302 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



make a very fair show, and as we shall print in better style 

 than any other magazine, the thing will do. We shall have 

 a large sale on the first two numbers at any rate. Nothing 

 happens as expected, but often the unexpected is best. I 

 am utterly glad that things have taken the course they 

 have. I have long wanted a medium of speech that I can 

 control, and now I shall have it. It will consolidate plans 

 and facilitate work. 



We shall depend on your second article to open also 

 the second number ; I hope it will be sent as early as the 

 first. I have not got my amanuensis yet, but soon shall. 



April 23, i8j2. 



Considering that our gestation was so short, the under- 

 taking has proved very satisfactory. The stroke is unusu- 

 ally applauded, and the incoming support is more than we 

 expected. That which started us and which I was most 

 anxious about the chance of your articles is well secured. 

 The first one is attracting a good deal of attention, and is 

 being steadily called for. If we get your second in time 

 we shall be made. 



June 2, 1872. 



The unexpected success of the Monthly has increased 

 my anxiety about it, and kept me a good deal on a stretch. 

 We first printed 5,000 each of Nos. i and 2, have printed 

 2,000 of each since, and they are now both out of print, and 

 have been so half the time for the last several weeks. We 

 shall print 7,000 of No. 3, and it would not surprise me if 

 the first three numbers went up to 10,000. The publishers 

 say it is a certain thing, and are greatly pleased, but the 

 American rage for novelty cannot fail to be a large factor, 

 and I indulge in no large hopes. Still, I shall do my best 

 to sustain it. I like the work much, and if it continues to 

 succeed I shall have no further solicitude about remunera- 

 tive occupation. 



