Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/151

 Editorial Paragraphs. 141

records, and who has again and again contributed such valuable material to our collection.

You will be glad to know that we are hopefully working for the establish- ment of our Society on tiie firm basis of a fire-pro(jf building for our archives and a permanent endozvment, which will ensure tiie carrying on of the work' after those of us who are now engaged in it shall have passed away ; and we assure you that we are greatly cheered in our efforts by such practical sym- pathy on the part of one whose liberalty is only equalled by the wisdom with which he is accustomed to bestow it.

With best wishes and most fervent prayers for your continued health, happiness and usefulness, I am, with sentiments of highest respect and esteem.

Very truly yours,

J. William Jones, Secretary Southern Historical Society.

The Constitution is beautifully engrossed on parchment, and has on it the autograph signatures of the members then composing the Provisional Con- gress, and the certificate of the clerk as to its genuineness.

It is indeed an interesting and valuable addition to the priceless collec- tion of the Southern Historical Society, and makes another strong argument for giving the Society fire-proof quarters at the earliest possible day.

Renewals were never more " in order " than at the present, and we beg again that our many friends who are in arrears will promptly forward the amount due us.

An appeal that should be heeded comes to us in the following, which we cordially publish, and most heartily endorse. We are glad to learn that responses are coming in very handsomely from every quarter, and that, with an expected appropriation from the Virginia Legislature, the scheme promises to be a splendid success :

R. E. Lee Camp, No. i. Confederate Veterans, Richmond, Va., January 15th, 18S4.

The above Camp of "Old Confeds" see and feel the necessity for con- centrated effort to aid and care for the disabled of our comrades, who have no Government to bestow bounty upon them, and who must rely on those who e.xperienced the hardship of soldier life, and those who have sympathy for them. We have had kindly greetings from the "Boys in Blue" — who were on the other side— and call on those of tiie "Gray" who may be dis- posed and able to assist us.

We have determined to hold a grand Fair in this city for the purpose indicated in May next, or as soon as we can, and woukl be grateful for such