Where, 'neath the magnolia, bright waters gleam, Oh, here in this Bright Land was the birth of Love! Here then let us build, for the Spirit, a shrine: MR. SIMMS AS A POLITICAL WRITER. ber of Deputies. The historical novelist indeed, 'twould seem, must nccessarily be a deep thinker on matters of Government and Political Science. "Richelieu" and "Darnley" convey to the reader an idea of the political judgment and soundness of views which we have noticed in such high degree in the conversation of their gifted author. Bulwer, too, may safely trust to the political wisdom contained in his romances to bear his name up as it floats down the stream of time, though the immoral dross which they contain may be justly thrown aside and forgotten; to him also was it reserved to shame the professed scholars of Britain by rescuing the fame of the Great Democracy of Athens from the aspersions of the mere philologists and giving us the best history of that extraThe True Source of National Permanence. An Oration, ordinary people which our language contains. The delivered before the Erosophic Society of the University occupations of the historical novelist, his prolegoof Alabama, at its Twelfth Anniversary, December 13, mena, (to give an old word a new application.) fit 1842. By William Gilmore Simms of South Carolina, him for the duties of an historian and a political Tuscaloosa : published by the Society, 1813, pp. 55. writer. To use a remark in the Oration before There exists in the minds of many, a notion us, (though there in a different connection,) “to that a novelist must necessarily be nothing else account for the successes of individual mind will but a novelist. More particularly is it considered, go far to account for those of the community;" to that eminence in political life, or political science describe the individual character of his hero, and is incompatible with a high degree of excellence the aspect of his times, to dissect the human heart as a writer of fiction. The same feeling exists and make himself familiar with its inmost recesses with regard to many, if not most, other pursuits so as to paint the personages in his story true to 'twould seem as if the envy of mankind will not nature, true to their historic character, and true to readily yield to one man the merit of being great their times, constitute ample preparation for the in more than one thing. Even erudition and in- task of the political writer-the application of that tellectual superiority in the theory of a science have knowledge to present events and the affairs of natoo frequently been held to be incompatible with tions and society generally. With these views, practical ability in the exercise of its concomitant we cannot approach Mr. Simms' Oration but with profession. The friends of that gifted scholar and expectations of finding it of as high excellence in great lawyer, the late Attorney-General of the its line as his romances are in theirs, even had not United States, will remember how frequent and his History of South Carolina, and an article of well-grounded were his complaints, that because he singular ability on Slavery, in the Messenger of was a jurist, men supposed he could not be a law- November, 1837, prepared us to expect an essay of yer, and we have heard from his lips, but a short the very first order of merit. Nor were we disperiod before his death, the remark that the emi-appointed. nent jurist, whose affecting tribute to his memory Our limits do not permit us to give an extended will long be counted among the most noble pro-analysis of the Oration: nor would we be justified ducts of a noble head and a noble heart, was com- in forestalling and marring the pleasure which our pelled to pass through the same ordeal on his ele-readers, who have not seen it, may be induced to vation to the bench, and the vulgar mob of our de- seek from its perusal. We propose merely to nogenerate bar presumed, at first, at times to deny tice some of the sentiments contained in it, which the excellence of his decisions-because he was we think timely and such as cannot be too freinfinitely more learned than they. But such preju- quently brought to the public view at a period when dices, (for they deserve no better name,) have no educated barbarism is making rapid strides in our other foundation than the disinclination alluded to land, and when the good old principles of our fathers which men feel to acknowledge the universal power are giving place to an adoration of Mammon and of Genius. Milton's political writings can be placed the deification of the most grovelling and abominaby the side of his Paradise Lost; and in our own ble Utilitarianism-a period when men are counted day the late Marquis of Wellesley has shown to us by hands and not by souls, and a steam-engine is that the most eminent qualities as a statesman can the Magnus Apollo of our Mythology, the