How little the soldier who sent that fatal messenger of death imagined that it would be held up to the gaze of a great concourse of people, and hon-guesser was wrong. ored by them as a precious relic, seventy-seven years afterward!

SOME people whom we have known, are very fond of narrating their night-mares and horrid dreams; and this person is one of them:

"The other night, after reading an evening paper, I retired late to rest. Scarcely had I laid my

Atherton, and other Tales, is the title of a new volume (published by Ticknor and Fields), in which charming Miss MITFORD brings forward the latest production of her pen, together with several shorter stories, which, though forming a portion of the contents of one of the splendid annuals of the day, have hitherto obtained only a limited circulation. Atherton is one of her delightful characteristic narratives, in which lively delineation of character is gracefully blended with fascinating descriptions of the luxuriant and mellow scenery of the English landscape. The circumstances under which it was written will give it a peculiar interest in the eyes of her many readers, who have learned to regard her as a personal friend. About two years ago, Miss Mitford, who has long been the victim of severe rheumatic disease, was thrown from her little pony carriage, while driving on the hard gravel road of a friend's park. Though no bones were broken by the accident, the jar affected her whole nervous system, and, added to her previous sufferings by rheumatism, left the limbs and body almost entirely crippled. The advancing summer brought her no relief, and by autumn she was unable to leave her room, even with the assistance of her friends. She was wheeled with difficulty from the bed to the fireside; could not rise from her seat, or put one foot before another; and even in writing, was often obliged to have the ink-glass held for her, as she was unable to raise her hand to dip the pen in the ink. In this state, with frequent paroxysms of pain, she finished the composition of Atherton. The story, however, needs no extrinsic aid to give a charm to its perusal. It will be widely read by Miss Mitford's admirers, with no drawback to their satisfaction, except that it is probably the last literary performance which she will give to the public.

read, only to learn more emphatically that God made all men to be brethren, and that Christ gave as the sum-total of his doctrines, that they should love one another. This is the end of all his reading and learning; and better by far to have learned thus with hard hands and swarthy brow, over the labors of his forge and hammer-than to have studied in easy universities, to have worn lawn and ermine, yet to have garnered no expansive benevolence while he became a prodigy of learning."

Leather Stocking and Silk (published by Harper and Brothers), is a tale of rural life in Virginia, remarkable for its free and natural sketching of character, and the dramatic vigor and point with which the story is developed. The hero is a gay and brilliant youth of Virginia, with a dash of recklessness in his composition, who, after running through a variety of adventures, and temporarily disappearing from the stage, at last returns in the character of a discreet professional man, and settles down as an exemplary member of society. A fine contrast to him is presented in the person of an old hunter of the backwoods, who has picked up a certain homely wisdom, in the course of his long experience, and whose heart abounds with no less excellent qualities than his head. The style of this story is unpretending but vigorous-often thrown into the form of short, rapid dialogue-and always terse and expressive. It possesses the great test of excellence, that it well sustains critical examination, revealing new beauties, upon familiar acquaintance, that were not obvious to a superficial inspection. The writer of this work modestly conceals his name, but he little needs the protection of the anonymous.

The Master's House, by LOGAN (published by T. L. M'Elrath and Co.), is an original story devoted to the description of life on a Southern plantation. A collection of ELIHU BURRITT'S miscellane. Its interest is made to depend on isolated passages ous writings, entitled, Thoughts and Things at of very considerable power, rather than on the artHome and Abroad, has been issued by Phillips, istic development of an elaborate plot. The writer, Sampson, and Co., accompanied with a memoir of we should judge, is familiar with the scenes he dethe author, by MARY HOWITT. The subjects treat- scribes, and has probably obtained his knowledge ed of by Mr. Burritt in this volume relate chiefly to of them from personal experience. His sketches the various schemes of philanthropy with which his are marked by their facility and naturalness, and name is identified, and which he urges upon his are for the most part left to make their own imreaders in a tone of mild and affectionate earnest-pression on the mind of the reader, without being ness, sometimes approaching the borders of an in- interlarded with moral or political reflections. nocent fanaticism. Several autobiographical notices are scattered throughout the work, showing the difficulties encountered by the writer in his pursuit of knowledge, and the triumph of a devoted purpose and a strenuous will over external obstacles. Mr. Burritt is certainly a remarkable instance of successful self-education. He appears to be almost wholly free from the overweening conceit of his own merits, which is often the result of literary distinction that is not obtained in the usual routine. The modesty and simplicity of his character have not been damaged by intellectual success. Nor has his zeal for the acquisition of knowledge diverted his attention from the cause of humanity. On the contrary, he neglects no effort which, in his view, will contribute to social melioration. As Mrs. Howitt justly observes, "His many-languaged head is wedded to a large and benevolent heart, every throb of which is a sentiment of brotherhood to all mankind. He has not read Homer and Virgil, and the Sagas of the North, and the Vedas of the East, to admire only, and to teach others to admire, the strong-handed warrior, cutting his way to glory through prostrate and bleeding thousands; he has

