"SEPT. 29.

"I am not one who wish to encourage the reports of general distress for food; but to say that the settlers have plenty, is too barefaced. I believe very few have sufficient Indian corn for seed. Applications are made to me from all quarters for it, as I happen to have a little to spare. With respect to our crops---the Cape wheat has entirely failed; the solid-straw, or Bengal wheat, I trust, will answer; and experience has taught the settlers, that they must plant plenty of Indian corn and pumpkins. Should these succeed, bread will not be absolutely wanted. But the most serious thing is the distress occasioned by the Caffres taking the milch cows. Numbers of little farmers who had got together twenty or thirty cows, and were thereby enabled to support their families, and sell butter sufficient to purchase bread, have been deprived of their little stock by these savages, and compelled to quit their locations, and seek employment in Graham's Town."

"SEPT. 27.

"The claims of our unhappy countrymen upon our sympathy, are of more than an ordinary character. In that country, which was described in all the glowing tints of eastern imagery as a Second Land of Promise, you may see the fingers, which seldom moved but to paint for the eye, or to charm the ear, tying up cattle, or stopping up the gaps of their enclosure: females, on whom, in England, the wind was scarcely allowed to blow, exposed to all the rage of the pitiless storm; mothers with large families, who used to have a servant to each child, without an individual to assist them in the drudgery of the house, the labour of the dairy, or the care of their children; families who used to sleep upon down, with scarcely

a sufficient number of boards, or a sufficient quantity of straw, to keep them from an earthen floor; young females, possessed of every accomplishment, reduced to feed a few cows, almost the sole dependence of the family; men, who have held the ranks of captains and paymasters in the army, driving waggons without shoes or stockings!

"In a tour I made through the locations of the settlers, I found a gentleman, whose connexions at home I knew to be respectable, with two lovely daughters, without a single servant, male or female, upon the place. I asked him how he came to be in this situation? In reply, he said, with much mildness and apparent resignation, “I have sunk my all, I have spent my last shilling, and I have never reaped one handful of produce from my farm.' On another location, I entered a house in which I was ushered into the presence. of a female, whose dress and circumstances exhibited such a contrast to her manners and former connexions in life, that, when she began to talk of Sir John ****, Sir Wm. ***, General **** Lady **** as her relations, and to ask me if I knew such persons, it required a considerable effort to persuade myself that I was not listening to a person under mental derangement. To describe all the heads of the parties I met under similar circumstances, would be to enumerate the greater part of them. I am fully satisfied that if, in some instances, clamorous individuals may have exaggerated the miseries of their own con- », dition, one-fifth of the real distress of the settlers, as a body, has neither met the public eye, nor been made known by their own report."

ATTAINTED PEERAGES.

The House of Lords, by command of his Majesty, are about to restore the honours to four Noble Scotch families, which had been forfeited by attainder. The following brief notice of the restored families will, we doubt not, be acceptable to our Readers :

ERSKINE, EARL OF MAR.

The Erskines are of a very ancient family, and distinguished themselves in the service of their Sovereigns so early as the beginning of the 13th century. Sir William Erskine was an eminent adherent of King Robert Bruce, One

of his descendants, Robert Lord Erskine, claimed the Earldom of Mar (by maternal right), to which he was served heir in 1438.---Robert, the fourth Earl of this family, fell at the battle of Flodden-field. He was succeeded by John, the fifth Earl, who had the custody of his infant Sovereign, Queen Mary, which he retained until the year 1548, when the Estates of the Kingdom ordered him to carry her to the Court of France. His son John, the sixth Earl, was appointed to an office of similar trust to that of his father, and had charge of James VI. afterwards King of England, when an infant.

John, the eleventh Earl of Mar, was unfortunately engaged in the rebellion of 1715; and adhering to the fortunes of the pretender, followed him to Rome, and afterwards to Paris and Aix-la-Chapelle, where he died in 1732. His attainder took place in 1716. John, the last Earl of Mar, married, for his second wife, Lady Frances Pierpoint, sister to the celebrated Lady Wortley Montagu. His descendant to whom his honours will be restored, is John James Erskine, Esq.

GORDON, VISCOUNT KENMURE.

From Sir Adam de Gordon (the younger brother of Sir Alexander, ancestor of the Dukes of Gordon), who was slain at the battle of Halidon Hill, 1332, descended Sir Alexander Gordon

of Kenmure, who fell at the battle of Flodden, in 1513. His descendant, Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar, being eminent for his loyalty, was created Viscount Kenmure, May 8, 1633. His collateral heir, William, seventh viscount, engaged in the rebellion of 1715, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Preston, when he was tried by his Peers, condemned and executed, and his estate and honours forfeited. The present representative of the family is John Gordon, Esq.