St. Salbe united to the inspiration of the poet, while the vator of our Calendar,-a period rife with social parliamentary abilities of M. de la Martine leave heresies, which, did not the common sense of our us in doubt whom most to admire, the author of people preclude the possibility of their becoming the Chute d' un Ange or the leader of the Cham-universal among us, would introduce a state of things in which all the higher and better feelings of our nature would be smothered, taste and art disappear, and in which Raphael would paint signs, Michael Angelo be a master-carpenter, and Shakspeare and Dante starve. Mr. Simms says with great truth of the English settlers on this continent: "They came to colonize and not to conquer, though, in effecting the one object, they necessarily secured the other. In this simple fact consists the great secret of their success." (p. 9.) In another part he corrects some too common errors which, however trivial and merely historical they may appear, lie at the bottom of the heresies which infect the minds of the abolitionists and many other fanatics at the North and at the South: "It is well to remark that, in our Declaration of Independence, the wrongs done, the provocations suffered, are spoken of only as so many aggressions upon society; and the understanding is never for a moment outraged or of fended by a single abstraction about that liberty, which, save in name, is nothing more than a spirit of refined so. ciety. They shook themselves free from the King of Great Britain, for the same reason which first prompted them to seek refuge in the wilderness,-the comfort and the security of home. Not so much with the view to the assertion of an abstract principle, the neglect of which might, at some future day, have involved them in probable loss of right or privilege, but because of absolute present abuses and usurpations." (p. 12.) In the following sentiment we fully concur with Mr. Simms, (he is speaking of the by-gone times of "Merrie Englonde :") "I confess, the hearty and generous nature which spoke out in those days, dashed, it might be, by a little excess of that rustic simplicity which became rudeness, has a charm for contemplation, which makes it half doubtful whether civilization, in refining too much on this character, has not impaired some of its most valuable virtues." (p. 20.) In the following remarks, M. Simms has hit upon the true cause of John Bull's surliness, whenever he gets out of his "sea-girt isle :" "It is in consequence of this unquestionable social superiority, that the Englishman, let him go where he will from home, is always a discontent. His most ordinary and in dispensable requisites are denied him in other lands, and the substitutes which are offered, only remind him, as if in mockery, of the superior value and attractions of those which he has abandoned. Doubtless, in the clamor which he makes, he not only betrays some feebleness of character, but is unjust to other people. But that he attaches too high a value to those things which make his home more dear to him than any other,-which make him love his country with an individual passion that seems to swallow up all others,―cannot well be said by those who behold, in this very attachment, the true secret of his own and his country's eminence." (p. 22.) with which we are reproached by the modern British, is due to the reckless and detestable ambition of their ancestors-their greedy avarice-their insatiate thirst of power, and their total disregard, in that prolonged warfare, of all those redeeming usages of war, which sometimes entitle it to the applause of humanity." (p. 30.) How much more complete an answer to the calumnies and crude notions of idling British tourists does one such philosophical reflection afford, than whole cart loads of such trash as the "change for American Notes!"-a book, by-the-by, which looks very much as if it was "made to order" on this side the Atlantic. The following remarks deserve to be deeply weighed : "Nothing is so fatal to this discipline as the emancipation of the boy, in his tender years, from the restraints of the maternal household-from the guidance of the parental hand and eye-from the pure and sobering influences-the regular habits and the cheering smiles of the domestic hearth and habitation. Nothing so soon prompts the boy to throw off his allegiance to years, to station, to worth and virtue, as the capacity of earning money for himself. Money is the sign, among us, unhappily, of the highest social power,--and the possessor of it soon learns to exercise it as a means of authority. It is a new doctrine, certainly, in our country-but not the less true for that—to teach that the longer a boy is kept from earning money for himself, the better for himself-for his real manhood-for his morals— his own, and the happiness of those who love him." (p. 44.) Yes, we