A new novel, entitled Ticonderoga, by the un-useup-able G. P. R. JAMES, is issued by Harper and Brothers. The scene is laid in North America, prior to the commencement of the Revolution, and gives occasion to the portraiture of Indian, French, and English character, in their combination and contrast. Mr. James's residence in this country appears to have furnished his pen with fresh themes, while it has taken nothing from his fertility of invention and liveliness of description. The plot of this novel is well sustained-the style has all the author's usual brilliancy-and we think it will be read with no less interest than any of his former productions.

The Hive of the Bee Hunter, by T. B. THORPE. (Published by D. Appleton and Co.) These characteristic sketches fully sustain the brilliant reputation of the author as an effective delineator of American scenery and social peculiarities. The work stands in the very highest rank of its kind, and no one who reads it will dissent from our opinion.

Sir Jasper Carew is the title of a new novel by LEVER, in which the exhaustless fund of humor

and pathos presented by Irish life serves to present fresh and racy materials for his vigorous pen. The tone of this work is less frolicsome than many of his previous productions, but its animated descriptions of incidents in social life, and its keen touches of good-natured satire, give it a fascinating interest, and can not fail to make it a favorite with all the lovers of Irish stories. (Published by Harper and Brothers.)

formation, concerning the history and geography of the African nations, give it a permanent value as an authentic work of reference. Presenting copious details explanatory of the operations of the squadron, with which he was connected by important and responsible functions, Lieutenant Foote has clearly shown its effects in checking the prevalence of crime, and in preparing the way for the civilization of Africa. His narrative challenges the attention of the reader by its liveliness and perspicuity, and richly rewards a careful perusal.

was born on the 11th of February, 1735, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. At an early age he removed with his parents to North Carolina. This was in 1753; and from that time commenced the series of bold adventures which signalize his name. They are succinctly related in the present volume, with no attempt on the part of the writer to heighten their effect by rhetorical embellishment. The tale is full of incident, and often diversified by scenes of touching pathos. It shows no small share of good taste, amidst so many temptations to exaggeration, that the narrative for the most part bears the stamp of unpretending simplicity.

The Elements of Character, by MARY G. CHANDLER. (Published by Crosby, Nichols, and Co.) The presence of a thoughtful and richly-cultivated Daniel Boone and the Hunters of Kentucky, by W. mind entitles this work to a place among the higher H. BOGART. (Published by Miller, Orton, and productions of American female literature. We Mulligan.) The biography of this celebrated backbelieve the name of the author now comes before woodsman was a romance of sylvan life. One of the public for the first time; but her volume betrays earliest pioneers of civilization in the Great West, no signs of literary inexperience; she writes from he watched the progress of improvement till crowda full intellect; with a decided emphasis of opin-ed cities took the place of the ancient forest. Boone ion; and with the facility and boldness of a practiced hand. Her themes-which relate to the formation and development of character-are discussed in the light of ethics and religion; showing the suggestive influence of the great Swedish seer; but with perfect freedom from sectarian narrowness. Indeed, the acute common sense of her remarks, and her broad and generous views of human nature, admirably blend with the deep tone of pious sentiment that pervades the work, and temper a certain dash of mysticism which might otherwise be repulsive to the taste of many readers. It is rarely that female authors in this country have entered the sphere of essay-writing. The work before us is a proof that success may be attained in this difficult department, no less than in that of fiction, poetry, and amusing sketches. We should not, how-ed to furnish the very latest results of geographical ever, advise any one to venture upon the experiment, with a less decided tendency to reflection, or a less comprehensive and severe cultivation than are evinced by the present writer. Endowed with uncommon natural gifts, trained in an austere school of contemplation, and enriched by profound and exquisite literary studies, she has made good her claim to the lofty and grave function of an ethical writer; and we sincerely hope that this volume may be the precursor of others with similar intent.

