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sible of their faults, when related with judgment and impartiality by a candid observer'? Surely they could not have been unreasonable enough to take offence at a performance so perfectly inoffensive, 'blaming actions rather than persons,' which have evidently no connexion with one another, and indulgently 'recording the errors of inexperience.'

pleased to figure to yourself of General Conway's firm and constant friendship to America, I cannot persuade myself to retract the prediction concerning him, which you so emphatically wish had not been inserted in my last. A better acquaintance with him, than I have reason to think you have had, from what you say, and a concurrence of circumstances, oblige me to give him but little credit for the qualifications of his heart; of which, at least, I beg leave to assume the privilege of being a tolerable judge. Were it necessary, more instances than one might be adduced, from his behavior and conversation, to manifest that he is capable of all the malignity of detraction, and all the meannesses of intrigue, to gratify the absurd resentment of disappointed vanity, or to answer the purposes of personal aggrandisement, and promote the interest of faction. I am with respect, sir, your most obedient servant.”

of the terms of the supposed letter or extract. information from Mifflin, who gave no intimation Under these circumstances, it is almost incredible that Gates should have deigned to write the following reply:

Horatio Gates to George Washington.

"You are pleased to consider General Conway's letters as of a confidential nature; observing 'that time and circumstances must point out the propriety or impropriety of communicating such letters.' Permit me to inquire whether, when there is an impropriety in communicating, it is only applicable with respect to the parties, who are the subjects of them? One might be led to imagine this to be the case, from your having admitted others into the secret of your confidential correspondence, at the same time that you thought it ineligible it should be trusted to those officers, whose actions underwent its scrutiny.' Your not knowing Now here is the "lie by circumstance" insinuwhether the letter under consideration 'came to me ated with a degree of distinctness to which nothing from a member of congress, or from an officer,' plainly but conscious guilt, christian forbearance, or abject indicates that you originally communicated it to at cowardice, could have been expected to submit. least one of that honorable body; and I learn from It was the more provoking, too, because the whole General Conway, that before his late arrival at York- of the argument drawn from the supposed comtown, it had been committed to the perusal of several of munication of Washington's discovery by Conits members, and was afterwards shown by himself to way himself, could have been shown to be destithree more. It is somewhat difficult to conceive a rea-tute of any such foundation. Gates had got his son, founded in generosity, for imparting the free and confidential strictures of that ingenious censor on the operations of the army under my command, to a member of congress; but perhaps 'time and circumstances pointed it out.' It must indeed be acknowledged, that the faults of very respectable officers, not less injurious for being the result of inexperience, were not improper topics to engage the attention of members of congress. "It is, however, greatly to be lamented, that this "Yorktown, 19th February, 1778. adept in military science did not employ his abilities in "Sir: Yesterday I had the honor to receive your exthe progress of the campaign, in pointing out those wise cellency's letter of the 9th instant, and earnestly hope measures, which were calculated to give us 'that degree no more of that time, so precious to the public, may of success we could reasonably expect.' The United be lost upon the subject of General Conway's letter. States have lost much from that unseasonable diffi- Whether that gentleman does or does not deserve the dence, which prevented his embracing the numerous suspicions you express, would be entirely indifferent to opportunities he had in council of displaying those rich me, did he not possess an office of high rank in the treasures of knowledge and experience he has since so army of the United States; for that reason solely I freely laid open to you. I will not do him the injustice wish he may answer all the expectations of congress. to impute the penurious reserve, which ever appeared As to the gentleman, I have no personal connexion in him upon such occasions, to any other cause than an with him, nor had I any correspondence, previous to excess of modesty; neither will I suppose, that he pos- his writing the letter which has given offence; nor have sesses no other merit than that after kind of sagacity, I since written to him, save to certify what I know to which qualifies a man better for profound discoveries of be the contents of the letter. He therefore must be errors that have been committed, and advantages that responsible; as I heartily dislike controversy, even have been lost, than for the exercise of that foresight upon my own account, and much more in a matter and provident discernment, which enable him to avoid wherein I was only accidentally concerned. In regard the one and anticipate the other. But, willing as I am to the parts of your excellency's letter addressed parto subscribe to all his pretensions, and to believe that ticularly to me, I solemnly declare that I am of no fachis remarks on the operations of the campaign were tion; and if any of my letters taken aggregately or by very judicious, and that he has sagaciously descanted paragraphs convey any meaning which in any conon many things that might have been done, I cannot struction is offensive to your excellency, that was by help being a little skeptical as to his ability to have no means the intention of the writer. After this, I found out the means of accomplishing them, or to prove cannot believe your excellency will either suffer your the sufficiency of those in our possession. These minu-suspicions or the prejudices of others to induce you to tiæ, I suspect, he did not think worth his attention, par- spend another moment upon this subject. With great ticularly as they might not be within the compass of respect, I am, sir, &c.” his views.

