issue of the Messenger. James E. Heath, the first editor of the Southern Literary Messenger wrote: From our Northern and Eastern friends we have received more complimentary notices than from any of our Southern brethren without the limits of our own State. We say this not in a reproachful spirit, but in a somewhat sad conviction of mind, that we who live on the sunny side of Mason and Dixon's line are not yet sufficiently inspired with a sense of importance of maintaining our just rights, or rather our proper representation in the Republic of Letters. In February 1861, the Southern Literary Messenger defended the secession movement by publishing an article by William H. Holcombe, a doctor, entitled "The Alternative: A Separate Nationality, or the Africanization of the South." Involvement of Poe Edgar Allan Poe was hired as a staff writer and critic in August 1835, possibly based on a recommendation to White from John Pendleton Kennedy. Just a month later, White fired Poe, allegedly for his drinking habits, but rehired him in October. By December, Poe was made editor of the journal. While working for the Messenger, Poe published 37 reviews of American and foreign books and periodicals, cementing his place as a premier critic in the United States. Poe was proud of his accomplishments with the journal and may have aided in a large jump in subscribers. In a letter years later, in 1844, Poe wrote that he began working when the Messenger had about 700 subscribers and left when it had 5,500 paying subscribers. Besides criticism, Poe published many first printings of his now famous works in the Messenger, including the controversial "Berenice", "Morella" and, in installments, parts of his only novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Poe left the magazine with the January 1837 issue but still contributed works even after White's death. See also Other American journals that Edgar Allan Poe was involved with include: American Review: A Whig Journal Broadway Journal Burton's Gentleman's Magazine Godey's Lady's Book Graham's Magazine The Stylus References Bibliography External links Southern Literary Messenger at University of Michigan, complete archive. Wm. H. Holcombe, M.D., "The Alternative: A Separate Nationality, or the Africanization of the South," Southern Literary Messenger, February 1861 Periodical facts and list of names and editors from Baltimore POE Society Davis, David A. Southern Literary Messenger. Encyclopedia Virginia. Virginia Foundation for the Humanities Kollatz, Harry.