Photographs of Distinguished Confederates are somewhat common; but accurate, standard pictures are comparatively rare. We are indebted to Mr. D. H. Anderson, photographer of Richmond, for a lot of the latter class. He has presented us with superb photographs, and (most of them) excellent likenesses of Generals R. E. Lee, J. E. Johnston, Stonewall Jackson. Early, J. E. B. Stuart, Heth, Mahone, G. W. C. Lee, Lilly, Jno. S. Preston Geo. W. Randolph, John Echols, Beauregard, B. T. Johnson and D. H. Maury, Colonels John B. Baldwin, Jno. S. Mosby and Robt. Ould, Captain M. F. Maury, Hon. Robt. Toombs, Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, Hon. H. B. Grigsby, Ex-Governor Win. Smith, Ex-President John Tyler, Hon. J. L. M. Curry, and Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D.
This donation of Mr. Anderson is a highly prized addition to our collection of photographs, and we trust that other artists will be induced to add the products of their skill, and that the friends of all of our leaders will see to it that our collection of accurate likenesses of Confederate leaders is made as complete as possible.
We frequently receive from our friends assurances of their readiness to help us in any way in their power, and we suggest two very practical methods (besides subscribing themselves and inducing others to do so) by which they can accomplish this end:
1. We are anxious to secure the name and postoffice address of every person who would be likely to subscribe for our Papers. Let our friends make out for us lists of all such of whom they can think.
2. We are anxious to secure in every section reliable, working, efficient agents, who will canvass for our Papers. We can pay such a liberal commission, and our friends would greatly aid us by looking out and recommending to us suitable agents.
It would seem scarcely necessary to repeat (but we are anxious for it to be understood) that neither the Southern Historical Society, the Executive Committee, nor the Secretary are to be considered as endorsing everything which is published in our Papers. In the mass of MSS. on our shelves, and constantly coming in, there are many statements made by eye-witnesses, or active participants, concerning events of which we have no personal knowledge. Even the official reports of our most distinguished and trustworthy officers contain conflicting statements about events which they view from different stand-points. It is obvious that it would not be proper for the Committee to assume the responsibility of deciding who is right in such cases, and we must, therefore, either publish nothing about which any difference of opinion can arise (and that course would limit us to a very narrow field), or we must publish, impartially and without comment, both sides, being careful to admit nothing which has not a responsible name attached to it. It has seemed to the Committee far better to publish these papers now, while living witnesses can sift them, than that they should be allowed to
