Letter from Thomas Willis White to B. Badger

Richmond, Va. May 27, 1836. B. Badger, Esq. My Dear Sir:

I accidentally fell in with the "New York Weekly Messenger" this morning, - and was pleased to recognize in its editor one with whom I was once personally ac quainted during my sojourn in Boston - which [act?] I most unluckily abandoned, in April 1817, for a residence in this my native place. Here have I been ever since [failing?] at my profession, - without as yet having been able to accumulate little if any thing above a livelihood.

Eighteen months ago I hit upon the establishment of a Southern Literary Periodical, which I have presented up to the present time with an ardour and zeal, almost as unprecedented, as it has been Quixotic. It is even now with the greatest difficulty that I can keep up the attractions - the interest. If, however, I can enter upon the 3d balance with 12 or 1300 paying subscribers all will be well - otherwise my loss will be very great, for up to the present time my expenses increasing it to what it is, have greatly run ahead of my actual receipts. But I fear I am intruding on the time of my friend - and will therefore change the subject.

By the same mail which conveys this scribble to you, I shall also send to your address the first 5 [numbers?] of my 2d [column?] which I should like to get the favour of you to peruse with some [care?] - and after you have done so, to give such a notice [of?] that such as you really think it [wants?].

PAID [?] B. Badger Esq. Editor of the "Weekly Messenger,: New York