Richmond, Nov. 23, ‘35.

My Dear Sir,

This evening's mail brought me yours of the 20th. It affords me much pleasure to understand that you really like the dress I have given to your solid and yet beautifully penned Address.

Hard-run as I manage perpetually to keep myself in my money-matters, still I cannot for the life of me be Shylock enough to receive pay from any one knowingly twice — much less from one who has done me so much service as I feel and believe you have. However, the day may arrive when I shall have to call on you for professional aid — and then I will accept of your services — as I ask you now to accept of mine.

I am really sorry that I made light of so palpable a slight. It is done, and past recalling.

You are altogether right about the Leslie critique.(2) — Poe has evidently shown himself no lawyer — whatever else he may be. The Editor of the Metropolitan has fallen into the same error. — Well that blunder cannot be repaired. — It will pass undetected, I hope.

Yes, I was really ashamed that you should any longer purchase paper to write on, for the Messenger, for me — when you would accept of no recompense for the labor. I therefore felt it my bounden duty to supply you at least with the raw material. I must also ask you to try a bottle of Yankee ink and a few Yankee goose quills. Thus equipped, I hope you will go to battle for me in good earnest.

Unless you feel yourself bound to review [illegible] Life of [illegible], I shall like to have you abandon the idea altogether. The work is now getting old; and it has in addition been noticed (and puffed too, from Maine to Georgia.) If, however, you prefer encountering the Herculean task, be it so, — and I will give currency to it through the Messenger.

I shall send you a sheet of the Covers — and the 2d form, — and if Greenhow's last proof-sheet gets here in the morning, I shall send [page 106:] you a sheet of his also. You will then have (or I rather will have sent you) the whole matter of No. 1 of the Mesesnger-and if it be possible for you to do so, I should like to get the favor of to pen for the Enquirer which will come out on Friday week, sending it to Ritchie so that he may receive it on Monday night, — a candid and impartial notice of No. I of Vol 2 (don’t mention the law blunder). You must be sure to urge Ritchie to get it in on that day. If you choose to do so, you might write a private letter to him, and ask him to let [it] assume the editorial garb. It will carry with it, thus decorated, much more weight than as a communication. Let me know if you accede [sic].

I must beg you to read the “Broken-Heart” with more than ordinary attention.(3) And if you really see talent in it, I hope you will point it out. My daughter Eliza wrote it, — and it is her first attempt at blank verse. If it merits a lashing, do not spare the rod.

Your Friend,  
T. W. White.

Richmond, Dec. 25, 1835.

My Dear Sir, —

I believe I omitted, in my letter of last night, telling you the names of such writers for the present No. as I know,(2) — or am [at] liberty to tell.

Charlot Tayon — Judge B. Tucker.(3)

Lin. & Wilson — Rev. T. B. Balch, Prince-William.(3)

Love & Poetry — my daughter Eliza.(5)

A Fairy Tale — By a sister of C. F. Mercer's (I believe, but am not certain.)(6)

Wagoner — St. Leger Carter.(7) [page 107:]

Melody — Anonymous.(8)

Sensibility — Mrs. Storer, Maine.(9)

To — Judge B. Tucker. Nos’ Cole's daughter the subject.(10)

Popular Education. — Totally unknown, even by conjecture.(11)

Translation — Judge B. Tucker.(12)

Verses — Unknown — from Alexandria.(13)

Lionel Granby — in cog. The poorest chapter, in my opinion, which has emanated from his pen.(14)

Fountain of Oblivion — Wm. M. Robinson.(15)

English Poetry — P. P. Cooke.(16)

Virginia — The author's name has escaped me.(17)

Lady Leonore — P. P. Cooke.(18)

English Language — Professor James W. Alexander, Princeton

College — Desires me not to make his name public.(19)

Woodnymphs — by Lanier, of Danville.(20)

All the Critical Notices are from the pen of Poe(21) — who I rejoice to tell you, still keeps from the Bottle.

My own belief is, that I have not issued a better No. take it throughout than the present.

I must of course request that you will not let these sheets be seen by any one except yourself, — and as you, unfortunately for me, happen not to be in this No. I think you are fairly entitled to a leaving in one of your Journal papers.

The No. will be out on the 1st January, 1836.

Truly your Friend,  
T. W .White.