The first Number of Harper's Gazeteer of the World, edited by J. CALVIN SMITH, is issued by Harper and Brothers. This work, which is intend

and statistical investigation, will be completed in ten Numbers, embracing about eighteen hundred pages in one large octavo volume, and illustrated by a variety of maps, engraved for the publication. It will embody the returns of the social, agricultural, and industrial statistics of the people, collected in the late censuses of the United States and of British North America, in addition to the full and important contributions to geographical science which have been made by the census returns of Mexico, the Footprints of Famous Men, by JOHN G. EDGAR Central American States, South America, Great (published by Harper and Brothers), gives a popular Britain, and the countries of Continental Europe, view of the history of several eminent characters, as well as by numerous recent and elaborate works arranged under the heads of-Men of Action, Men upon statistics and geography, and various special of Letters, Artists, and Men of Science. Among branches of science. A work of this character is the persons whose biography is briefly related, are greatly needed for general reference. Combining a Washington, Burke, Pitt, Southey, Moore, Sir sufficient degree of fullness with a great economy Joshua Reynolds, Sir Francis Chantrey, Adam of space, it presents all the essential points of inSmith, and others. The work is primarily intended formation in a convenient and accessible form. It for juvenile reading, and is well adapted for that pur- will be carried rapidly through the press, in serial pose. It sets forth the examples of distinguished Numbers, issued on the 1st and 15th of each month. excellence which it commemorates in an attractive A History of Illinois, by the late Gov. THOMAS and encouraging form, with a variety of illustrations FORD. (Published by S. C. Griggs and Co., Chisuited to make a pleasing impression on the youth-cago.) A lively, off-hand narrative, strongly tincful mind. At the same time, the accurate biographical information which it contains, together with its sound and discriminating comments on eminent public characters, commends it to the attention of all classes of readers. It is one of those books which, on account of its condensation of facts and its popular style, should find a place in every family library.

Africa and the American Flag, by Commander ANDREW H. FOOTE. (Published by D. Appleton and Co.) The recent discussions in Congress, with regard to the removal of the American squadron from the coast of Africa, will doubtless increase the interest of this book; although its full and ample in

tured with personal and party predilections, is here given of the history of Illinois, from its commence. ment as a State, in 1818, to the year 1847. It abounds in anecdotes of the primitive settlers, graphic sketches of society on the frontier, and a lucid view of the course of events. A full account is presented of the Black-Hawk War, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and the career of Joseph Smith and his followers in Illinois. Though hardly aspiring to the character of a regular history, it affords materials of great interest and value to the antiquarian student and the future historian.

Sandwich Island Notes, by a HÄOLE (published by Harper and Brothers), presents the impressions

of an American traveler on the condition of affairs | Revolution' is the best of his works! His pictures at the Hawaiian Islands during the year 1853. He gives a lively, and apparently a truthful description of scenes that came under his own observation, illustrative of the peculiar manners and customs of the natives. The missionary operations among that people are frequently referred to, and, for the most part, in terms of high respect. The facts related by the author respecting the degraded state of the mass of the population, independent of the influence of the Gospel, are of a striking character, and furnish him with a series of arguments in favor of the annexation of the country to the United States. His book can not fail to attract attention, with the prevailing interest on the subject, and it certainly adds to our stock of authentic information.

The Poets and the Poetry of the Ancient Greeks, by ABRAHAM MILLS. (Published by Phillips, Sampson, and Co.) This laborious compilation forms a useful volume of reference for students of classical literature. It has evidently been prepared with pains-taking diligence, and a constant and intelligent use of the most trust-worthy authorities. Comprising the extended period from the Homeric Poems to the latest writers of the New Comedy, it presents a complete survey of the development of poetry in ancient Greece. Numerous specimens of the poets are introduced from the versions of approved English translators. A brief glance at the prose literature of Greece given in a few supplementary lectures. It can not be denied that a certain savor of dryness pervades the work, but this perhaps may not interfere with its utility for purposes of consultation.

Discourses, by ABIEL ABBOTT LIVERMORE, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Published by Crosby, Nichols, and Co.) In this volume we have a luminous and impressive statement of the principles of religion, as understood by the sect of Unitarians. Most of the discourses are of a practical aim, and, with few repulsive doctrinal enforcements, abound with original and striking illustrations.

