Did the subscribers of the New York Magazine want a _real_ Watsonian Magazine, or was it _just any old magazine_ that they were after? Were those subscribers men and women who had faith in me, and who were attached to myself, my work and my message? _Would they have sufficient interest in the matter to sympathize with me, and follow me?_ These were the questions. They could not be answered until the opportunity was offered _for the subscribers themselves to act_.
With grateful heart, I hereby return profound thanks to those steadfast and earnest comrades who have already enrolled themselves with WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE.
These friends did not wait for a sample copy; they did not wait for the day of publication. _They had faith._ They knew in advance what my Magazine would be. THEY HAD CONFIDENCE. They knew perfectly well that their money would be safe in my hands. Therefore, from California to North Carolina and from Florida to Michigan, they have poured in upon me their letters of sympathy and encouragement. And together with these letters they sent remittances to cover their subscriptions in advance.
From so great a number it is difficult, and perhaps not quite fair, to single out individuals, but as it is my intention to carry in the Magazine from month to month, a Department in which those who are most active in their support of the Magazine will be mentioned by name, a few will be mentioned now. Others will be mentioned later.
I want every one of my friends who have written me, to feel that their encouragement and support is profoundly appreciated.
You naturally inquire, _who was the very first subscriber to_ WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE?
Following closely after Dr. Gibson, came a good many others who arrived so nearly together that it would perhaps be unjust to some to say which was literally the first-comer, yet I cannot refrain from selecting a few for special mention.
There was my gallant and loyal friend of LaGrange, Ga., Dr. Frank Ridley, whose letter I am going to print in full:
“Please know that I am in thorough sympathy with you in the matter of the Magazine contention, and all other matters.
“I have written to the New York office of the _Watson’s Magazine_, instructing them to discontinue sending me their paper. I am enclosing check for $1.50 for WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE. With sentiments of my continued warm regard and friendship.