"Notwithstanding the hopeful presages you are

The reply of the commader-in-chief to this

sneaking letter, which is found at page 513, closes | appointed. We can hardly bring ourselves to this remarkable correspondence:

George Washington to Horatio Gates.

"Valley Forge, 24th February, 1778. "Sir: I yesterday received your favor of the 19th instant. I am as averse to controversy as any man; and, had I not been forced into it, you never would have had occasion to impute to me even the shadow of a disposition towards it. Your repeatedly and solemnly disclaiming any offensive views, in those matters which have been the subject of our past correspondence, makes me willing to close with the desire you express, of burying them hereafter in silence and, as far as future events will permit, oblivion. My temper leads me to peace and harmony with all men; and it is peculiarly my wish to avoid any personal feuds or dissensions with those who are embarked in the same great national interest with myself, as every difference of this kind must in its consequences be very injurious. I am, sir, your most obedient servant."

After all this it is due to General Gates to own that he was no ordinary man, and yet we may safely challenge a search into all the records of this sort of diplomacy, in which the superiority of one party over the other is more triumphantly established. That it was the triumph of truth and virtue, is made manifest, to all who might doubt it, (if such there could be) by the following letter from Conway, written, as he then believed, on his death bed.

Thomas Conway to George Washington.

"Philadelphia, 23d July, 1778. "Sir: I find myself just able to hold the pen during a few minutes, and take this opportunity of expressing my sincere grief for having done, written, or said any. thing disagreeable to your excellency. My career will soon be over; therefore justice and truth prompt me to declare my last sentiments. You are in my eyes the great and good man. May you long enjoy the love, veneration and esteem of these states, whose liberties you have asserted by your virtues. I am, with the greatest respect, &c.

THOMAS CONWAY."

We have given these letters at large, not only because they are more interesting than anything of our own, but because we can no otherwise so well convey to the reader a just idea of the work under review. It is only thus that the character of such a work can be displayed. When we say that this is but a fair sample of the sort of information it contains, and of the manner in which it is communicated and substantiated, we have said enough to satisfy the public that it has well fulfilled the high expectations awakened by its annunciation.

We are not sure that in every instance the compiler's task has been executed with the same skill and fidelity. In the papers relating to the interesting affair of Major André, there is a meagerness which leaves the reader unsatisfied, and dis

believe that the whole of them are given, and we look in vain in the appendix for the same amplitude of elucidation which we find in other cases. Instead of it, we have, indeed, a reference to "Sparks's Life and Treason of Arnold;" but, under favor, we think the purchasers of the present work had a right to expect that Mr. Sparks would have given them all the necessary information here. He certainly was at liberty to extract from his own work as freely as from that of any it might be impaired by transferring from it a other person, although we are sensible the sale of fuller account of the transaction which conferred on that traitor his only celebrity.

But we have no mind to say anything ill-natured to Mr. Sparks. He has given us a compilation of great interest to the general reader, and of infinite value to the historian. He has executed his task with exemplary diligence and fidelity, and deserves our thanks and our praise.

TO DYSPEPSIA.

Dyspepsia! horrid fiend, away!
Nor dog my steps from day to day:
Where'er I go-wherever fly,

I meet that dim and sunken eye.
That pallid and cadav'rous hue,
Those bloodless lips, so coldly blue,
Thy tott'ring gait and falt'ring breath,
Proclaim thee, messenger of death.

Behold thy work—my languid frame
Its vigor wasted, blood grown tame,
Afraid of what, it cannot tell,

Is held in thy demoniac spell;
Dark shadows round, thou seem'st to fling;
"My ears with hollow murmurs ring ;"
My head grows giddy-eyesight dim,
My senses seem to reel and swim.

At night I start from hideous dream;
My pillow fly, with stifled scream;

I dare not sleep-at early morn,

I hear the huntsman's echoing horn;
My burthen'd heart one instant bounds
To spring to horse, and cheer the hounds-
Alas! no more for me the chase!
Myself pursued, I fly thy face.

I cannot breathe the balmy air-
It cheers me not, for thou art there;
I am not gladden'd by the sun-
His course is glorious, mine is run.
For me the flowers all vainly bloom;
They seem but things which strew the tomb.
All things that others seek, I shun-
The earth a blank-the world undone.

Is there no power, this brow to cool,
And wash me in Siloam's pool?