DRUMMOND, EARL OF PERTH.

The family of Drummond was always ranked among the most ancient and illustrious names of the Scottish nation, highly distinguished by a long train of worthy ancestors, not less remarkable for the noble alliances they made and the honours conferred on them, than for personal merit. Sir Malcolm Drummond flourished in the middle of the 12th century; from him descended Sir John Drummond, of Stobhall, who made a great figure in the reigns of James III. and IV, and was concerned in most of

the public transactions of the time. He was raised to the Peerage, by the title of Lord Drummond, January 14, 1487. His grandson James, fourth Peer, was created Earl of Perth, March 4, 1605. His great nephew James, fourth Earl, was successively Lord Justice General, and Lord Chancellor of Scotland.

On the accession of James II. of England, he was in great favour with that Monarch, and attempted to follow him abroad after his abdication, but was taken, and suffered four years' imprisonment. On his liberation he followed his master, who created him Duke of Perth, First Lord of the Bedchamber, Knight of the Garter, &c. He died at St. Germain's, in May, 1716, and was interred in the Chapel of the Scotch College at Paris. His eldest son James (by Lady Jane Douglas) attached himself firmly to the House of Stuart. He opposed the Union, and was very active in the insurrection of 1715. His son James, called Duke of Perth, imbibed all the principles of his family, and joined the family of the young Pretender. At the battle of Preston he acted as LieutenantGeneral, "and in spite of a very delicate constitution," says Douglas, "he underwent the greatest fatigue, and was the first on every occasion of duty, where his head or his hands could be of use; bold as a lion in the field, but ever merciful in the hour of victory."

After the battle of Culloden had extirpated the hopes of the House of Stuart, he embarked for France, but died on the passage, May, 13, 1746. Having died before the time appointed by Parliament, he escaped the attainder, but it fell on his brother and heir John, who was embarked in the same cause, and whose estate and title were forfeited to the crown. The present heir of the family is James Drummond, Esq. This Gentleman is, we believe, heir to the title of Viscount Strathallan, which became forfeited in 1746, when William, the fourth Viscount, fell at the battle of Culloden, and his son was included in the attainder of his father.

NAIRN, LORD NAIRN.

Michael de Nairn, the ancestor of the Lords of Nairn, flourished in the reign of Robert III. His descendant, Robert Nairn, was raised to the Peerage by the title of Lord Nairn, 1681, with remainder to his daughter Margaret and Lord William Murray, her husband, who became second Lord Nairn. This Peer engaged in the rebellion of 1715, and was taken prisoner at Preston. He was

conducted to the Tower, tried by his Peers, convicted, and sentenced to death, but obtained his libery on the general Act of Indemnity in 1717. He died in 1725, and was succeeded by his son John, third Lord Nairn, who, having engaged in the rebellion of 1715, was attainted of High Treason, and his estate and honours forfeited to the crown.

Viscount Stafford was the last victim that fell under the charge of the Popish plot. Speaking of his death, Hume says, "This is the last blood which was shed on account of the Popish plot; an incident which, for the credit of the nation, it were better to bury in eternal oblivion, but which it is necessary to perpetuate, as well to maintain the truth of history, as to warn, if possible, their posterity, and all mankind, never again to fall in to so shameful, so barbarous a delusion."

It may not, perhaps, be generally known, that in 1685 a Bill was brought into the House of Lords for reversing the attainder of Lord Stafford, on the ground, as stated in the preamble, that "Whereas it is now manifested that the said William, late Viscount Stafford, was innocent of the treason laid to his charge, and the testimony whereupon he was found guilty was false." So soon after the death of this Peer did the Upper House become convinced of his innocence, and the Bill passed, although some Protests were made against it. On being brought into the House of Commons, it was, however, thrown out; and Burnet, if we mistake not, attributes the rejection of the Bill to the obstinacy of the House of Commons of that day, who would rather continue an act of injustice than acknowledge they had committed it.

