ld name only
three writers "who would not pass just as readily for an English writer
as for an American." The trio consisted of Paulding, Neal and Brown. The
article was signed "X. Y. Z." and was written in the favorite
_Blackwood's_ "bludgeon" style. Neal says of himself, "He is undeniably
the most original writer that America has produced--thinks himself the
cleverest fellow in America, and does not scruple to say so--he is in
Europe now." When he approached the date of the _Port Folio_, Neal paid
his compliments, displaying unmistakable malice, to John E. Hall. "Hall
had the misfortune, some years ago, to fall acquainted with Mr. Thomas
Moore, the poet, while Mr. Moore was 'trampoosing' over America. It
spoilt poor Hall--turned his brain. He has done little or nothing since
but make-believe about criticism, talk dawdle-poetry with a lisp, write
irresistible verses under the name of 'Sedley' in his own magazine,
twitter sentimentally about 'little Moore,' his 'dear little
Moore'--puffing himself all the time anonymously in the newspaper,
while he is damning himself, with unmistakable sincerity, twelve times a
year in his own magazine. We do not think very highly of the
mutton-headed Athenians at Philadelphia; but we do think, nevertheless,
that Mr. John E. Hall is a little too much of a blockhead even for their
meridian."

Hall published a scathing review in the _Port Folio_, December, 1824, of
the author of "Logan" and "Randolph," the Baltimorean who was writing
for _Blackwood's_. In volume 19 (1825, p. 78) this "nauseous reptile" is
still further reviewed. Neal is quoted as saying, "Dennie is dead, John
E. Hall is alive; Dennie was a gentleman, John E. Hall is a blackguard;"
and Hall retorts that Neal is a "liar of the first magnitude," who
prefers "English guineas to Baltimore horsewhips."

The _Port Folio_ was now making a desperate struggle for life. Its
publication was suspended from January to July, 1826, and again from
January to July, 1827. Its budget was finally closed in December, 1827.

FROM THE PORT FOLIO TO GRAHAM'S.

The _Ladies' Museum_ was commenced in February, 1800, and made five
numbers.

The _Philadelphia Repository and Weekly Register_ was commenced in 1801.
It was edited and published by David Hogan, and later by John W. Scott.
It was popular and original.

The first magazine published in America for children appeared in
Philadelphia in 1802--the _Juvenile Magazine, or Miscellaneous
Re