THE SIXTH VOLUME
One thing noticeable in the volume for 1840 is its three double numbers, which caused some grumbling. Subscribers and other readers did not like to be deprived of their welcome monthly visitor and, when at length it arrived, they had more good reading than they could well manage, with the usual demands upon their time.
The January (and February) number is ushered by a short poem, "The Dying Eagle," from Poe's friend, William Wallace, of Kentucky. Then comes "The New Year," in which the publisher makes a strong and touching presentation of his side of the case. He says that the work may now be regarded as established and yet that depended upon the manner in which his patrons responded to his appeal for greater promptitude in attending to their pecuniary obligations. He refers to his unremitting and disinterested labors, though "he is of a delicate frame," and what he urges and proposes ought to have been perfectly irresistible. He is also full of thankfulness. Rev. Mr. Chapin offers "A Christmas Ode," and a Baltimorean, W. F. F., makes a full
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