William Gilmore Simms — American Novelist died on December 30, 1870

William Gilmore Simms was a poet, novelist and historian from the American South. His writings achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. He is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and a pro-slavery novel... (wikipedia)

The only true source of politeness is consideration.
The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.
Most men remember obligations, but are not often likely to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.
Tact is one of the first mental virtues, the absence of it is fatal to the best talent.
Neither praise or blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe, and honestly to award. These are the true aims and duties of criticism.