now on

pleasure of eating with the men, but, the best sorts of food are tabooed or forbidden them. It is to be hoped that the King and Queen will improve their subjects in this respect when they return, after seeing the power and dominion of women over men in England. The sacrificing of human victims still obtains a sanction amongst them, and it is strongly suspected by some that they still feast upon human flesh; whilst others think it does not now exist. La Perouse coincides with Captain Cook in opinion, that a people so good, so gentle, and so hospitable, cannot be cannibals---though some writers tell us they eat human flesh out of pure love. They are extremely fond of European dress, and receive with pleasure old shirts, jackets, and trowsers, for which they will give provisions. The lower class of people live upon vegetables and fish, to which the higher class add the flesh of hogs and dogs. Their religion resembles that of the Society and Friendly Islands; they have their morals, their whattas, their sacrifices, and their sacred songs.The head of their priesthood is called "Orons." This title was given to Captain Cook, and it is certain that our voyagers were considered by the natives as a race superior to themselves: and they used often to say, that great "Eatooa" dwells in our country. They have a custom of knocking out their fore teeth, designed as a propitiatory sacrifice to the "Eatooa,' to avert any danger or evil to which they might be exposed.

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MOORE'S Almanack says in a note on the astronomical signs for April :-The conjunction of so and so, (giving the Quartile aspect, the Sun and Jupiter,) the former in his exaltation, and the latter in his perigxine, show that some other dignitary of the Church's likely to meet death." This note is placed opposite the 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, days of April, and the Bishop of Bath and Wells symptoms of speedy dissolution commenced on Monday the 19th, and terminated on Wednesday the 21st!!! Francis Moore certainly made a strong hit for 1824.

EPIGRAM.

"Your 'play wont do," "wont, do!" the author cries;

"A want of judgment with the reader lies; "Sufficient justice on the peace bestow'd, "Its merits, Sir, had warm'd the list'ning crowd;"

"That may be true," the manager exclaims, "For justice would condemn it to the flames.

OURIKA; OR THE BLACK NUN. (From the French of the Duchess de Duras.)

Two months had elapsed since I quit ted Montpellier to follow my profession as physician in Paris, when I was sent for one morning to attend a sick Nun at a convent in the Faubourg St. Jacques, Napoleon had a short time since permitted several of these convents to be re-established: the one I was going to belonged to the order of the Ursuline Sisters, and was opened for the education of young females, Part of the edifice had been destroyed during the Revolution. The cloister was laid bare on one side by the demolition of an antique chapel, of which but a few arches remained. One of the nuns led me through this cloister, As we traversed it I perceived that the broad flat ston; that paved it were tombs: they all bore inscriptions half effaced; some were broken, others quite torn up. I had never yet seen the interior of a convent, and felt curious to witness a scene so new to me. My conductress led the way into the garden, where she said we should find our sick patient., I beheld her seated at a distance at one end of a bower, almost entirely enveloped in a long black veil. "Here is the physician," said her companion, and immediately left us. I approached timidly, for my heart had sickened at the sight of the tombs; and I fancied that I should now contemplate another victim of the cloister. The prejudices of my youth had just been awakened, and a considerable interest excited in my mind from the kind of malady I had imagined for her. She turned towards me, and I was singularly surprised on beholding a black woman, Her polite address and choice of words increased my astonishment. "You are come, Sir, to visit a very sick person, (said she,) and one who greatly wishes to get better, though she has not always wished it, and that perhaps has been the cause of her long sufferings." I questioned her as to the nature of them. "I feel (replied she) continual oppression and fever, and sleep has quite forsaken me. Her emaciated appearance confirmed this account of herself. Her figure was tall, but indescribably meagre. Her large brilliant eyes and very white teeth lit up the rest of her features. It was plain that violent and lengthened grief had worn her frame, though her soul still retained its

powers. Her melancholy aspect moved me. I resolved to exert every means of saving her, and mentioned the necessity of subduing her evidently heightened imagination, and diverting her mind from what might give it pain. "I am perfectly happy! (cried she;) I have never felt so happy and so calm as I do at present. The sweet and sincere tone in which this was uttered persuaded me, though it again surprised me. "That you have not always thought yourself happy is evident, (said I ;) you bear the marks of heavy sufferings."

I am,

True; but my mind is tranquil now, though it has been long in finding repose. "Since it is so, then, let us try to cure the past; but can I hope for success when I know not the disease?" "Alas! must I own my folly?" cried she, her eyes filling with tears. "You are not happy!" exclaimed I. (replied she, gathering more firmness ;) nor would I change my present happiness for the state I once envied. I have no secret; my misfortune is the history of my whole life. My sufferings were so continual until I entered this abode, that they have gradually undermined my health. With joy did I feel myself wasting away, for I had no prospect of happiness in life. This guilty joy has been punished, for now that I desire to live, I have scarcely a hope of it left."

