Daily Richmond Whig

PROSPECTUS

Of a new Literary Work, to be published in the City of Richmond, entitled

The Virginia Souvenir

AND

LADIES' LITERARY GAZETTE.

This work does not profess to be singular in its character, as many others of the same stamp are published in the Northern part of the continent. It is only peculiar as respects its locality: for it is the only one, and first of its kind, ever established in the South. It is true that many, if not all the journals published on the continent, partake more or less of a literary character, and afford to the son of song, the inspired child of romance, and the lively essayist full scope for the indulgence of each peculiar talent. But their more immediate subjects will forever encroach upon the frontiers of literature, and at this time have so far intruded upon its privileged soil, that, like the Aborigines, it is hemmed within a narrow corner, and with tearful eye views the aggrandizement of its powerful and overwhelming rivals. From this state, we hope, and it shall in this undertaking, be our primary aim, to bring it forth unfettered and free.

We would moreover state that another peculiarity will be annexed to this undertaking. Born educated and living as we are in the South, the Virginia "Souvenir" shall receive its coloring, feature and character from the different lights, shadows and manners pervading Southern America. Although we would not wish to advance any opinion savouring of sectional prejudices, yet the fact is obvious, and upon this fact our preceding pledge is predicated, that though the shades of character between our brethren of the North and ourselves are minute, yet they are perceptible and striking. Surely, then, we cannot be considered invidious, in forming a preference for those delineations endeared to us by the familiarity of a lifetime, and forming an humble theatre in which they may be perhaps, but partially displayed.

To the citizens of the South, and more especially to the fairer portion of its population, do we appeal for support. It is to the latter that we more especially commit ourselves, and it will be for them that the most unyielding energies of our humble intellects will be exercised, and should our last argument be of any avail we will assure them that we are both Bachelors and not Benedicts.

TERMS.

The Virginia Souvenir will be published for the first year semi-monthly, on a medium sheet of the finest paper, each number containing eight pages. The matter contained in its columns shall be, if possible, exclusively original, and confined to the most interesting subjects in light and elegant literature.

The terms will be two dollars per annum in advance, or two dollars and fifty cents at the expiration of six months. Subscribers from a distance, or those not residing in Richmond, Norfolk, Petersburg, or Lynchburg, must accompany their orders for subscription with cash. Any six persons by remitting ten dollars, will each receive the work.

No subscription will be received for less than a year, and no discontinuance will be allowed until all arrearages are paid.

Communications (postpaid) will be directed to Gilliam & Mitchell, Editors of the Virginia Souvenir.

Richmond, Va.

ALBERT M. GILLIAM,

STEPHEN T. MITCHELL.