3. And, whilst the storm was roaring high, Where winds and waves can bear them, EDITOR'S TABLE. CAMPBELL'S FOREIGN SEMI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE, or Select Miscellany of European Literature and Art, September, 1843. Abell, late Miss Eliza Balcombe. Those who have read O'Meary, will well remember the interesting Miss Balcombes at the Briars,-a lovely, and almost the only lovely English cottage of verdure and flowers on the desolate rock of St. Helena. They will also remember his account of the play of Blind-man's Buff, in which the Emperor so joyously participated with these self same damsels,—the Miss Balcombes,-or the Misses Balcombe, according to the more approved and grammatical art of designating sisters. One of them (Mrs. Abell,) has at last appeared before the public and given her recollections of the most delightful and magical period of woman's life-connected, too, with a three months social and unreserved intercourse with the world-renowned Napoleon. Her narrative bears all the impress of a genuine, natural and bonafide production, and strikes us as in strict accordance with every thing we know of that great colossus-who liked to have overstrid the earth. There are other articles in the Magazine, highly attractive and interesting,-but we have no space for comment. The poetical selections are fine-very fine,-and as a proof of our favorable opinion, we transfer to our columns the piece on "Death," which unless reason and taste have left their places in our poor sensorium, we pronounce to be the offspring of genius. Let none be deterred from reading it by the solemnity of the theme. DEATH. This fine periodical was commenced, in the monthly Death's hand is heavy on her darkening brow! 'I am content to die-but oh, not now! Make the warm air such luxury to breathe; Not while bright flowers around my footsteps wreathe, But let us not do injustice to Mr. Campbell's periodical. With silent steps the Lord of light moves on; Greets my dull ear, with music in its tone. Tint the ripe fruits and gild the waving corn; Slant through the fading trees with ruddy gleam : "The bleak wind whistles; snow-showers far and near, Winter stalks on, with frozen mantle bound; C. N. The September No. is embellished by a beautiful engra ving of Sartain's, from a painting of the celebrated John Martin, representing the "Return of the Waters" of the Red Sea, and the overthrow of the Egyptian Hosts in their pursuit of the children of Israel. It is admirably executed in Mezzotinto, and is worth more than double the price of the number. until they die away entirely in the distance of the future, A DISCOURSE ON THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF CENSUS OF 1840. Having forwarded to the author of Reflections on the AN HISTORIAN. Delivered before the Georgia Histori- Census of 1840," which appeared in the June No. of the cal Society, on the occasion of its Fourth Anniversary, Messenger, the Boston Daily Advertiser, containing ceron Monday, 13th February, 1843. By the Hon. Mitchell tain editorial comments thereon, we have received from King. Savannah: Published by a resolution of the so-him the following note, which, as it presents the pith of the Advertiser's objections, renders it unnecessary to insert ciety. those objections in detail.-[Editor. The Messenger may be said to have, as well as take, an interest in whatever concerns the State of Georgia. Though it is published in Virginia, the portion of the South which sends her the most subscribers is the youngest of the Old Thirteen-the one which makes it feel most assured of the fitness of its title, the Southern Literary Messenger. And it can in no better way secure its right (though it claim no exclusive one) to this denomination, than by heralding forth to the sister States, who may be said to lend it now and then an ear, the literary deeds of the land of "Southern sun and gay Savannab." "I am, as yet, too much indisposed to make a detailed reply to the observations of the Editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser, on the article in the Southern Literary Messenger, on the Census of 1840. But very little, indeed, is necessary to be said on that subject. The fact that some mistakes may have been made in the returns of the insane and idiots, proves no more against the general result, than the errata on the pages of a work prove against its general object. Before the conclusions drawn from the returns of the Census are rejected, it will be necessary to show that all the officers of the Free States made an error of one kind, and all those of the Slave States an error of an opposite character. The number of insane and idiots in the Free States, vary from 1 in 14 to 1 in 297. In the Slave States, from 1 in 696 to 1 in 4,310. It would be marvellous, indeed, if the errors were uniformly of an opposite character in the respective portions of the country, under opposite institutions, running to excess in the one and deficient in the other-and that without the exception of a single State. The Georgia Historical Society, though but in the fifth year of its existence, has already taken a high stand among our literary associations. Several published volumes of its transactions, many of the essays and narratives in which are of the highest order of merit and all exceedingly respectable, are durable monuments of its zeal and success. Much of the latter is due, (as we cannot avoid mentioning) to