appointed to inquire into the Municipal Corporations | But the critique is badly written, and its enthusiasm of England and Wales, 1835."

2. "Protest of Sir Francis Palgrave, against the First Report, &c. 1835."

outré and disproportionate.

Article II.-1. "Ward's Law of Nations. 8vo. 2 vols. 1795."

2. "Vattel's Law of Nations, by Chitty, 8vo. 1829." This is an excellent essay-a practical exposition of the source and character of the Law International, and for which the works above-mentioned afford the materiel. A few articles similar to this would at once redeem the reputation of American critical literature. Our position in regard to France, gives to this review, at this moment, additional interest.

3. "Observations on the Principles to be adopted in the Establishment of new Municipalities, the Reform of Ancient Corporations, and the Cheap Administration of Justice. By Sir Francis Palgrave, K. H. London: 1833." This is a violent party-paper, and abounds in misrepresentation. One of its passages is forcible enough. "The first step in this extraordinary affair, (the plan of Municipal Reform) was in itself most extraordinary. A commission was issued under the Great Article III. "Matthias and his Impostures, or the Seal of England, with powers and for purposes now Progress of Fanaticism. Illustrated in the Extraordiconfessed to have been illegal! * * *The town-nary Case of Robert Matthews, and some of his Foreclerk of a petty borough, discomfited the Lord High | runners and Disciples. By W. L. Stone. 12 mo. New Chancellor of England, on a point of law, of his Lord-York, 1835." ship's own raising, within his own special jurisdiction; and for the very first time, we believe, since the days of James and Jeffries, a cornmission under the Great Seal of England was convicted of illegality.”

Article XI. "Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable Sir James Mackintosh. Edited by his son, Robert James Mackintosh, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo. London: 1835."

This Article we think upon the whole, better toned than the one upon the same subject, in the Edinburgh, It characterizes the work as a most interesting collection of Mackintoshiana, although not a good Life. Sir James is very justly styled an “idealogical writer, who, treating of human affairs, prefers to deal with thoughts, rather than things."

NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW.

The North American Review. No. LXXXIX-Vol. XLI. For October 1835. Boston: Charles Bowen.

It is now very generally known that Mr. Palfrey has become the editor of this Review, and the present number is the first issued since the announcement of the new arrangement. It is difficult to speak of a work like this as a whole. Particular articles strike us as being very good-some are worthless. We will briefly notice them one by one.

Article I. "Life of Jehudi Ashmun, late Colonial Agent in Liberia. With an Appendix, containing Extracts from his Journal and other Writings; and a brief Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Lott Carey. By Ralph Randolph Gurley. Washington."

"The capacities of Ashmun's character were such," says the Reviewer, "that had he lived in any age or country, (pray, did he not live in any age or country?) their energy must have hurried them into development as inevitably as the waters flow to the sea." All this we are willing to believe, and also that the man in question was a noble martyr in the cause of African. colonization. We doubt, however, if there are not a crowd of books daily issuing unnoticed from the press, of far more general interest, and consequently more worthy the attention of our leading Review than even The Life of Ashmun. We shall soon, perhaps, have a Life of some Cuffy the Great, by Solomon Sapient; and then the North American will feel itself bound to devote one half of its pages to that important publication. In expressing ourselves thus, we mean not the slightest disrespect to either Ashmun or his Biographer.

The critic here adopts the very just opinion that Matthias had formed himself and his creed designedly upon the model of John of Leyden. We think it probable that the impostor, who was grossly ignorant, may have seen an account of the proceedings at Munster in some popular historical work, and formed his own conduct accordingly. The leader of the fanatics at Munster was Matthias, a baker. Matthews called himself Matthias. The former had his Rothman and Knipperdoling, men of respectable family and some consideration-the latter had his Pierson and Folger, men similarly circumstanced. Rothman and Knipperdoling were invested with an authority which was merely nominal. It was the same with Pierson and Folger. John had his Mount Zion at Munster, and Matthews his Mount Zion at Sing-Sing. The Review gives a digest of Stone's book, and is very entertaining.

Article IV. Scriptores Rerum Mythicarum Latini tres, Romæ nuper Reperti. Ad fidem codicum M.S.S. Guelferbytanorum, Gottingensis, Gothani, et Parisiensis, Integriores edidit ac Scholiis illustravit Dr. Georgius Henricus Bode, Ordinis Philos. Gotting. Assessor, Societatis literar. quæ Cantabrigiæ Americanorum floret Socius. Celles, 1834."