I soothed her apprehensions with the promise of speedy recovery; but whilst. uttering the consolatory words a sad presentiment came over me, warning me -that Death had marked its victim.

I continued to attend the young Nun, and she appeared not insensible to the interest I took in her fate. One day she returned of her own accord to the subject I longed to be enlightened upon.

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My sorrow (said she) would appear of so strange a nature, that I have always felt reluctant to confide it. No one can be a perfect judge of the feelings of another, and our confidants soon become accusers.' Fear not, (cried I.) Can I doubt the reality of your grief when I behold its effects upon your person?"-"Ah? real it has been, but not the less unreasonable."" Let us even suppose it so. Does that prévent sympathy?"-"I have feared so; but if to cure the effect of my sorrows it is necessary you should know their cause, some time hence, when we are a little better acquainted, I will confide it to you."

I renewed my visits still oftener at the convent, and the remedies I prescribed

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appeared to do my patient some good. In short, one morning finding her seated alone in the same bower where I had first seen her, I renewed the subject, and she related her history to me in these words :-

"I was brought over from Senegal by the Governor, the Chevalier de B. when about two years old. He took compassion on me one day as he stood witnessing the embarkation of some slaves on board a negro transport ship then going to sail. I had lost my mother, and I was carried on board the vessel in spite of my violent screams and resistance. He bought me, and on his return to France shortly after gave me to his aunt, the wife of the Marshal de B. She was the most amiable woman of her time, and united an elevated and refined mind to the most exemplary virtue. To save me from slavery, and choose for me such a benefactress as Madame de B. was twice bestowing life upon me. Such was my ingratitude towards Providence, that I was not made happy by it. But is happiness always the result of the development of our fa culties? I think not. How often, does the knowledge we acquire teach us to regret our days of ignorance! Nor does the fable tell us that Galatea received the gift of happiness with that of life, d

i

"I was not told the, early circumstances of my life, until long after they happened. My first reocllections always bring Madame de B.'s drawingroom to my mind. I used to pass my life there, doated on by herself, praised and caressed by her friends, who loaded me with presents, and exalted to the skies my wit and graces.

The tone of her society was animated gaiety; but gaiety from which good taste had excluded all exaggeration. What deserved praise always met, with it, and what deserved blame was generally excused; nay, from excessive leniency erroneous notions were often suffered to pass for right ones. Success gives courage, and every one was sure of being estimated a little above their real worth, by Madame de B.; for, without knowing it, she lent them a part of her own, and after seeing or listening to her, people fancied themselves like her..

Dressed in the eastern fashion, and seated on a little stool at Madame de B.'s feet, I used to listen to the conversation of the first wits of the day long before I could understand it... Lhad no childish petulance. I was pensive ere

I began to think. I was perfectly happy at being by the side of Madame de B. To love her, to listen to her, to obey her, and above all, to look at her, was all that I desired. Neither a life of luxury, nor accomplished society, could astonish me; I knew no other, but I insensibly acquired a great contempt for every other sphere than the one I lived in. Even when a child, the want of › taste would shock me. I felt it ere I could define it, for habit had made it › necessary..

Thus did I grow up to the age of twelve years without an idea of any other kind of happiness than that I possessed. I felt no pain at being a negress. I was. continually praised and admired, and nothing ever suggested its being to my disadvantage. I seldom saw any other children; and the only one who was my friend, did not love me the less on account of my colour.

"Madame de B. had two grandsons; the children of her daughter who had ' died young. Charles, the youngest, was about my own age. We spent our in-1 fancy together. He was my protector and my adviser in all my little faults, but he went to school when he was eight years old. I wept at parting. This was my first sorrow. He seldom came home, yet I often thought of him. Whilst he pursued his studies, I was ardently engaged in acquiring the accomplishments necessary to complete my education. Madame de B. resolved to make me perfect in every talent. My voice was thought to be worthy the instruction of the first masters; a celebrated painter, one of my benefactress's friends, undertook to guide me in his art; English and Italian were familiar to me, and Madame de B. herself presided over my reading. She formed both my mind and judgment. By conversing with her, and discovering the beauties of her soul, my own grew elevated, and admiration was the first source of my own intelligence. Alas! how little I then foresaw that these delightful studies would be followed by so many bitter hours! My sole thought was how to please Madame de B., and a smile of approbation on her lips the only recompense I wished for.

"However, constant reading, and, above all, the study of the poets, began to inflame my young imagination. My thoughts sometimes wandered upon my own future life; but, with the confidence natural in youth, I felt assured that I should always be happy with my bene

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