Bethesda's waters! where are they?

The friendly hand to guide the way?
Remorseless fiend! relax thy hold;
The demons were cast out of old,

And I will cling to Jesus' knee;

Oh! let him speak, and thou must flec.

JACK-O'-LANTERN:

NUGATOR.

A NEW-LIGHT STORY. BY EYES-IN-GLASS.

CHAPTER I.*

"Manager. You know, upon our German stage, every one tries what he likes. Therefore, spare me neither scenery nor machinery upon this day. Use the greater and the lesser light of heaven; you are free to squander the stars; there is no want of water, fire, rocks, beasts and birds. So spread out, in this narrow booth, the whole circle of creation; and travel, with

considerate speed, from heaven, through the world, to hell." Gocthe.-The Faust.

How I became familiar, with this familiar, is, gentlest of all possible readers-without becoming too familiar-none of your business. He came to me, suffice it to know, not as visiters from the unsubstantial world usually come, reeking with smoke and stinking of antimony; there was not even a flourish of trumpets-not a breeze or breath of music-to intimate his approach. Never was coming more innocent and unimposing. I made use of no sort of incantations; none of your sculls and circles-grim, grinning jowls, skinned bats and withered frogs, encircled me; and, except the proverbial devil of the printing office, I do not remember to have ever had before the slightest communication, from or with, any of the hotlyquartered gentry. Nor did I solicit, the honor of a visit, (rhyme is a devilish propensity,) but uninvited, uncommanded-I will not say, undesiredhe stood before me; nay, there I am wrong, he stood behind me, such was the unobtrusive modesty of his approach at first; and a sound was the first notice which I had of his near neighborhood. My devil first made my acquaintance in the shape It is scarcely the best policy to begin the work of a sound. But that, gentle reader, was no vulof confession on one's first entry into the world, gar sound, though not an unfrequent one since the where, now-a-days, if men confesss any sins at all, discovery of Maccoboy. My snuff-box lay beside it is only such as are sufficiently equivocal to pass me, on the table, and from its capacious treasury, for virtues; but as my aim is a moral one, and my I had just withdrawn, betwixt my forefinger and hope the reformation of this very infirmity among thumb, a generous pinch of the titillating dust. mankind, I know no better mode of beginning, Applied to my nostril, it had promptly done its than to put myself right in court, by a frank office in provoking a most relieving and liberal avowal of the matter which has brought me into sneeze. What was my consternation to behold, it. Start not, therefore, ye devoutly pious-frown in the next moment, another sneeze behind menot, ye saints of the tabernacle,-and wring not a sneeze, as it were, the very fac-simile and echo your hands, ye godly dames, who form societies to of my own. Such, at first, I was almost perhelp unto grace and gravy, the infinite number of suaded to believe it, but a repetition of the explowise young men, who are possessed of the spirit, sion soon convinced me that it was not the sneeze and lack all other possessions,-when I boldly of humanity, and I clearly comprehended the declare unto ye, that, like Saul of old, and the operation of my Maccoboy upon the sternutatory Witch of Endor, John Faustus, Michael Scott, organs of an infernal. "Ha!-tshe-tshe-tshe— and, possibly, the Reverend Edward Irving, I ha!-ha!"-was the melodious acknowledgment have a familiar-in plain language, a devil; one of which my visiter gave to the potency and general those active and intelligent spirits, who from sym- excellence of my tobacconist; and the sympathy pathy, animal magnetism, or some other equally which his nostril thus seemed to exhibit with my unintelligible cause, attach themselves to the for- own, half removed the feeling of disquiet and tunes of that grub-worm, man, for his special apprehension which his first annunciation had comfort and edification; conveying him the news- occasioned me. In an instant I turned to confront canvassing morals, (and, par parenthese, the devil him, and a moment's glance sufficed to set my has a particular interest in this department of heart at ease and silence all my annoyances. On human economy,) and, altogether, affording him looking at him, I felt, of a sudden, all the freedom a mass of information not yet attainable even by and familiarity of a long acquaintance; and this the most adroit practitioner in clair-voyancing. feeling, the moment I had discovered his quality, *And, possibly, chapter last, since I cannot be certain that the forced upon me the unpleasant conviction that I taste of the reader will so highly approve of my devil as my had been no better than I should be. His face own does. Time will show. I will bind myself to no conditions. was by no means remarkable. Such a face I have

If the mood suits me---and the "Messenger"...there will be more words to this argument. The public shall be made wiser, if

often seen.

