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Literary Messenger
139

sented, was complied with in March, 1845, p. 186. He did make a few changes, which were, with his careful criticism, improvements.

The editor reviews numbers 94 and 95 of Harper's Family Library, containing the "Pursuit of Knowledge Under Difficulties; its Pleasures and Rewards," with eminent examples; which was first published in England. The review is substantially the thesis on "The Grandeur of Self-Made Men," which he delivered in the old Bruton Church in Williamsburg, when he received from William and Mary his degree of LL. B. On reading the book, he saw the appropriateness of the thesis and resolved to put them together. Gertrude, after some delay, reappears, along with other good things, as already stated.

In April, 1845, p. 256, is the following editorial: "Literary criticism: E. A. Poe, Esq. We regard faithful criticism as indispensable to the excellence of a literary journal; and in addition to the able reviews which we frequently present to our readers, we design to impart greater vigor and value to the critical department, generally. Under the present rapid multiplication of books, it needs an Argus to watch and guard the press. To enable the Messenger to discharge its part, we have engaged the services of Mr. Poe, who will contribute monthly a critique raisonné of the most important forthcoming works in this