exclaim with Mr. Simms, not the less true for that. We designed noticing some of the many other striking, deep and philosophical remarks with which the Oration literally teems; but we have already found difficulty in selecting, from among the many good, the best. Remarking then that Mr. Simms, by this Oration, (not to mention his other works,) has fully legitimated himself as a political writer, we will close this notice by the following extract, (italicising some sentiments, which cannot be too often pondered in a country such as ours at present is :) "After what has been already said, I need scarcely repeat, Gentlemen, how very wretched and dangerous I think our whole social system. We are all wrong, even as regards the search after fortune,—for where are the fortunes of those who have been most searching, and, as they fancied, most successful? We are still more in error, as regards our pursuit of happiness. We lack too many qualities of training and education, to succeed well in either of these objects. We lack fortitude as well as patience—modesty and we neither know how to toil nor how to endure. We reveneration-gentleness of behavior and industry of habit. gard labor as slavish, and endurance as a sort of baseness. We indulge in the most confident assertion, at one moment, and, in the next, repine in the most dastardly complaint; and in all our promises and performances, prove ourselves singularly insensible to the true objects of delight or happiness. The following remark indicates a penetrating These, I have shown, are to be found in a more devout adglance into the secrets of " that strange philosophi-herence to the laws of domestic comfort. But these laws cal romance, the progress of society," (as Mr. we do not admire and do not obey. We have no faith in Our tastes are purely animal. Our appetites Simms graphically designates it on p. 7:) master us. We lack the simplicity of a truthful, earnest na"It would not be difficult to say how much of the law-ture. We substitute rudeness for frankness. We look lessness and violence which now disgrace our country, and upon a gentlemanly deportment as a proof of imbecility, one another. and we are more pleased with the swagger of the ruffian, who that it will destroy these prejudices, by promoting both inyields nothing, than with the courtly grace of the gentleman, dividual and national intercommunion. who knows what a noble thing it is to yield gracefully. says, prescribed his plan to the people of Philadelphia. He returned to France with the works of our authors, mechanics, artists and to a number of whom he makes acknowledgments in his address. The two Chambers of France readily enacted a law to carry Literary Exchanges into effect, and "have already sent 340 volumes to enrich the Library of the Capitol." Maine, New-York, Pennsylvania and Maryland have also enjoyed the benefits of these Exchanges. Why should not Virginia and other Southern States share them? They all have something to give-their Statutes, Law Reports, Journals, Maps, Histories and Historical and other Documents. Many of the works which Virginia put up at auction lately and sold for a song would be suitable for this generous international barter, in which we hope soon to see her and her sisters engaging. They all have, in their archives, much that is worth offering to other nations. Upwards of 3,000 volumes have already crossed the Atlantic from France to the United States, and The account given by Mr. Vattemare shows with what These, it will not be denied, are too much the characteris - | success his efforts here were attended. Dr. Chapman, he tics of our social life. It is in this respect that we find all our deficiencies. Viewed, externally, as a mere nation, we are a surprising people, and our vanity is sufficiently delighted in being called so. We obey the laws of progress as promptly as any other nation--perhaps much more soin all those concerns which regard man as a machine. capable of certain physical performances, or those only besides, which, if not absolutely physical, concern nothing so much as physics. But these, believe me, are small triumphs-not to be counted in the history of progress in a great Christian nation. The powers of steam-the facilities of railroads-the capacity to overcome time and space, are wonderful things,— but they are not virtues, nor duties, nor laws, nor affections. I do not believe that all the steam power in the world can bring happiness to one poor human heart. Still less can I believe that all the railroads in the world can carry one poor soul to heaven. And these are the real OBJECTS OF LIFE-to live well, and do well, in preparation for the future." (p. 51.) Alas! 