It was rather Gallican in its contour they have the wit to desire it. I shall be happy to serve and and general expression. A disposition to laugh at enlighten them, but I will not throw pearls away upon those all things seemed its predominating feature, but who do not know how to wear them. I' faith, I had nearly writ- there was a slight sinking at the corners of the mouth, which denoted a habitual sncer, and a fond

ten out the preverb in full, and there were no good policy, my gentle public, in that.

ness for sarcasm, which was strongly opposed to upon me at certain seasons. I am, like many oʻ the general benevolence of his other features. the princes of old, and some of the officers of penal The cheeks were full, fat and rosy, but the eyes justice in modern times, infinitely more fond of a were rather small, and the chin degenerated snug disguise, and a good humored nom de guerre, apishly. His figure was good enough—his person, than of the solemn ceremonial which follows upon though diminutive, was perfect. I cast my eyes and announces the presence of superior attributes. with some curiosity towards his feet, but they At present, sir, as I see you still somewhat at a were perfect also; and in a fashionable square- loss, you will do me the favor to recognize me toed boot seemed even handsomely formed. There under one of my many names-the most innocent was nothing like club or hoof to offend my sensi- and least imposing, perhaps, among them-and bilities or alarm my fears, and I wondered at our whenever you may deem it necessary to call me grandams who could tell, and really believe, such by a name at all, which I trust will not be often discreditable stories. My devil, on the whole, the case, to know me as Jack-O'-Lantern. I was really a comely fellow. I have seen the edi- shall certainly be willing to give you all the light tor of a ladies' gazette, a far worse looking man, I carry, should you require it. Jack-O'-Lantern and infinitely less of a gentleman. is a common acquaintance, and nobody should be seriously alarmed or annoyed at his presence. You, I know, who are a poet and philosopher, will readily show yourself above all idle superstitious fancies; and you will soon find, upon doing so, that if I have few virtues, I have many uses; and my more imposing names of sovereignty thrown out of the account, there can be no objection to the employment of my services."

With that divine instinct which we have never denied to the devil, while denying him all other virtues, he readily discerned my annoyances and saw that his coming had put me out; but with that felicity of manner which it would be equal folly in us to deny to a person so proverbially persuasive, he took special care in what he said, not to suffer me to see that he ascribed my discomposure to any other cause than the natural irritability of "Your services, Mr. John O'-Lantern?" I an author at being disturbed in his daily scrib-exclaimed with some wonder, in the sudden comblings. I was at this time busily engaged upon a motion of my thoughts, not exactly knowing what new work, calling for all my taste and research, to make of this sort of introduction-" Your no other than a collection of the most fashionable services!" negro melodies, such as Jim Crow, Coal Black Rose, Clare De Kitchen, and other pieces of like national and moral interest, with a copious appendix of illustrative notes, such as might well become a work of so much magnitude and interest. "I see that you are busy, Mr. Silex, and I would not willingly disturb you at this moment." Pray, proceed, sir-I have time enough to spare, and will wait upon you."

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He drew a chair as he said these words, and with the air of a man resolved, under all circumstances, to be as good as his word, he prepared to take a quiet seat in a corner, and give himself up to meditation.

'Beg pardon, sir,” said I, "but you will find it tedious-may I be honored at once with the purpose of your visit."

"That is soon told," said he in reply; "I see that you know me."

Here I expressed a little reluctance, and prayed for more direct information.

"I cannot deny," was my response," that I have a shrewd guess, but" There I paused. "Which is perfectly correct, sir; your instinct is not less good than mine in matters of this sort, and there needs no formality between those already acquainted. Besides, there is something less than civil-certainly less than social-in calling folks continually by their titles of dignity. I freely confess to you a willingness to dispense with mine. It operates against me, and sits heavily

"Ay, my services," he replied; "I propose to serve you, because I see that you need my help, and because I have somehow taken a liking to you. You smile, but I am above jest in this. I am serious. In my friendship for you I have sought you out, and I am resolved to become your friend, companion, assistant, anything, whether you will or no! You want an amanuensis, and considering the color of the work on which I see you busy, perhaps I am the very person of all the world whom you should soonest choose. But I insist not on this. Take me in what capacity you please. I am an actor of all work, as the comedians call themselves. I can be a boon companion, a grave counsellor, a curious penman, and a dapper valet. Make me what you please, with a will, and rely on me to be the thing which you most desire. I will take no refusal; you must employ me."

So liberal an offer, so graciously volunteered, was not to be rejected idly. He saw me hesitate, and threw in certain additional suggestions.

"My library is large and various; I see that you are busy, and sometimes at a loss, in your search after authorities. Your correspondence is extensive; let me give you a taste of my skill in assisting you to answer some of these letters."

