THE NINTH VOLUME
The year 1843 (volume nine) was a sad one for the Messenger. Though no intimation of it has been given, a dark and deepening shadow is gathering over it. Still, the January number commences with an "Extract from an Unpublished Poem" by E. B. Hale; and then "The Editor's Address," in which he speaks of "looking blithely ahead and forming new plans." He again lays stress upon the necessity of more punctuality in attending to the terms of subscription; but tenders many and hearty thanks. "Notwithstanding the tightness of the times, there is a noble band of those who have stood by us manfully and have proudly borne us along the walks of Literature."
Next, we have "The Navy and the West," being a review of the "Proceedings of the City of Memphis," on the subject of establishing there, by the United States, an Armory and Naval depot and dockyard. Maury's writings in the Messenger did procure such an establishment, but it was abandoned before the Confederate war. He also advocated one on the Atlantic coast of the South-
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