Angelo Maio discovered and published, about three years ago, the works of three Roman writers, supposed by him to be Leontius, Placidus, and Hyginus, who flourished about the close of the fourth century, or as the Review incorrectly states, after the commencement of the fifth. The work criticised in the present article is a new edition of Maio's publication, improved by the collation of MSS. at Wolfenbuttel, Gottingen, Gotha, and Paris. Dr. Bode, a scholar of high reputation, and who resided for some time in a New England literary institution, is the editor. The reviewer speaks of the Latinity as simple and easy, and, for the most part, classical in construction.

Article V-1. "A Lecture on the Working Men's Party, first delivered October 6th, before the Charlestown Lyceum, and published at their request. By Edward Everett. Boston, 1830."

2. "An Oration delivered before the Trades' Union of Boston and Vicinity, on Fort Hill, on the Fiftyeighth Anniversary of American Independence. By Frederick Robinson. Boston, 1834.”

3. "The Rights of Industry, addressed to the Working Men of the United Kingdom. By the Author of The Results of Machinery.' Philadelphia, 1832.”

The Reviewer here commences with what we con- | ports to be a commentary (the author incog.) on a late sider a naïve acknowledgment, viz: that he has not se- work on the Philosophy of Dress, by Dr. Diogenes lected the works whose titles are placed at the head of Teufelsdroeckh, Professor of the Science of Things in this article because they are recent, or unknown, but General, at the University of Weissnichtwo in Germerely with the view of directing public attention to many; and the Reviewer thinks it necessary to enter the subject of which they treat. The Essay, however, into some pages of discussion, in order to convince his is an excellent one, and shows in a forcible manner, by readers that Professor Teufelsdroeckh and his book are a rapid comparative view of the condition of the labor- both a hum. We think the whole critique a hum of the ing classes in our own and other countries, how few just worst order, viz: a hum unintentional. We will vencauses of complaint exist among our 'working people.' ture to bet that the meaning (if there be any) of the Article VI. "The Ministry for the Poor. A Dis-Sartor Resartus has only the two faults of the steed in course delivered before the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches in Boston, on their first anniversary, April 9th, 1835. By William E. Channing. Boston, 1835."

Joe Miller. In the first place, it is hard to catch. In the second place it is worth nothing when caught.

Article X. "A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical Names. By J. E. Worcester. Carefully revised and enlarged. Boston, 1835,"

This is a valuable work, and the writer of the critique upon it seems fully aware of its many excellences. Mr. Worcester has based his Dictionary upon those of Johnson and Walker, but has given six thousand more words than are found in the Critical Pronouncing Dietionary of the latter. A large number of terms purely technical are given with their meanings-many foreign

The North American, in its last number, considered Southey a fine writer, but Washington Irving a much finer, and indeed the best living writer of English | prose:' having, however, to review Mr. Channing in the present number, its opinions are conveniently modified to suit the occasion, and now the English of William E. Channing is declared coram populo to be equally elegant, and a little more pure, correct, and pointed than that of Mr. Irving.' There is surely something very absurd in all this. Mr. Irving is a fine writer, and so, beyond doubt, is Mr. Channing-but the Review seems perseveringly bent upon making the public think other-words, also, in familiar use. wise. What does the critic mean too by the assertion that Coleridge's reputation is greater in America than in England, and that he possesses very slender claims to the distinction of the first philosopher of his age? We should like to see some direct evidence of what the Reviewer has so roundly asserted, viz: that "Coleridge shews an almost total want of precision and clearness of thought." The works of the man are before the public, and we greatly prefer proof to assertion. We think this whole paper exceedingly silly.

Article XI.-1. "A Narrative of the Visit to the American Churches, by the Deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By Andrew Reed, D. D. and James Matheson, D. D. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835."

2. "Four Years in Great Britain. By Calvin Colton. 2 vols. 12mo. New York, 1835."

Dr. Reed's book is reviewed calmly and with strict impartiality—the reviewer allowing that the Dr. writes with energy when his attention is fully aroused. This, Article VII. "A Preliminary Discourse on the Study perhaps, is his chief merit. Of Colton's work little is of Natural History. By William Swainson. London, | said, “His adventures, " observes the critic, “ are very 1834."

We have not seen Swainson's work, and of course can say nothing about it-the present article however, which professes to be, but is not, a Review of it, we pronounce excellent indeed. It must be read to be thoroughly appreciated.

Article VIII.-1. "Poems. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Philadelphia, 1834."

well described, and though in some of them he gives too much prominence to his own doubts and fears, still, if the whole had been written in the same manner, it would have insured the work a greater popularity than it is likely to gain." His account of O'Connell is highly praised.

CRAYON MISCELLANY.

