TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS.

WITH the last number of the Port Folio, for March 1814, terminated the superintendance of the editor, under whose care it has been published for more than two years.

In taking leave of a work which has been the source of some agreeable occupation to himself, and, perhaps, not altogether useless to others, it seems fit to add a few words in relation to its past management and its future prospects.

The motive which originally tempted him to share in the literary labours of Mr. Dennie, was the hope of retrieving the fortunes and soothing the afflictions of that estimable man, the excellent qualities of whose heart and understanding endeared every association with him. The melancholy close of his life disappointed all these favourite illusions, and destroyed at once that union which was to have lightened and recompensed their mutual exertions. It devolved at the same time on the surviver a duty neither anticipated nor desired, but which a regard to the interests of others forbade him suddenly to abandon. He therefore' continued his superintendance, for which, in the absence of more important qualifications, he felt that he was not gifted with the requisite industry; but finding in it a pleasing amusement for his

leisure, he forbore to relinquish it till now, when other cares and occupations claim his attention.

It would be difficult for the severest spirit of criticism to pass a harsher judgment on those parts of the work for which the editor is personally responsible, than is anticipated and felt by himself. His own contributions were, in fact, so wholly occasional and desultory, that he is scarcely permitted to feel a paternal solicitude for the fate of these volumes, nor any claim to exult at the little success which may await them.

The object to which his own exertions were chiefly directed and limited that which gave to those exertions their principal value in his estimation, was to render this journal an American work-the depository of our national feelings, the record of our literary advancement a volume which might vindicate fearlessly the national character, and by cherishing an attachment to the admirable institutions of the country, render its literature at all times auxiliary to its patriotism-the most high and honourable destiny of letters.

He would however be deficient in taste as well as gratitude, if he forbore to express in a tone of more confident applause, his thanks for the assistance of many correspondents whose contributions have enriched this work, and formed valuable and permanent additions to our literature.

With the month of May commences a brighter æra in the history of the Port Folio. The labours of these distinguished scholars will continue as heretofore, and their zeal will then be animated and directed by the new editor, a gentleman to whose talents, taste, and acquirements, the public have often rendered a very distinguished homage, and whose various studies and untiring industry cannot fail to open new sources of amusement and instruction. The editor rejoices that the literary bark, which he has thus too feebly and carelessly guided, should begin a new career under far better auspices: and as he perceives it in imagination gradually receding from his view, he gives all that remains for him to offer, his sincerest wishes for favouring gales and a more prosperous

course.

Σ.