A series of works called The Crystal Palace Library, forming a guide to the different departments of the Exhibition, has been issued in London. The Hand-book of the Portrait Gallery has a stringent and rather amusing commentary on CARLYLE.

"Thomas Carlyle, Writer, Critic, Philosopher, Essayist, Censor; the criticism acute, penetrating, severe; the philosophy idol-worship; the essaywriting picturesque, striking, animated, and strongly colored; the censorship furious, testy, useless, if not unmeaning. Saturated with German metaphysics, full of German literature, and delighting in the German form of expression. If Thomas Carlyle would throw off his foreign affectations, and forget himself in his labors, he would be one of our most instructive, useful, convincing, and admirable writers; for his heart is large, his intellect strong, and both heart and intellect have long striven to inculcate human love among men, and to build, upon mutual affection, high deeds and benevolent aspirations. But Thomas Carlyle, pen in hand, never did forget himself at any one instant of his life, and never will. To use one of his own Germanisms, he is the very incarnation of 'Ich.' An instructed author will hold the balance fairly between his subject and his reader, dealing with each with intelligent reference to the other. Carlyle usually cares nothing either for his reader or his subject, but swallows up both. Whatever he shows us, we chiefly see Thomas Carlyle. 'The French

there are startling, wonderful, and highly painted; his eloquence is inspiriting, and his imagery grand, As a social and moral Reformer, he beats the air, belonging to that humblest order of architects who are clever enough at destroying houses, but have no power to set up others in their place. Yet the influence of Carlyle has been great, both in England and America. He has forced men to think -he has appealed with irresistible power to their better natures-given vigor and direction to their impulses, and torn the vail from quackery as often as the evil thing has crossed his manly and indignant path. Sad thought that so serviceable an arm should be clogged with fetters of its own forgingthat an almost boundless capacity for good should be restricted by a tether of its own fashioning."

The London Athenæum remarks of "The Historical Portrait Gallery at Sydenham Palace " "A certain feeling of awe creeps over the mind of the spectator who stays even for a few minutes to muse in these long avenues of the 'Pantheon of History.'" It then proceeds to describe the specific impression produced by the portraits of certain eminent men both of the past and the present age.

"The ugliest of all ancient and modern great men seem Galileo, Socrates and Pitt; Machiavelli and Calhoun coming in a good second. Galileo, like Socrates, has a short, thick, fleshy nose, long upper lip, and prominent cheek-bones-Socrates, not unlike a vulgar Silenus, was accustomed to say that his face, in spite of the apparent contradiction, was a great argument in favor of physiognomy, for that by nature he had all those bad passions that his features indicated, but wisdom had taught him to subdue them. Pitt has a bowsprit of a nose, a pert hook-shaped appendage, on which his enemies used to say, 'he dangled the Opposition,' the most unpromising nose that genius ever blew. Machiavelli is a small, wizen, and tight-skinned looking Jesuit, with the cold cunning ferocity of a wild-cat hidden beneath the white-floured skin of a priest. Calhoun is a gaunt, emaciated giant, like a consumptive backwoodsman, and his angular features seem worked by the external machinery of those whipcord veins and that shriveled cordage of muscles that hang like loose rigging about his hollow-eyed visage. The great Michael Angelo, too, in spite of his pure aspirations and noble extraction, appears scarcely more comely than the illustrious men here selected for their pre-eminence in ugliness. He has the heavy brow, coarse, blunt, almost savage face of a bullying stone-mason, and the protruding cheek-bones of a Highland blacksmith, with the perceptive faculties swelling out in a bar above his deep eyes; in short, he presents the rough sketch of the noble face which we see realized in his friend and contemporary, Sebastian del Piombo, whose front and beard are like the Phidian Jove, and who might have served Buonarotti as model for his Moses. In all the faces you may discern the truth of the remark, made by that acute observer and good pious visionary Lavater, that the eyebrows of the English and the noses of the French are the chief features of their respective great men. Henry the Fourth, Sully, Montaigne, are all remarkable for the bold broad-ridged nose, with its dilatable nostrils; and Shakspeare, Bacon, Newton, have all the low, full, meditative eyebrows, the very reverse of the fantastic, high-arched, wandering ones of Francis the First."