'tis a great mistake, as Mr. Simms ob-authors, artists, musicians, engravers, &c., are rapidly forwarding their productions to be distributed amongst us. serves in another place, "to confound the idea of a When Mr. Vattemare had concluded his address, the Comte cunning or an ingenious with a GREAT PEOPLE. CASTELLANE, President of the Royal Athenæum, Mr. Glade, one of the Vice-Presidents, Mr. Hippeau, the Secretary, and M. Julien de Paris, made a few remarks approving the scheme and highly flattering to Mr. Vattemare. The Compte said, "He was glad to see the citizens of different countries thus united to pay a just tribute to one, who had done so much for both France and America, and hoped that the Literary acquaintance, thus auspiciously commenced, would ultimately end in an intimate intellectual union." Mr. Van Zandt offered several resolutions, among which was one, that the General Government of the United States should appoint an agent at Paris to effect Literary Exchanges, to receive and to distribute works offered for Exchange and, of course, recommended Mr. Vattemare as the person to receive the appointment. The Pamphlet also contains an appendix in which appear the various Legislative reports approving Mr. Vattemare's scheme and the letters of the ministers presenting works, from their respective departments, on the part of the French Government. Heartily approving the plan of Mr. Vattemare and having been highly interested by the perusal of "the proceedings," &c., we were near publishing his Address in extenso; but must content ourselves with this INTERNATIONAL LITERARY EXCHANGES. We wished to call attention to this interesting subject in our last number, but were compelled to defer it. Since then, it has been briefly noticed by many of the Public Prints; but its importance and utility justify a more extended consideration. Indeed, Mr. Vattemare's plan of International Exchanges of works of Science, Literature and Art has been long and often before the Public; and has received the high sanction which it deserved, of both word and deed. The Messenger has been its advocate long since. What gives occasion to this notice, at this time, is the receipt of a neat pamphlet from Paris, containing the "proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of the U. States, in Paris, at the Athénée Royale, March 27, 1843, embracing | abstract. an address, by Alexandre Vattemare." Letters of invitation were issued and a large number of gentlemen and ladies of distinction assembled. Nathaniel Niles was called to the Chair, and Benjamin P. Poore appointed Secretary. Mr. Vattemare's address is highly interesting, animated, chaste and appropriate. He shews how readily his scheme was embraced in Europe and immediately acted upon by several nations. At length, he undertook "the self-imposed task" of visiting the United States, for the purpose of introducing it here. He was, at first, discouraged at finding no public Institutions here, that would be suitable and convenient depositories for the works which the adoption of his system would secure to us. But still he persevered and found Congress, as far as they could constitutionally, and the people ready to adopt and carry out his laudable and magnificent design. Truly it is a noble design, that of This, the Editor avows to be the veritable history of an breaking down every barrier to the free interchange of old "shipmate," with whom he sailed previous to his enterworks of Intellect and Art,-to the fullest extension of ing the Navy. Ned once wrote to know if the author of their triumphs; of establishing between all nations one the Pilot, &c. was not his old comrade, and learning that universal currency of thought. It is an honor to have sug- he was, a meeting took place, in the course of events; then a gested such a scheme. Nothing but the narrowest national | visit to Mr. Cooper's “ Romantic" residence, during which prejudice can raise objections to it, and one of its glories is 'Mr. Cooper proposed the publication of Ned's adventures. The Americans, at Paris, have established a reading 100m, where will be collected the literary and scientific Journals of the U. States. Mr. Vattemare was also the friend of this laudable Institution-we think a mover in it. We have seen a letter to our worthy predecessor requesting a copy of the Messenger for this reading room. His sickness, perhaps, prevented him from attending to it; but we will take pleasure in forwarding the Messenger and in doing all we can to promote every such undertaking. We hope never to be indifferent to any thing that savors of mental improvement and an American spirit. NED MYERS, OR LIFE BEFORE THE MAST. Edited by J. Fenimore Cooper. Lea and Blanchard, Philadelphia, 1843. grove of magnificent oaks, beneath whose shade we once beheld a most enchanting scene presented by more than a hundred bright and joyous maidens paying homage to their Queen of May. In front of the Institute rises a rugged and barren hill, which the classic and undaunted imaginations of the lasses have styled Mt. Parnassus. In a few