the industry and energetic character of its corresponding secretary, J. K. Tefft, Esq., of Savannah-an industry and energy best illustrated by the fact, that he has, in a few years, succeeded in bringing together, we may almost say "The manner in which the Editor of the Advertiser unfrom the ends of the earth, the most extensive and valuable dertakes to account for the errors he imputes, appears, to collection of autographs in this country. Indeed, as we me, entirely gratuitous. Blanks,' he says, 'were furnish have heard, to the existence of this collection the forma-ed to the several officers, ruled in columns set apart for tion of the Historical Society is mainly due. The accu- the various classes of persons to be returned. In the mulmulation in Mr. Tefft's hands of so many valuable docu- tiplication of classes, prescribed by these forms, the genments, relating to the History of Georgia and the United States generally, naturally suggested the formation of a society to use, preserve and augment the precious treasure. Many of these documents, but for Mr. Tefft's exertions, might have altogether perished: they are now preserved to the present generation and to posterity, and both owe a debt of gratitude to that gentleman and to the society of which he may be called the founder. The Discourse itself, is an elegant composition. It has the savour of learning, without the ostentation of historic lore, and apt quotations from ancient and modern song show the poetic taste of the author, while they relieve and adorn the more serious prose. After touching on the means of preserving historical knowledge, and the usefulness of our modern institution of Historical Societies, the learned Judge goes into a succinct, but sufficiently full investiga. tion of the qualifications and duties of an historian. Our limits do not allow of our giving any of these remarks in full, and they are difficult of condensation; we prefer, then, not to mar them by making meagre extracts. A neat and just compliment to the Society and its object, forms the peroration of the Discourse, from the perusal of which, we have arisen with much gratification and instruction. eral description of colored persons at the head of several of the columns, was often overlooked by the agents who took the Census, and many of the returns of the number of insane and idiots, as well as of blind persons, was placed, indiscriminately, under the head of either white or colored persons.' If such reasoning were admitted, it would annihilate the whole Census. That errors to some extent may have crept into all the returns is probable enough, as in every other Census. But if the whole is to be rejected on this account, every attempt to take a Census must be regarded as futile." RHODODAPHNE. To the Editor of the Sou. Lit. Messenger. DEAR SIR,-There has been a question raised in the columns of the Messenger, concerning the authorship of the poem, "Rhododaphne." In the Evangelical and Literary Magazine, vol. 2nd, 1819, will be found a review of that poem, with a note in the following words : "Mr. Richard Dabney, we understand, may claim the work, [Rhododaphne.] He is also the author of a small volume of poems, original and translated, Philadelphia, M. Carey, 1818." With the example of her younger sister thus inciting and even shaming her, why is it that Virginia has no Historical Society? Few countries can boast a more brilliant past The review appeared not long after the issue of the than the Old Dominion: in legends of the olden time, when poem, and in the only literary periodical then published in every field had its tale of the Indian's wrong and the In- Virginia. It was besides, a highly complimentary critique. dian's revenge, tradition still delights. Are we to let the To suppose that such a notice of the poem, expressly atechoes of her whispers grow gradually fainter and fainter, 'tributing it to Mr. Dabney, should have never come to his knowledge, would seem exceedingly improbable. On the ties, that through the agency of the " Schoolmaster," whose other hand, to suppose that it did come to his knowledge, and yet that he (if he was not the author) should have never made a public disclaimer of the authorship, is still more improbable. In the absence then of any such disclaimer, is not the inference irresistible that he was the author? Petersburg, Va., September, 1843. C. C. [We took the liberty of placing the foregoing note in the hands of H., who first ascribed the authorship of Rhododaphne to Mr. Dabney, and have received from him, the following communication, which, we presume, settles the question without appeal.]-Editor. wanderings seem to embrace the whole earth, we are becoming familiar with the every day life, with the homes and the hearths of a people, whose remoteness, and the apparent difficulties of whose language, have, heretofore, except to the learned, almost shrouded them in a profound mystery. Miss Bremer deserves the gratitude of her country, as well as that of mankind, for greatly contributing to dispel this obscurity, and affording to us a series of pictures manifestly true to nature, full of beauty, and, above all, teeming with the spirit of the purest piety. MR. EDITOR,-Before you favored me with the sight of THE AMERICAN POULTRY BOOK. Being a practical treatise on the management of Domestic Poultry. By Miyour correspondent, C. C.'s note, I had intended to communicate the information which I now do, as