The Crayon Miscellany. By the Author of the Sketch Book. No. 3-Containing Legends of the Conquest of Spain. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard.

2. "Poems. By Miss H. F. Gould. Boston, 1835." The only fault we have with this critique is, that it hardly does justice to the noble talents of Mrs. Sigourney. Something more, we think, might have been said, and We feel it almost an act of supererogation to speak said with perfect truth. Miss Gould is more fairly dealt of this book, which is long since in the hands of every with, but nevertheless the criticism does not appear to American who has leisure for reading at all. The matcome from the heart of a poet. Some incidental remarks ter itself is deeply interesting, but, as usual, its chief upon Miss Sedgwick are highly complimentary and beauty is beauty of style. The Conquest of Spain by exceedingly just. Mrs. Sigourney's first publication | the Saracens, an event momentous in the extreme, is was reviewed in the North American about twenty yet enveloped, as regards the motives and actions of the years ago. She was then Miss Huntley. principal dramatis persona in triple doubt and confusion. Article IX. "Sartor Resartus: in three Books. Re-To snatch from this uncertainty a few striking and printed for friends, from Fraser's Magazine. London, picturesque legends, possessing, at the same time, some

1834."

absolute portion of verity, and to adorn them in his own

The North American might have been better employ-magical language is all that Mr. Irving has done in the ed than in reviewing this book--even although it be "no secret in England or here that it is the work of a person to whom the public is indebted for a number of articles in the late British Reviews." The book pur

present instance. But that he has done this little well it is needless to say. He does not claim for the Legends the authenticity of history properly so called,— yet all are partially facts, and however extravagant

some may appear, they will all, to use the words of the | and research, and full of absorbing interest. The only author himself, "be found in the works of sage and reverend chroniclers of yore, growing side by side with long acknowledged truths, and might be supported by learned and imposing references in the margin." Were we to instance any one of the narratives as more beautiful than the rest, it would be The Story of the Marvellous and Portentous Tower.

awkward reserve, and bluntness of manners, and recklessness of dress have, in some minds, become almost inseparably associated with genius. But a moment's reflection may convince any one that it requires no very extraordinary endowments from the Unlike the work of Brewster, the Necromancy of Mr. Creator, to enable a man, after a little practice, to become a Godwin is not a Treatise on Natural Magic. It does clown in his manners and a sloven in his apparel. Let it not be not pretend to show the manner in which delusion acts of the social powers and cultivable graces of our nature, we supposed, however, that in thus contending for the development upon mankind-at all events, this is not the object of the countenance the contemptible littleness of dandyism. The mere book. The design, if we understand it, is to display in dandy we despise as a thing whose definition the great American their widest extent, the great range and wild extrava- lexicographer has given in the following appropriate terms--"a gancy of the imagination of man. It is almost super-carries his character on his back." Between the peculiarities of male of the human species who dresses himself like a doll, and fluous to say that in this he has fully succeeded. His such a creature and the dignified refinement and suavity of the compilation is an invaluable work, evincing much labor educated gentleman, it were odious to institute a comparison. It VOL. II.-9

is the latter to which regard is to be had in a course of education. All that we contend for is, that the youthful mind should be inspired with a deep consciousness of the existence and the worth of those social powers and kindly sympathies within itself, which

bind it indissolubly to its species, and should be led to regard their development and culture as a necessary part of its preparation for future life."

We are no less pleased with the following sentiments on the subject of the moral influences that should vade a College.

per

"The great question is yet to be decided-What influence our educated men will have on the moral destinies of this nation! A question involving all those dear and mighty interests which bind us in hope to this and to a future world. With such a question pending, I tremble for the safety of my country, and blush for its reputation for sound philosophy, when I reflect that here an attempt has been made to break up the alliance between learning and religion, and to sever our literary institutions from the practical influence of a pure Christianity. I am happy to know that this is not to be the order of things in Hampden Sydney. I am not called to take the helm without a chart or compass. And I never shall embark on a voyage of such perils unless I can nail the Bible to the mast. We shall avoid all mere proselytism and the inculcation of minor sectarian peculiarities. But we shall strenuously endeavor so to develope, and discipline, and adapt to action the moral powers of youth, that, appreciating highly their own immortal interests, they shall go out hence on the highways of society a chosen band, clothed in the panoply of heaven to act as the lifeguards of the virtue, order, and common Christianity of their country."

The conclusion of Mr. Carroll's Address is full of fervid eloquence, rendered doubly interesting by a vein of that truest of all philosophy, the philosophy of the Christian. In the two last paragraphs sentiments are expressed, which at their delivery must have produced a strong sensation. Such indeed we learn from those present on the occasion, was their effect.

