Sold – John C. Calhoun, the Antebellum South’s Great Champion, Seeks to Resurrect a Prime Voice For the Antebellum South

In 1828, Hugh Legare founded and edited a periodical for the southern market called the Southern Review. It was devoted publishing short stories, poetry, essays, literary criticism, book reviews, political articles, biographical profiles and letters. It was more than a magazine, but a voice for the South and its, views, interests and institutions. In 1832 Legare was named ambassador to Belgium and the publication ceased. It was missed, and in 1837 there were calls for its resurrection, with the proposed editor and operator being future Secretary of State Abel Upshur. Calhoun, always looking to promote the interests of the South, took an active hand in seeking to reinvigorate the Southern Review.

Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, May 19, 1837, likely to Congressman Charles Fisher of North Carolina. "I enclose a number of the Messenger containing a communication signed Americus, recommending the publishing of the Southern Review to the people of the slave holding states.  A work of the kind is indispensable to our safety and character as a people.  I have entire confidence in the competency of Mr. Upshur for conducting the work.  He will enter on his duties with zeal, as well as abilities, and all that is want is the patronage of those whose interest it [is] intended to defend.  As hard as are the times, it must not be permitted to fail.  The subscription has started well in this state, both parties united in support of the work.  All that is wanting to ensure its success is that a few enlightened & patriotik citizens in each state should step forward and exert themselves to accomplish one object.  I know of no one better established to take the lead in such a case as yourself.  You can best determine how the object is to be effected in your state.  Much may be done by correspondence & through the press, but I would suppose a printing in Salisbury and Raleigh with suitable address and resolutions recommending its patronage to the people of the state would have a desired effect.  I will write to Larlindell (?) at Raleigh to attend to the subject in that quarter.  I would be glad that you would have Americus republished in your paper in order to attract publik attention to the subject.

"Into what a frightful condition has the country been brought by the folly & the vice of those in power.  Specie payment stopped in profound peace & with an overflowing treasury.  There is no seeing of an end.  I would not be surprised if one of the consequences should be the entire overthrow of the banking system."