alike due to cajah R. Cock. New-York: Harper and Brothers-1843. the memory of Mr. Dabney and to such of your readers as We took up this beautifully printed book, with some have felt any interest in the authorship of the poem referred to. doubts whether it came within the range of our Editorial Understanding that a sister of Mr. Dabney, with whom he re-jurisdiction. After advancing several pages, however, we sided a considerable time preceding his death, was still living resolved at once to usurp the privilege of introducing it to in a neighboring county, I addressed her a letter of inquiry, our readers. In a strictly utilitarian sense, it will prove of and have been politely favored with an answer. It seems that infinitely greater value, if widely circulated, than all the during the painful and protracted illness which terminated works of fiction which are daily issuing from the press. his life, similar inquiries respecting the authorship of Rho- To our plain country house-wives, who desire to become dodaphne had been addressed to him, which he was physi- better acquainted with a most important branch of rural cally unable to answer in writing. On one occasion, how-economy-the information contained in the book, if reduced ever, the subject was adverted to by his sister, and he immediately remarked to her, "I am not the author of Rhododaphne. I charge you to make known that I disclaim all pretensions to it." If Miss D., herself, ever thought it necessary to make a public disclaimer, after her brother's demise, it was forgotten amidst the engrossing cares of family affliction. to practice, would be highly useful. It treats not only of the natural history, and of the different races and breeds of our domestic fowls, but gives clear and minute directions as to the best mode of rearing them, so as to become a source of profit, as well as a most important and convenient article for home consumption. In the old countries and in many of the Northern and Eastern States, the PoulterOne word in reference to the note of C. C. I think iter's vocation is an exclusive one,-as much so, as that of very probable that Mr. Dabney was not a subscriber to the the horticulturist and florist. A book, therefore, which Evangelical and Literary Magazine, as its circulation was shall contain very precise instruction on that particular sublimited,—but if he ever saw the complimentary review re-ject, collected from the most authentic and reliable sources, ferred to, I have no doubt it was at a time when disease, in its most inveterate form, had assailed the body, and when the very remedies resorted to for relief, had either incapacitated, or disengaged the mind from all interest in such subjects. From my recollection of the man, I believe he had no desire to wear literary honors which did not belong to him. H. LIFE IN SWEDEN. The President's Daughters-Part I. Howitt. must be of no inconsiderable value. As stated by the author,-the Census of 1840, represents the value of the poultry in the United States, (omitting North-Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, Florida and Wisconsin, from which the returns were incomplete,) at nearly ten millions of dollars. In the State of New-York alone, the value is set down at $2,373,029-which Mr. Cock says, "is more than the value of all the swine in the same state, is nealy equal to half the value of its sheep, the entire value of its neat cattle, and is very nearly five times greater than the value of all its horses and mules." In Virginia, the value is estimated within a fraction at $755,000-which we have no THE PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTERS-Part II. Nina, by Fre-doubt could be doubled in five years, under proper managederica Bremer, translated from the Swedish, by Mary Howitt. ment. The climate of the United States, and especially of Both the above works have recently issued from the Press of those indefatigable publishers, Messrs. Harper and Brothers of New-York. The first, although not deficient in merit, will, perhaps, strike the reader as wanting the deep interest which distinguishes Miss Bremer's other produc-public tions, probably attributable to the circumstance of its being the opening only of a story, the full development of which will be found in "Nina." patronage. THE ORION, OR MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Edited by W. The latter work, however, abounds with beauties of the highest order, and is every way worthy of the exalted re- The September number contains a lithographic repreputation which the authoress has justly acquired. Fortu-sentation of the Falls of Slicking, highly picturesque.