EULOGIES ON MARSHALL.

1. Judge Story's Discourse. 2. Binney's Eulogium. We have received Mr. Binney's EULOGY pronounced at Philadelphia, and Judge Story's DISCOURSE in Boston, upon our great and lamented countryman, fellowtownsman, neighbor, and friend-for by all these names did a fortuitous conjuncture of circumstances, including his own kind and prideless heart, entitle us to call him. We have read them both, with an interest created by long admiration and love for the subject, but rendered more intense by the beauties of the manner, in which the subject is displayed. We do not say, 'materiem superat opus. To such a material, no human skill could be incommensurately great: and Mr. Binney speaks with no less truth than modesty, in making it the consolation alike of the humblest, and of the most gifted eulogist, "that the case of this illustrious man is one, in which to give with simplicity the record of his life," is most nearly to copy "the great original;" and to attempt more, "is 'with taper light

To seek the beauteous eye of Heaven to garnish.'" But except Everett among the living, and Wirt and Ames among the departed of our countrymen, we doubt if any American, with the effusions of whose mind we are familiar, could have more closely rivalled by language the character and the actions attempted to be portrayed.

It is not our purpose now to review these two eulogies. A more extended notice of them, and of their great subject, we defer for our next number; in which we shall, perhaps, give also a few light personal reminiscences of Judge Marshall.

MINOR'S ADDRESS.

"It well becomes me to tread with modest and tremulous steps in a path consecrated by the luminous career of such men as the brothers Smith, an Alexander, a Hoge, and a Cushing. "There were giants in the earth in those days--mighty men, even men of renown." But they have gone, as we trust, to adorn higher spheres of usefulness and glory, and to shine in the firmament of God: whilst the radiance of their characters, still not lost to earth, lingers, like the setting sun-beams, on the high places of Hampden Sydney. They have all gone save one, at whose feet, as the Gamaliel of the Church, it has been my distinguished pri-vitation of that Body. By Lucian Minor, Esq. of Louisa. vilege to sit, and to whose masterly management of the young Published by request of the Institute.

mind I am much indebted for whatever of mental furniture I possess. I enter upon my duties, however diffident, with the

unblenching purpose of doing what I can to promote the best interests of the Institution over which I am called to preside. True, with a body and a mind partially wrecked by the arduous labors of past years and by successive attacks of prolonged illness, I cannot promise much. But I come to the performance of my new duties cheerfully, and with the frankness and integrity of

a man in sober earnest to do what I can.

"Knowing and admiring, as I always have done, the noble generosity of the Virginian character, I throw myself unreservedly upon the clemency, and I expect the prompt, cordial, efficient cooperation of this honorable Board of Trustees. Ido more. With a heart still bleeding under a recent and final separation from

An Address on Education, as connected with the Permanence of our Republican Institutions. Delivered before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, at its Anniversary Meeting, September the 24th, 1835, on the in

We earnestly call the attention of the public at large, but more especially the attention of all good citizens of Virginia, to the Address with whose title this article is headed. It will be found entire in the columns of the Messenger-but its appearance, likewise, in pamphlet form, simultaneously with the is suing of the present number, affords us an opportu nity of noticing it editorially without deviating from established rules.

Virginia is indebted to Mr. Minor-indebted for the seasonable application of his remarks, and doubly indebted for the brilliant eloquence, and impressive energy that beloved people, whose sympathies and prayers have been the solace of my past life for years, I throw myself upon the with which he has enforced them. We sincerely wish— kindness of this privileged Christian community. Most gladly nay, we even confidently hope, that words so full of would I find a home in their affections. Most devoutly do I hope warning, and at the same time so pregnant with truth, for and desire the sustaining influence of their sympathies and of their supplications to heaven in my behalf and in behalf of may succeed in stirring up something akin to action in this Institution. Let all the pious and prayerful join with me to the legislative halls of the land. Indeed there is no day, in a renewed consecration of this College to God, under the time to squander in speculation. The most lukewarm deep conviction that "except the Lord keep the city the watch-friend of the State must perceive-if he perceives any man waketh but in vain." With such for my allies, and God as my help, I shall enter on my labors with the assurance that the

inspiriting motto-" nil desperandum est"—is far more applicable to Hampden Sydney than it was to the republic of Rome in the zenith of her glory."

thing-that the glory of the Ancient Dominion is in a fainting-is in a dying condition. Her once great name is becoming, in the North, a bye-word for imbecility— all over the South, a type for "the things that have

been." And tamely to ponder upon times gone by is not to meet the exigencies of times present or to come. Memory will not help us. The recollection of our former high estate will not benefit us. Let us act. While we have a resource let us make it of avail. Let us proceed, at once, to the establishment throughout the country, of district schools, upon a plan of organization similar to that of our New England friends. If then, in time, Virginia shall be regenerated-if she shall, hereafter, assume, as is just, that proud station from which her own supine and over-weening selfesteem has been the means of precipitating her, "it will all be owing," (we take pleasure in repeating the noble and prophetic words of Mr. Minor,) "it will all be owing, under Providence, to the hearkening to that voice-not loud, but solemn and earnest-which from the shrine of Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and enforces the momentous precept-ENLighten the people.""

LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN. Legends of a Log Cabin. By a Western Man. York: George Dearborn, Publisher.

The Wyandot's Story is also good (this too has appeared in the American Monthly Magazine)—but we have fault to find, likewise, with the phraseology in this instance. No Indian, let Chateaubriand and others say what they please, ever indulged, for a half hour at a time, in the disjointed and hyperbolical humbug here attributed to the Wyandot. The Minute Men is the last of the series, and from its being told by the author himself, is, we suppose, considered by him the best. It is a tale of the year seventy-five-but, although interesting, we do not think it equal to either The Frenchman's Story or The Hunter's Vow. We recommend the volume to the attention of our readers. It is excellently gotten up.

TRAITS OF AMERICAN LIFE.

Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Edi"Northwood," "Flora's Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadel tor of "The American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of phia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart.

This volume is beautifully printed-and we are happy in being able to say, conscientiously, that its neat exNew ternal appearance is its very least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the PrefaceSketches and Stories here offered to the public"-says can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Mrs. Hale-"have not entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor-but the author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if so, she should have said it more explicitly)—or does she allude merely to novelty of man

We have been much interested in this book in spite of some very glaring faults and absurdities with which it is besprinkled. The work is dedicated to Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. the author of A Winter in the West, (why will our writers persist in this piece of starched and antique affectation?) and consists of seven Tales, viz. The Hunter's Vow, The Heiress of Brandsby, The Frenchman's Story, The Englishman's Story, The Yankee's Story, The Wyandot's Story, and the Minute Men. The plot will be readily conceived. A heterogeneous company are assembled by accident, on a snowy night, in the Log Cabin of a Western hunter, and, pour passer le temps, amuse themselves in telling Stories.

ner or of matter? We think that some of these sketches are old acquaintances of ours.

The volume consists of fourteen different articles.

The Lloyds-The Catholic Convert-The Silver Mine -Political Parties-A New Year's Story-Captain Glover's Daughter-The Fate of a Favorite-The RoThe Lottery Ticket-An Old Maid-Ladies' Fairs mance of Travelling-The Thanksgiving of the Heart -The Mode-and The Mysterious Box. The Silver Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole-but they are all written with grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, and bids fair to attain a far higher.

-

WESTERN SKETCHES.

Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. Philadelphia: Harrison Hall.

The Hunter's Vow is, we think, the best of the series. A dreamy student who can never be induced to forsake his books for the more appropriate toils of a backwoods' existence, is suddenly aroused from his apathy by the murder of his old father by an Indian-a murder which takes place under the scholar's own eyes, and which might have been prevented but for his ignorance in the art of handling and loading a rifle. The entire change wrought in the boy's character is well managed. The Heiress of Brandsby is a tale neither so verisimilar, nor so well told. It details the love of a Virginian heiress for a Methodist of no very enticing character; and concludes by the utter subversion, through the means of all powerful love, of the lady's long cherished notions of aristocracy. The Frenchman's Story has appeared be- Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his fore in the American Monthly Magazine. It is a well Tales and Legends, as well as by his labors in the edi imagined and well executed tale of the French Revolu- torship of the Western Monthly Magazine. From his tion. The fate of M. Girond "who left town suddenly," long residence in the West, and from his undoubted is related with that air of naked and unvarnished truth abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be so apt to render even a silly narrative interesting. The excellently qualified to write precisely such a book as Englishman's Story is a failure-full of such palpable folly he has written. His object in the present publication that we have a difficulty in ascribing it to the same pen seems to be not so much the furnishing of topographical which wrote the other portions of the volume. The or statistical details, as the sketching of character and whole tale betrays a gross ignorance of law in general-life in the West, prior to the close of the late war. To and of English law in especial. The Yankee's Story is those who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with much better-but not very good. We have our doubts Mr. Hall's writings, it is superfluous to say that the as to the genuine Yankeeism of the narrator. His lan-book is well written. Wild romance and exciting adguage, at all events, savors but little of Down East. venture form its staple.