He turned over a pile, seated himself at the table, and with a pen that seemed rather to stream over the paper than to rest upon it, he wrote almost in a breath the most admirable and fitting VOL. IV.-43

replies to the greater number of them. To a politician wanting a vote, and giving a dinner accordingly, he wrote a brief but comprehensive eulogium upon the arts of the cuisine, and concluded with an acceptance to his invitation, premising only that my wine for the current month was Lachrymæ Christi. To a lady of fashion whose billet for the next soirée was rather a summons than a solicitation, he pleaded a rule to reject all invitations for Friday, but complimented her at the same time upon the recherche fold of her missive. To the editor of a weekly magazine who begged for contributions, for which he promised to pay in praises, he wrote an essay on independent criticism. To a tailor soliciting custom and proffering extensive credits, he penned an order for a claret colored coat, such as the man wore who seized on the New York arsenal, and kept it for the whigs against General Arcularius and his man Friday. There was one letter which he was about to open, but as if he knew the contents already, or saw from the glance of my eye that he was now on forbidden ground, he paused in his progress, and I availed myself of the interval to acknowledge his powers, and relieve him for the present from their farther exercise.

"Enough, Mr. O'-Lantern, I am quite obliged to you. You are indeed a valuable acquisition, and really I know not how I shall requite you." "Requite me-I ask no requital, Mr. Silexnone. The pleasure of serving you is enough for me."

"Indeed! Truly you are becoming disinterested in your old age. You have not always toiled thus unprofitably, and with so little regard to self. If report speaks truly, you have usually been a severe expectant-a rigid exacter of your dues. You have done nothing for nothing."

"Bond! for what? speak out my dear master that is to be, and tell me your real difficulty." "Well, in plain terms then, Mr. O'-Lantern, do you not want to bind me, body and soul, in return for these services? Do you not want a mortgage of my soul?"

"Your soul, indeed, what do I want with it? Bless your stars, my dear Mr. Silex, that thing is entirely out of fashion now. I have more souls than I know what to do with—they are positively rotting on my hands. I wouldn't be burdened or bothered with an increase on any terms; and next to the mistake which you have been led into by your grandmother on the subject of my character, is that monstrous error which you men seem to entertain as to the value of the article you think I trade in. Souls, indeed! The very idea is absurd. No, sir, if I wished for anything at your hands, it should be the breeches you have worn. Now I think of it, sir, I will have pay for my services. You shall pay me in old breeches; you shall contract to give me all your breeches after a month's wearing them, and I will trust to your generosity, should you ever get married, to throw in occasionally a petticoat of your wife's. These shall be my terms. I ask for no other. Keep your soul, and do what you please with it; I would'nt have it as a gift. But your breeches, sir-your breeches; and in the event of your marriage an occasional petticoat of your wife's; these you shall give me, if anything, in return for my services. What say you to these terms?"

"A bargain," I exclaimed, delighted with the humor of the fellow, not less than his generosity. "Breeches and petticoats! you shall have them all! Why, Mr. O'-Lantern, you are the very pink of liberality, and I rejoice at your coming. Pray resume your seat, and let us talk over this matter, that it may be the better understood between us. There may be something covert and equivocal in it, after all. You gentlemen of the Never did injured mortal look more in need of lantern are apt to hang out false lights for the sympathy. I felt myself getting lachrymose.

"Report has done me wrong," he said coolly. "I have always been a much scandalized person among men, I assure you."

"What!" I proceeded, "and is your love in my case so great that you are willing to do for me those things for which you have exacted the eternal and unmitigated toils of other men, not to speak of their sufferings?"

"I do not understand you, really," was his reply, and he certainly looked at a loss when he spoke these words.

""Pon my soul," I continued, "either you are exceedingly dull, Mr. O'-Lantern, or I have been grievously imposed upon in the histories I have heard of you. Is it really possible that you intend to serve me for nothing? Do you really want no compensation? Do you ask nothing of me in return?"

temptation of the unwary, and I am resolved to see that you have no occult signification in what you say, before I sign this agreement. It may be my soul, after all, that you're driving at, in aiming at my breeches. I know many men whose souls never go beyond their breeches, and though I trust that mine is not of this sort, yet I would take every precaution against involvements. I will have legal advice first in this business."

"You are right, my dear sir," he replied promptly, "take what precaution you please, and be satisfied before you proceed a single step in this matter. I have no disposition to deceive youindeed, I am not a proficient in the arts of falsehood. I know many a lawyer who would put me to the blush for incompetence, and might, if lying were a prime requisite in my dominions, usurp "What! shall there be no bond between us?" their sovereignty. Even if your soul were in

"Nothing."

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