— nate, indeed, is she in having such a translator as Mary Some of the prose articles are vigorous and spirited, and Howitt, whose original works have never failed to please and instruct, and whose thorough knowledge of the Swedish language, enables her to present Miss Bremer's productions in a garb so purely English, that it is often difficult to conceive that they are really translations. It is one among the remarkable events in this age of literary novel there is one exquisite poetic gem, "He came too late,” contributed by Mrs. Welby of Kentucky. The Editor enforces with sound argument and commendable zeal, "the claims of Southern periodicals upon the South"-in all of which, we fully concur. We heartily wish the Orion suc cess. THE LOWELL OFFERING AND MAGAZINE: Written and selects a text and resolves it into its elements by the process Edited by Factory Operatives. Lowell, Massachusetts. This Magazine has been favorably known for a considerable time, and the cause it was meant to serve, was well calculated to enlist public sympathy. We regret exceedingly to find, from the September number, that it is likely to expire for want of patronage. The Editress takes leave of the public in a remarkably well written paper. MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF ENGLAND, from the Revolution in 1688, to the death of George the Second. By John Heneage Jesse. Author of Memoirs of the Court of England, during the reign of the Stuarts-3 volumes. Philadelphia, Lea and Blanchard. Mr. Jesse is already favorably known to the reading public, by his Memoirs of the Court of England, during the reign of the Stuarts; a work abounding in much curious matter, very agreeably arranged. A hasty glance at the present work, for we have had no opportunity of examining it as minutely as we should desire, has satisfied us that the author's reputation is fully sustained. The period he has selected, embraces a most interesting portion of the history of England, and, indeed, of the world; is full of stirring events, and adorned with many characters, illustrious alike in arts and arms. We need only advert to the fact, that the memoirs of Queen Anne, and of the extraordinary men and women, who rendered her court so remarkable, are included in the work under consideration. We are indebted to the politeness of Messrs. Smith, Drinker and Morris, of this City, for a copy of Mr. Jesse's Memoirs, and regret that we are compelled, from want of time, to notice it so hastily. A COURSE OF LESSONS IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE, on the Robertsonian method, intended for the use of persons studying the language without a teacher. By A. H. Monteith, Esq. First American, from the fourth Brussels, edition. New-York-Wilson & Co., Brother Jonathan Press. We have read a good deal of this book with very considerable pleasure, and whilst we never did believe that the temple of learning was to be reached with rail-way speed, or by any process of machinery-yet we have always thought that the mode of acquiring knowledge constituted a science in itself, capable of great, we liked to have said illimitable, improvement. Every one knows that some methods of teaching are greatly superior to others, and many individuals are endowed with unusual tact in developing the germs of thought, and "teaching the young idea how to shoot." We remember Basil Hall in his "Schloss Hainsfield," complaining bitterly of the tedious methods by which he acquired the German in eighteen months, in Stiria, whilst, by the improved Parisian process he was then ignorant of, one fourth of the time would have sufficed. The student of law, at the present day, is prepared to smile at the "lucubrationes viginti annorum" of Lord Coke, inasmuch as the dark recesses of that profound science have long since been illuminated by the master-minds of subsequent ages. We have no doubt that our townsman, the principal of the Richmond Academy, could turn out a finished classical scholar in less than one half of the time required by the learned pedagogues of the last generation, with all the aid they could derive from Dr. Birch and the ferule. We know not how the book before us will be estimated by professional linguists,-but the plan of the author is certainly ingenious and plausible. Discarding the usual synthetic method by which language is taught, he, at once, of analysis. Even at the end of the first lesson, he speaks in the following confident language of the complete success of his method: "All these phrases the student will be able to render correctly into French, if he has paid attention to the construction of the text, and our observations upon it. This exercise will not only serve as an introduction to writing French, but will tend also to impress the structure and idiomatical peculiarities of the sentences it contains on his memory, and thus a basis will be formed, whereon the structure of the language will rest. The student will now have read, spoken and written a little French, and thus will have obtained a more extended notion of the language, than if he had been turning over the pages of a grammar, with a master, for a twelve month. Each successive lesson will strengthen and augment the knowledge of the language the learner may now be supposed to have attained." One of the prominent objects of the author, is to combat the prevalent notion that the language cannot be successfully acquired, and especially its correct pronunciation, without the aid of a master. On the contrary, he maintains, that by earnest application, and solitary self-reliance, the student will more easily accomplish the task upon the method proposed. One thing we may say with perfect confidence, the book can do no harm, and we may venture to recommend it as a very ingenious exercise to the student, and by no means unworthy the attention of the scholar. WOMAN AN ENIGMA; OR, LIFE AND ITS REVEALINGS. By the author of "Conquest and Self Conquest. NewYork: Harper and Brothers. A very pretty story of Love and Jealousy; serious misunderstanding, and final explanation and reconcilement. That woman is an enigma, is a truism with which the world has been long familiar, but so we apprehend is man. In that respect, therefore, the sexes are equal. The scene of the story is laid principally in France during the Revolu tion, and its tendency is decidedly moral. It inculcates with force, that most obvious but neglected maxim, that important conclusions should never be drawn from a hasty and superficial view of the surface of things. In the affairs of love especially, how often do "trifles light as air," lead to a train of sorrows overshadowing, perhaps, the whole of after life. The young of both sexes would be benefitted by looking at this picture of "Life and its revealings." THE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER PRESS.