years the grounds about the building will be adorned and improved with much taste. The wonder is, that in so short a time, so noble and extensive an Institution should be reared and kept in successful operation. In short, we know of no Institution where superior provision is made for the intellectual, moral and RELIGIOUS culture of the female mind. A description of it, together with an engra The work before us is the consequence. Ned was a very on the Western border of the town, in the vicinity of a promising boy, as might have been inferred from the Prince of Wales standing as his Sponsor, whilst he was with the British troops in Canada, where Ned was born--his father being in the British service and, perhaps, adjutant to the Prince. Ned, with genuine sailor-like prodigality, threw away all his great expectations from the favor of his father's noble friend, and bribing the mate of a Halifax vessel, with the fowling piece the Prince had given him, ran off and sailed for New-York. After remaining there awhile and poorly requiting the kindness shewn him, he ran off again, telling a falsehood to effect his purpose. But we have neither time, nor space, nor inclination to re-write Ned's history. Suffice it to say, that he was shipwrecked and all that and made a complete "shipwreck of a good con-ving of the building, appeared in the Messenger a year or science;" that he sailed in more than one hundred vessels, was twenty-five years, during his numerous voyages, out of sight of land; saw many sights, endured many sufferings, became a great rogue and an abandoned sot; and was a pretty genuine scamp. Of all this, however, he has repented and now preaches very good morality, especially to sailors. Much good may it do them; and, indeed, we hope it will benefit them. Certainly sailors call loudly for the efforts of the reformer and the philanthropist. Ned in the noble exploit of stealing a dog, for the sake of a sixpence tied round his neck, once fell into the Dock and would have been drowned but for the timely rescue of Mr. Cooper; and now the same kind friend is endeavoring to rescue his name from a Literary death. Whether he succeeds or not does'nt matter much. But if Ned was in the water again, we think his book is light enough to buoy him up like a swimmer's cork. It would be curious to ascertain how often Mr. Cooper is referred to and spoken of as the Editor. This interesting fact is recurring from beginning to end. It appears on the cover and the title page; in the preface; on page 9; on page 10-twice on page 11, and so on, to page 230-and twice in one paragraph on page 231. Don't forget to honor the Editor. Oh! no. Ned had a far stronger constitution than the unfortunate Tuscarora of the Hutted Knoll; for repeated attacks of the awful "horrors" could'nt kill him. After all, we hardly think that Ned will eclipse Mr. Dana. Drinker and Morris have the book. THE GUARDIAN. two since; which many of our readers may remember. It is now in a very flourishing condition, having over two hundred pupils and twenty persons engaged in the various departments of instruction. From such an Institution, the Guardian issues and is published in the large folio form, sixteen pages monthly, at the exceedingly low price of one dollar per annum, in advance. AN ELEMENTARY, PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL TREATISE ON NAVIGATION: with a new and easy plan for finding Dift., Lat., Dep., Course and Distance, by projection. By M. F. Maury, Lieut. U. S. N. Second Edition, revised and corrected. Philadelphia: Edward C. Biddle, 1843. Nothing can be more important than that Students of any branch of Knowledge should be provided with suitable text books. When they are compelled to seek the knowledge which their spirit of inquiry demands, from a number of sources, gathering here a little and there a little, it may indeed often happen, that they derive much benefit from their researches, and the very difficulties which they encounter impress results upon their minds. But much precious time is thus often wasted and the mind is much perplexed and harassed by fruitless investigations. Indeed the number of books to be consulted, often difficult to be procured, and the tediousness of the research too frequently deter many, who have some desire to learn; and especially is this apt to be the case with mathematical studies. The young midshipman enters the Navy, at an age when he cannot be expected to have mastered much Science; and yet he has constantly to deal with some of its most beautiful results and to apply some of its This excellent, though unpretending monthly magazine most important principles. From what the votaries of Sciis always gladly welcomed. There are special reasons ence have accomplished for him, the navigator may readily why we should receive it ever with a smile; but its merits apply even abstruse principles and guide