The Safety of our Archives—which are of such great value—has naturally excited a good deal of interest among our friends. We are very fortunate in having, by the action of the Legislature and the kindly courtesy of Governor Kemper, an excellent office on the Library floor of the State Capitol of Virginia. The building is isolated, and under constant guard, and our Archives are as safe as those of the Commonwealth. It would, of course, be better if we had a fire-proof building—plans of building one in connection with the Virginia Historical Society are being discussed—and we are hoping that the day is not very far distant which shall witness the consummation of our hopes in this regard. But in the meantime, we desire to repeat, our Archives are in a much safer place of deposit than a private house. We will, as rapidly as possible, print rare documents in order to preserve them; and the very best way to preserve the material for our history is to send it at once to our office.
The Finances of the Society have from our organization been in such condition as to require the exercise of the most rigid economy in the administration of our affairs. We have had no means of buying books or documents, and have been compelled to omit many other things which would greatly promote our usefulness and success.
Just now we especially need an increase of revenue, and it would be very acceptable if some of our Annual Members would become Life Members—if some whose subscriptions have expired would renew—and if our friends generally would exert themselves to replenish our treasury, and enable us to push forward more vigorously our work.
We Acknowledge the following Contributions:
From Gov. J. D. Porter, of Tennessee—An autograph letter from General Albert Sidney Johnston, dated Dec'r 25th, 1861, to Gov. Harris, giving his plans, resources, and general views of the approaching campaign.
From Rev. P. B. Price, of Virginia—Memoir of Capt. Thos. E. King, by Rev. Dr. Jos. C. Stiles. [We are anxious to secure all similar publications made during the war.]
From A. Barron Holmes, Charleston—"South Carolina in the Revolution." "A Memorial of the Special Services held May, 1875, at St. Philip's Church, Charleston, in commemoration of the planting of the Church of England in the Province of S. C."
