atitude from us, and at the same time induces us
to lay stress upon the fact that our pages are open to contributions of
a very varied character; the only condition being that they shall be
written by friends of the Union. While holding firmly to our own views
as set forth under the 'Editorial' heading, _we by no means profess to
endorse those of our contributors_, leaving the reader to make his own
comments on these. In a word, we shall adopt such elements of
_independent_ action as have been hitherto characteristic of the
newspaper press, but which we judge to be quite as suitable to a monthly
magazine. We offer a fair field and _all_ favors to all comers, avoiding
all petty jealousies and exclusiveness. Will our readers please to bear
this in mind in reading all articles published in our pages?

We can not conclude without expressing the warmest gratitude to the
press and the public for the comment, commendation and patronage which
they have so liberally bestowed upon us. We have been obliged to print
three times the number for which we had anticipated sale, and believe
that no American magazine ever circulated so many copies of a first
number. In consequence of this demand we have been compelled to go to
press earlier than was anticipated. Articles promised for February, by
Messrs. BAYARD TAYLOR and CHARLES F. BROWNE, but not yet received, are
necessarily deferred. From the latter gentleman we have a note promising
a positive appearance in March.

* * * * *

THE KNICKERBOCKER

FOR 1862.

In the beginning of the last year, when its present proprietors assumed
control of the Knickerbocker, they announced their determination to
spare no pains to place it in its true position as the leading
_literary_ Monthly in America. When rebellion had raided a successful
front, and its armies threatened the very existence of the Republic, it
was impossible to permit a magazine, which in its circulation reached
the best intellects in the land, to remain insensible or indifferent to
the dangers which threatened the Union. The proprietors accordingly gave
notice, that it would present in its pages, forcible expositions with
regard to the great question of the times,--_how to preserve the_ UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA _in their integrity and unity_. How far this pledge
has been redeemed the public must judge. It would, however, be mere
affectation to ignore the seal of approbation which has been placed