-Passim.-We do not mean to review this many-headed machine. The English reviewers may attempt the criticism-but they are prejudiced judges. The Southern Review broached itbut it dealt in generals, and wanted point and specification. The time is coming, when the work will be undertaken by some competent critic-and then we shall see canons laid down for the proper management of the press, and different papers of celebrity brought to the bar, and tried by these rules. We do not mean to undertake that office at presentin fact, touch it when any man may, we fear he will but disturb a nest of hornets. We must say, at this time, and perhaps for twelve months to come, the political press will be like a constant chime of bells-and the chorus will be Clay, Van-Buren, Calhoun, Cass, Johnson; conventions, delegates, voting, nominations, &c. Better take our own nomination-" for the Presidency of this grand Republic, Useful Christian Knowledge, and its friend, and indispensable supporter, Education for the Vice Presidency," Long live, we say, the Republic of Letters! ADVERTISEMENTS. WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE. by corresponding with any of the Professors. The classi The Lectures in this Institution, will commence on the 2nd Monday in October. COURSE FOR THE DEGREE OF A. B. JUNIOR YEAR. Belles Lettres, Logic, Ethics and History-Thomas R. Dew, President and Professor. cal certificate is required for the degree of A. M. Gentlemen wishing to prepare themselves for Medical Graduation at any Institution, can obtain the necessary preparation from Professor Millington, who gives a private course of Medical Instruction: Fee $30. In addition to the Class of Municipal Law, there will be a second and private course by the Professor, in which the Text Books will be Tucker's Commentaries, the Revised Code, Lomax's Digest, Stephen on Pleading-(1st or 2nd Political Law and Government-Beverly Tucker, Profes-edition,) Mitford's Pleadings; while the Student will have sor. Junior Greek Class... Preparatory Mathematics.... .20 00 The price of Board, here put down at $130, is that paid to the College Steward, who, in consideration of certain privileges, binds himself to the Faculty to take all Students who apply for board, at the price here stated. The Students boarding with him lodge in the College Building. The price of Board, including washing, lights and fuel, at other Boarding Houses in town, cannot exceed $150. This has been established by a general understanding with the College authorities. To enter the Junior Mathematical Class, the Student must be prepared to commence with simple Equations. Those not so prepared may obtain the necessary preparation in a Preparatory Class. In addition to the studies above enumerated, there is a department of higher studies necessary to the attainment of the degree of A. M. Information concerning this course, (as well as other matters,) may be obtained from the annual Catalogues, or the advantage of reading in an extensive and well assorted reference Library: Fee $50. Text Books, in all the subjects referred to, can be had in town at prices not exceeding those in the cities. All persons attending any of the private Classes mentioned, (who happen not to be Students of the College,) will be required to matriculate, if above the age of 16. Private instruction in the Classics, (preparatory for College,) and in the German and French Languages, may be obtained in town. T. R. DEW, Professor. September, 1843. MRS. MEAD'S SCHOOL. SHOCKOE HILL, RICHMOND, VA. Mrs. MEAD'S SCHOOL will be re-opened for the reception of Boarders and Day Pupils, on Monday, the 2nd of Octo ber next. The object of the Institution is to prepare the young female for her high duties here, and still higher destiny hereafter. Sound scholarship and high intellectual excellence will be aimed at, founded on the motives and quickened by the influences of the Christian religion. Valuable Teachers have been secured for the various departments, and the Ancient and Modern languages, Music and Drawing will be taught by experienced masters. Mrs. Mead refers to the following gentlemen, who have daughters at her school: Right Rev. Bishop JOHNS, Rev. GEORGE A. SMITH, Alexandria, D. C. CHARLES F. OSBORNE, Esq. Richmond, Va. September, 1843. BENJAMIN B. MINOR, PRACTICES IN RICHMOND, HENRICO, HANOVER & CAROLINE. COLLECTIONS for the North, or elsewhere, will be promptly made and the money remitted forthwith. Office removed to the Museum Building, over the office of the Richmond Whig. August, 1843. Back Numbers and Volumes of THE MESSENGER. Having purchased many odd numbers and volumes VI. and VIII. of the Messenger, and not wishing to keep so many extra copies on hand, as they are constantly multiplying, they will be sold, on the following terms: Volumes VI., (1840,) $5. Volumes VIII., (1842,) $2 50. |