The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
There is much in the hand-writing here like that of Mrs. Sigourney,
and yet, as a whole, it is very different. In both MSS. perfect
uniformity and regularity exist, and in both, the character of the
writing is _formed_--that is to say, _decided_. Both are beautiful,
and, at a casual glance, both have a somewhat similar _effect_. But
Mrs. Sigourney's MS. is one of the most legible, and Mr. Paulding's
one of the most illegible in the world. His small a's, t's and c's are
all alike, and the _style_ of the characters generally is French. No
correct notion of Mr. Paulding's literary peculiarities could be
obtained from an inspection of his MS. It has probably been modified
by strong adventitious circumstances. The paper is of a very fine
glossy texture, and of a blue tint, with gilt edges.
LETTER IV.
_Boston_, ----.
It is due from me to advise you that the communication of the -- ult.
addressed by you to myself involves some error. It is evident that you
have mistaken me for some other person of the same surname, as I am
altogether ignorant of the circumstances to which you refer.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Illustration: J. G. Palfrey]
JOSEPH D. MILLER, ESQ.
The hand writing here is of an odd appearance. The capitals and _long_
letters extend far above or below the line, and the rest have a
running and diminutive formation, rendering it difficult to
distinguish one from another. The words are unusually far apart, and
but little matter is contained in much space. At first sight the MS.
appears to be hurried--but a few moments' examination will prove that
this is not the case. The capital I's might be mistaken for T's. The
whole has a clean and uniform appearance. The paper is common, and the
seal (of red wax) is oval in shape--probably a shield--the device
illegible.
LETTER V.
_St. Mark's Place, New York_, ----.
_Dear Sir_,--Your obliging letter of the ---- was received in due
course of mail, and I am gratified by your good opinion. At the same
time my numerous engagements will render it out of my power to send
you any communication for your valuable Magazine, 'The Humdrum,' for
some months to come at least. Wishing you all success, and with many
thanks for your attention.
I remain, sir, your humble servant,
[Illustration: J. Fenimore Cooper]
JOSEPH E. MILLER, ESQ.
Mr. Cooper's MS. is bad--very bad. There is no distinctive character
about it, and it appears to be _unformed_. The writing will probably
be different in other letters. Upon reference we find this to be the
fact. In the letter to Mr. Miller, the MS. is of a _petite_ and
finicky appearance, and looks as if scratched with a steel pen--the
lines are crooked. The paper is fine, and of a bluish tint. A wafer is
used.
LETTER VI.
_New York_, ----.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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