2 ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by G. P. PUTNAM & Co., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New-York. W. H. TINSON, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER, 24 Beckman Street. WITH the present Number, ends the Fourth Volume, and the second year of Putnam's Monthly. In commencing the undertaking, the Publishers were fully aware that in a time of immense intellectual activity, and in a country of great and various literary rivalry, where, in the absence of an international copyright, the choicest works of the best foreign genius are to be had for the taking, the task was not easy, of founding and sustaining a Magazine, at once universal in its sympathies, and national in its tone. The continued and increasing favor with which the Monthly as been received, is the best possible proof that the task has been in some degree fulfilled. It was certainly impossible, with any just regard to the necessary differences of thought in a country like ours, to avoid all censure in the conduct of the Magazine, because it was not possible, with an equal regard for the liberty of the author, and the good sense of the reader, to trim every article to a certain level. Yet, both in the choice of topics, and in their treatment, the Publishers are confident that no thoughtful man has found anything unjustly partisan, since both sides of all the important social, moral, and political questions which have been discussed in these pages have had an equal chance, and an impartial consideration. The New Volume of the Magazine commences under the best possible auspices. Its position is now assured. Two years have demonstrated the extent of its circle of friends, and that circle is constantly widening. The Magazine has not only the sympathy, but the actual literary support of the most eminent authors in the country. The greatest care is exercised in the selection of articles for its pages, from the immense number of MSS. received-a number now amounting to more than eighteen hundred. In so great a press of material to be considered, the Publishers appeal confidently for patience to all who favor them with their contributions, while they heartily thank them for their good will. While care is taken that nothing in the remotest degree offensive to propriety or good taste defaces these pages, and the ablest talent is secured to make a Magazine, which, for variety of interest, and excellence of tone, shall be surpassed by no similar publication in the world, the Publishers assure the Public that their motto is still onward, and that every year's experience will enable them more fully to deserve the favor which they so gratefully acknowledge. |