his frail bark in must commend it to all. It is "a family Journal, devoted safety over the dangerous deep, without knowing any thing to the cause of female education on Christian Principles; of Astronomy, Mathematics, or the properties of the magedited at the female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, by the net. But this mechanical method should not satisfy the Rector, the Rev. F. G. Smith, with the aid of the Rt. Rev. mind of the bold mariner. It will not at all suffice for the visitor, Bishop Otey, and of the tutoresses." Its matter is members of a gallant profession, who are welcomed into pure and choice, original and selected. The young ladies every circle and should be as great adepts in the learning of the "Institute" often appear with much credit in its as the chivalry of their corps. Indeed, they are required pages. It is also the organ of communication between the to make certain advances in Science and are subject to Institute and its patrons, containing a monthly report of the careful examinations; but those ambitious of distinction standing of all the pupils, so arranged as to be intelligible will not be content with the mere requisitions of the Law to their parents only. It must incite the young ladies and the examiner. Of these was the author of the valua to greater diligence, enticing them to read and to exercise ble treatise before us. But in pushing his inquiries with their pens. Indeed, in the Institue, particular attention is that noble ardor which still characterises him, he met diffipaid to composition, a too much neglected branch of edu-culties and obstacles which impeded his progress and concation in the South. This whole Institution seems to be sumed his time. Hence he conceived the design of the conducted on a most liberal and judicious plan, and affords Treatise under notice, with the view of assisting his brounwonted facilities for a polished as well as solid educa- thers of the Navy and of furnishing, in one work, the printion. It is a crown of glory to Tennessee and the mere ciples and demonstrations, which it was important for them structure is a beautiful ornament to the pleasant and healthy to understand. The student, instead of following him town in which it is situated. The building is a handsome through his tedious course, can now pass by regular and model of the Gothic order and surmounts a gentle eminence, easy steps from the first principles of Algebra to the more abstruse learning in his most honorable profession. Whilst | questionably of eminent rank; but he would have been the work is so well calculated to be of service to the gen- more commendable, if he had acquired the power of adapttlemen of the Navy, having originated in the wants and experience of one of them, it is no less adapted to all those who "go down to the sea in ships" and who care to understand the rules by which they guide their way. The author has received the highest testimonials from many competent judges, and there is a probability of the work being adopted in the examinations held for members of the Navy. Another officer in the Navy was led by the same wants and difficulties to form the plan of a similar work; but having been anticipated by Lieut. Maury and finding his work supply every deficiency and well adapted to the wants of the Navy, he immediately abandoned his intention. Navigation is both a beautiful Science and an Art. Those who have to practise the Art are led by the lucid arrangement of the author to an easy comprehension of the Science. The zeal and ardor which induced him at so early an age to devote himself, whilst in active service, to the prosecution of such studies and the preparation of so necessary and useful a Work are worthy of all praise and imitation. It has already reached its Second Edition and been adopted in several of the Naval schools. Let those who have the authority, see that Naval students are provided with it; and let them do all in their power to foster the spirit which produced it. THE COMPLETE WORKS OF HANNAH MORE, in 8 numbers, at 25 cents per number. The first complete American Edition. Harper & Brothers, New York--1843. The fifth number of this valuable series has been received from Messrs. Drinker & Morris. It contains "Hints towards forming the character of a young Princess," the well known treatise on Education written and designed for the Princess Charlotte of Wales; and also part of "Christian Morals." The leaven of Mrs. More's writings should be well infused into society. GIBBON'S DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. We announced in our last number, that the Harpers were about to publish in serial form this splendid work. The republication of such standard productions, besides the valuable works of reference, is the chief, almost the only benefit from cheap literature. Even voluminous works are thus bought and read