Page:The Southern Literary Messenger - Minor.djvu/256

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The Southern

sible solution of existing troubles. In this confident hope and belief, we must and will struggle on till the goal is won." Later on it says: "At present, our case is not hopeless, even supposing Charleston to be lost and Chattanooga abandoned, without a struggle, and East Tennessee imperilled."

Poetasters are scored for sending "two much trash in rhyme. What is called poetry, by its authors, is not wanted. Fires are not accessible at this time of year and it is too much trouble to tear up poetry. If it is thrown out of the window, the vexatious wind always blows it back."

Facetiæ are still prominent and Dr. Bagby announces that he is collecting materials for two books—one "Southern Heroes and Heroic Incidents," and the other "Humorous Anecdotes of the War." He requests the assistance of all who are friendly to him, or to the enterprise, and he afterwards states that he has matter for three volumes, with considerable winnowing. But there is a very good article showing what the South had done in the way of publications, despite its blockade by land and sea. West and Johnston actually published Hugo's "Les Misérables," besides a number of other works.

The immortal Stonewall has "crossed over the river and is resting under the shade of the trees" of everlasting life. The editor says: "Our idol