tion of the heart. Argument, remonstrance, entreaty, persuasion, terror, and warning, fell, now like the music, and now like the thunder of heaven, from his lips. He seemed like patriotism in human form, eloquently pleading for the salvation of his country. The effect produced, resembled the fabled workings of enchantment. He threw a spell over the senses, rendering them insensible to every thing but himself. We venture to assert, that while he kept the floor, no person present had the slightest consciousness of the lapse of time.

When he resumed his seat, the audience seemed to awake as from a dream of delight. So absorbed were they in admiration-so facinated and subdued by the charms of his eloquence, that no one had the proper command of his faculties. Conscious of this, a leading member in the opposition moved for an adjournment, that the house might have time to cool, and the vote not be taken under the influence of the overwhelming sensibility which the orator had excited. This circumstance was in itself a tribute to the eloquence of Mr. Ames far beyond what language can bestow. It was a confession, extorted from a political adversary, that even the spirit of party was vanquished by his powers.'

'Although eminent as a jurist, and still more so as a writer, he was most distinguished as a statesman, and an orator. The style of his eloquence was peculiar to himself. We know of no model, either ancient or modern, to which it can, in strict propriety, be compared.-Too rich to borrow, and too proud to imitate, he looked into himself, and drew on his own resources for whatever the subject and occasion demanded. He sought, indeed, for information from every quarter; through the abundant channels of reading and conversation, no less than those of observation and reflection. But when knowledge once entered his mind, it experienced so many new combinations, and underwent such a thorough digestion, as to be completely assimilated to his own genius. Although it entered as knowledge derived from another, it soon took the character of the intellect it nourished, and went forth again, when required, to appear in a renovated and more radiant form. Nor was it in respect to its form alone that it sustained a mutation. It was augmented in its bulk, and multiplied in its ramifications, like a scion planted in a fertile and well watered soil. In relation to the modes of debate it pursued, and the abundance of instruments it was in the habit of using, a more pregnant, plastic, and versatile mind perhaps never existed. Nature and art were alike tributary to its amazing resources. With an ease and velocity which we never, we think, witnessed in any other being, it would bound through the range of space from pole to pole, and from earth to heaven, returning fraught with the choicest lights and happiest allusions, with all that was rare, and new, and beautiful, as means in illustration of some topic of debate. Capable of sporting with the lightest objects and of wielding the mightiest, it passed, with equal familiarity, from the dew-drop to the ocean, and the whispering of the breeze, to the roar of the elements. As circumstances demanded, its subject appeared either in a dress "simplex munditiis," elegantly simple, or clothed in a style of oriental magnificence.

In the different views entertained on the subject by different individuals, the oratory of Mr. Ames has been compared successively to that of most of the dis

tinguished speakers that have flourished,—to the oratory, in particular, of Burke and Chatham, Cicero and Demosthenes. He has been even said, to have formed himself on the model of each of these illustrious standards in eloquence. The oriticism is, in both its branches, erroneous. The oratory of Mr. Ames, although equally lofty, was less gorgeous than that of Burke, less full and swelling than that of Cicero, and, though somewhat similar in its sententiousness, energy, and point, less vehement and abrupt than that of Chatham or Demosthenes. In un studied ornament, striking antithesis, fertility of allusion, and novelty of combination, it was certainly far superior to either. Nor is it just to the reputation of Mr. Ames, to represent him as an imitator of either British, Roman, or Gre cian eloquence. That he was familiar with the best models of the art, both ancient and modern, will not be denied. He studied them, however, not with a view to servile imitation, but merely for the purposes of instruction and improvement; with the intention, perhaps, of correcting faults, but certainly not of acquiring excellencies. Something negative might have been derived from them; but every thing positive originated in himself. After collecting the best lights, that extensive reading and enquiry could bestow, he retired within himself and followed the bent of his own genius.

In the various exterior qualifications of the orator, Mr. Ames, though not perfect, was certainly accomplished. His figure, somewhat above the common size, was well proportioned, erect and manly. His countenance, although not marked by the strongest lines, or the boldest features, was lively and intelligent, susceptible of great animation and variety of expression, when thoroughly warmed and illumined by debate. His voice was clear, distinct and melodious, of sufficient compass to fill the largest of our public buildings, and capable of great variety in its intonations. His action, although not, perhaps, varied to the extent that was allowable and even desirable, was easy, graceful, and appropriate; and, in his more lofty and impassioned flights, became sometimes dignified, bold and commanding. Without ever descending to what might be denominated the stratagems of oratory, he, notwithstanding, practised that command of temper, and never failed in the observance of that regard to the feelings and disposition of the house, which are such powerful auxiliaries to argument and persuasion.'

ERRATA. Some errors escaped the press in the last number.Among others the following:-Page 340, in Stanzas to a Mock14th verse, last ing Bird,' 2d verse, 2d line after thy, insert timid.

line for bleeding read breaking.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Want of space compels us to omit a review of the interesting novels of Charles Brockden Brown, which we had prepared, for this number. That, together with a notice of 'EARLY LAYS,' and LYRICAL and other poems,' by William G. Simms, jun. Esq. of South Carolina will appear in our next.

To our Louisiana friend, who enquires about the health, progress and prosperity of this journal, we answer, that so far as subscription and prescription can help the cause, we have no reason to complain. In the western part of that state, in particular, we number a great many patrons of the highest respectability. We receive advice, in ample abundance, and many a 'priest's blessing.' But nothing braces the whole system, physical, moral, and intellectual-all the departments of fancy, imagination and memory, all the powers of exertion and industry, all the nerves of hope and confidence, like prompt payment. Every remittance not only helps to smooth the brow of our paper maker and publisher, but contributes, as we believe, more than all the advice, and medicine, that we could take, to the birth of a good number for the next month.

To our friend, 'Occidentalis,' we beg leave to say, that his communication is for various reasons inadmissible. Let him not mistake our motive. A clear and cogent physiological discussion would not be refused, because it contained strictures on the views of the editor, or Dr. Caldwell; though, we think, that he has to learn,' with some other things, that it is drawing pretty largely on the magnanimity of an editor, to expect, that he will publish strictures on himself. When he shall have written a treatise upon phrenology, and have clearly made out, that it merits what, we presume, he intended to be the opprobrious name of 'phrenomancy,' and will do us the honor to lay that treatise on our desk, we will pledge our best exertions, and our utmost impartiality to the review of it. It is one thing to dissect a human body, and a very different thing to walk understandingly, and straight forward, through the dark ma zes of metaphysical discussion.

THE

WESTERN

MONTHLY REVIEW,

Is published at the close of every month: Each number will contain from 56 to 64 octavo pages-making annually a volume of about 800 pages.

All communications for the Journal, will receive the prompt and respectful attention of the Editor.

N. B. A number of literary notices of forthcoming works

were omitted for want of room.