by those who would turn away from the array of a complete edition-even though it should cost no more than in the present form. We are among those who are glad to have the notes of the Rev. Editor. Religious sentiment should pervade every History. The Bible furnishes the model and embodies rules to guide the Historian's pen. When the most philosophical and unprejudical minds of the age see in Christianity the powerful and purifying agent of Modern Civilization and the indispensable bond of human society, it cannot be too much regretted, that its value and its triumphs should have been so disparaged by the genius and eloquence of the learned Gibbon. It is true that the antidote to the Historian's poison is to be found on every hand and therefore some have preferred the inedited History. But so fatal a poison should have its antidote constantly by, lest some hapless reader should imbibe its venom. Besides, farther researches have proved that the author's statements needed correction and annotation. We can not better conclude this brief notice than with the following extract from the biography of the author, which is prefixed to the present edition of his masterly Work. ing his language to the nature of his subject, passing with facility from a bold and dignified strain, into the minor graces of narrative and simple detail. His fondness for French authors had imperceptibly led him to adopt their poetic and figurative style, and he describes the puerile transactions of his youthful days, in the same splendid manner as he records the fates of kingdoms, and the triumphs of warlike chieftains. But the pen of criticism has been sufficiently exercised, upon former occasions, in pointing out some defects, and eulogizing the great and numerous excellencies of our celebrated Author: it is hardly necessary that the task should be renewed. "The Work, again submitted to the public, has, for a long period, been universally acknowledged as remarkable for great depth of research and accuracy of information; and, in these respects, it will never cease to be regarded as an invaluable fund of historical knowledge, suited to all ages and countries, and calculated to afford both pleasure and instruction to the statesman, the philosopher, and the scholar." PERILOUS ADVENTURES; or Remarkable Instances of Courage, Perseverance and Suffering. By R. A. Davenport. New York: Harper & Brothers-1841. We have not much of a passion for the perilous, or the marvellous, though we remember some books of this description with affection. There is not often much instruction in them and their effect is to render useful reading tame and dull in comparison. In so far as the mind can be incited and enticed by presenting to it deeply interesting matters, it is well to indulge it. Hence intensely exciting books and even fairy tales have often produced a fondness for reading, which has afterwards sought wholesome mental food. Nothing can be more absorbing than the Romance of History. Indeed, Fiction, to be natural and entertaining to a mind at all regulated, must derive her creations from Some existence. Historical novels are not only the most instructive, but the most thrilling. But to separate all the Romance of History from the more sober parts, however real and true it may be, is, in our opinion, of doubtful propriety. The unity and consistency of History are thereby destroyed, and in fact its reality, because only parts are given, which, however true, often appear distorted from the absence of those incidents intimately connected with them. The work before us contains "perilous adventures" in the lives of Prince Charles Edward of England; of Cassanova, who was confined in the State prison of Venice; Charles II.; the Earl of Nithsdale, Stanislaus Leczinski and Cortez. A work has been recently published containing the letters and despatches of Cortez, whilst engaged in his conquests in Mexico; which many of the public prints pronounce very entertaining. A COURSE OF LECTURES ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL JURISPRUDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES, delivered annually in Columbia College, New-York, by William Alexander Duer, LL. D., late President of that Institution. New-York: Harper and Brothers, 1843. The motto of this work, whilst it proclaims a great truth, explains its object; "Est omnibus necessaruim nosse rempublicam." Cic. The lectures were prepared and delivered with a view of supplying a defect in the Education of American youth, by giving them an acquaintance with the Constitution of their Country. Partisan newspapers are too often the only instructors that our young men have; and many aspire to become politicians-have become such and enjoyed considerable influence-without the knowledge of "Considered as an historical writer, Mr. Gibbon is un- the first principles of the Constitution. With minds igno |