Produced by Ron Swanson THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER: DEVOTED TO EVERY DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS. Au gré de nos desirs bien plus qu'au gré des vents. _Crebillon's Electre_. As _we_ will, and not as the winds will. RICHMOND: T. W. WHITE, PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR. 1834-5. SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER. Vol. I.] RICHMOND, JULY 1835. [No. 11. T. W. WHITE, PRINTER AND PROPRIETOR. FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. PROFESSOR BEVERLEY TUCKER'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS TO HIS CLASS. The following correspondence and address have been sent us for publication, by the members of Professor Tucker's class at William and Mary College. We give place to them with pleasure, and commend the admonitions of the amiable and learned professor to all young gentlemen about to enter upon the practice of the law. The friendly and paternal spirit of his advice, gives an uncommon interest to this production, and shows that his have indeed been "labors of love." WILLIAMSBURG, 5th July, 1835. _Much Esteemed Friend:_-- I am requested, in the name of your class, to solicit you either to have your Valedictory Address published, or deliver it to us for that purpose. I sincerely hope for your compliance; and although our exercises for the present session have ended--although we no longer stand in the relation of students and professor--and notwithstanding we are about to part (some of us) perhaps forever, we _must hope_ that the _tie_ which has bound us together for the last eight months, instead of _weakening_, will continue to "_grow_ with our growth and strengthen with our strength," and that the day is _far_ distant when that union shall break. Go where we may, a fond recollection of your past services will be long cherished by us. We know the interest you _have_ felt, and still feel in our welfare, and I hope your exertions to promote the interest of those who have been placed under your care, are duly appreciated. You have done _your_ duty, and all that has been wanting must be charged to _us_. You have given us a chart by which to steer our political ship, and _should_ we succeed in stemming the current of opposition, may _you_ live to enjoy our triumph. Permit me now, in conclusion, to tender you our united sentiments of the highest esteem and respect. WM. T. FRENCH. * * * * * WILLIAMSBURG, July 5, 1835. _My Dear French:_--