Part 12

"The declaration of Spain in favor of France has given universal joy to every Whig: while the poor Tory droops like a withering flower under a declining sun. We are anxiously expecting to hear of great and important events on your side of the Atlantic; at present, the imagination is left in the wide field of conjecture; our eyes one moment are turned to an invasion of England, then of Ireland, Minorca, Gibraltar; in a word, we hope every thing, but know not what to expect, or where to fix. The glorious success of Count d'Estaing in the West Indies, at the same time that it adds dominion to France, and fresh lustre to her arms, is a source of new and unexpected misfortune to our _tender and generous parent_, and must serve to convince her of the folly of quitting the substance in pursuit of a shadow; and, as there is no experience equal to that which is bought, I trust she will have a superabundance of this kind of knowledge, and be convinced, as I hope all the world and every tyrant in it will be, that the best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity, is _justice_. * * * The operations of the enemy this campaign have been confined to the establishment of works of defence, taking a post at King's Ferry, and burning the defenceless towns of New-Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk, on the Sound, within reach of their shipping, where little else was, or could be opposed to them, than the cries of distressed women and helpless children; but these were offered in vain. Since these notable exploits, they have never stepped out of their works or beyond their lines. How a conduct of this kind is to effect the conquest of America, the wisdom of a North, a Germain, or a Sandwich, can best decide; it is too deep and refined for the comprehension of common understandings and the general run of politicians."

* * * * *

"When I look back to the length of this letter, I have not the courage to give it a careful reading for the purpose of correction: you must, therefore, receive it with all its imperfections, accompanied with this assurance, that, though there may be many inaccuracies in the letter, there is not a single defect in the friendship of, my dear marquis, yours," etc.

In answer to a letter from Lafayette, asking the opinion of the commander-in-chief in regard to a duel with Lord Carlisle--whom, for an insult offered, as the marquis conceived, to France, in a letter to congress, he had challenged--Washington advises him to give up the idea of so foolish a thing. 'Experience,' says the _Pater Patria_, 'has proved, that _chance_ is often as much concerned in deciding these matters as _bravery_, and always more than the justice of the cause. I would not, therefore, have your life, by the remotest possibility, exposed, when it maybe reserved for so many great occasions.' Such was the opinion of Washington--a tolerably brave man, it is generally admitted--of duelling. He had that _moral_ courage, in relation to this gladiatorial practice, which we are glad to perceive is every year increasing in our country.

We may renew our notice of the present volume, in connection with a review of its successor, which will doubtless soon be forthcoming. In the mean time, we commend the first to every true American.

THE LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE, UNITED STATES' NAVY. By THOMAS HARRIS, M. D., Surgeon United States' Navy, and Member of the American Philosophical Society. In one volume, pp. 254. Philadelphia: CAREY, LEA AND BLANCHARD.

THE late hour at which we receive this valuable addition to American Biography, must constitute our apology for the brevity which marks our notice of its contents. The whole is a tribute to a brave officer, and an honorable and accomplished man, who has been fortunate in a biographer who enjoyed a close intimacy with him, who had seen him under all circumstances of disease and health, of exhilaration and depression, and who had thus the best opportunity of studying his character. The writer has therefore eminently succeeded in his purpose of drawing a plain and faithful narrative of the prominent events of Commodore Bainbridge's life. These are connected with a history of the partial hostilities with the French republic, and the various actions with the Barbary powers, under the command of Commodore Preble, and others, in which he was actively engaged. Most of the writer's materials are fresh and interesting, having been mainly obtained from the private journals and extensive correspondence of Bainbridge, from conversations with him, and those who have served under him, and from a manuscript biography of a portion of his life, by General H. A. S. DEARBORN.

We had marked a few characteristic passages from the early history of Bainbridge, previous to his entering the navy, where his bravery is more familiar to American readers, but are compelled to omit them. A spirited mezzo-tint portrait, by SARTAIN, from a painting by GILBERT STUART, embellishes the volume.

MIDSHIPMEN'S EXPEDIENTS. By the Author of 'Rattlin the Reefer;' and Other Tales, by Celebrated Writers. In two volumes. pp. 376. Philadelphia: CAREY, LEA AND BLANCHARD.

HOW large a portion, reader, of these two volumes, do you suppose the '_work_' which gives them their title consumes? 'Marry, tell us that, and unyoke.' Thirty-two pages, all told! 'Midshipmen's Expedients,' quotha? Whosoever shall disburse the _quid pro quo_, in the belief that he is to read a new work, in two volumes, by the author of 'Rattlin, the Reefer,' (a clever, rattling sort of book enough, and popular withal,) will be inclined to give these volumes another and more appropriate title, namely, '_Booksellers' Expedients_.' The 'other tales,' again, as in the case of Boz's 'Tuggs at Ramsgate,' are out of all proportion; since they predominate in number by just eighteen! They are well enough, in their way, as English magazine papers; but they are not 'Midshipmen's Expedients,' as any purchaser would be led to suppose. 'On the contrary, quite the reverse,' as the annexed list of contents will show. The first volume has 'Sandie Sandeman, the Piper,' 'The Old Farm-House, 'Mrs. Smith at Home, or More Smiths,' 'The Landlord of Royston,' 'The Irish,' 'Lord Lieutenant and His Double,' and 'John Smith.' The second volume contains, 'The Guerilla,' by KNOWLES, 'One Witness,' a law story, DOUGLAS JERROLD'S 'Preacher Parrot, or The Trials of Truth,' 'The Man with many Namesakes,' 'The Pleasure Party,' and 'The Rival Colors.' The two volumes are of that _scrappy_ cast, so much desiderated by steam-boat travellers, and such as are troubled with _ennui_, a disease peculiarly incident to those who have nothing to do.

EDITORS' TABLE.

POCAHONTAS--A TRAGEDY.--There are certain dreamers, who flatter themselves that they are philanthropists, yet cannot believe that the recitation of a moral essay or dramatic poem, or a representation of a historical fact, by a combination of ingenious individuals, can be an evil. They think that a living, moving, and speaking picture of an event will impress it more indelibly on the mind, than the historian's page can possibly do. They imagine that moral truths, conveyed by fable, apologue, or parable, and the characters introduced by the teacher presented to the eye, and acting, speaking, looking the thoughts, expressions, and combined movements of the story, must be more delightful and impressive, than any other mode of instruction; in short, that a good play, represented by good performers, to an enlightened, judicious, and virtuous audience, is one of the most effective methods of conveying instruction that the wit of man has devised.[7]

The question then presents itself, 'Why are theatres avoided and reprobated by very many of the wise and good?' Is it not because they are prostituted to the pleasures of the foolish and wicked? And why are they thus prostituted? Is it not because their directors have nothing in view but pecuniary emolument? Garrick said, 'Those who live to please, must please to live.' Every wretch that allures to vice, by meretricious display, may say the same, and think he is excused. But is there no better mode of living? Is there no way by which a theatre can be supported, but by enticing within it the votaries of folly, vice, and guilt?

Where a king or despot rules, he can open a theatre at the expense of the state, and exclude from its walls much that contaminates the seats of similar establishments in great cities generally. This has been done. We would ask, then, why a combination of private individuals, in a republic, moderately rich, prudently liberal, loving instruction in its most delightful and impressive form, wishing to inspire their children with the desire for knowledge, by making its lessons pleasure, and, by imbuing them with taste, guarding them against the allurements of sensuality--why, we would ask, may not such a combination establish a theatre, as well as a lyceum or athenæum?

Performers should be chosen for their moral characters as well as their talents; auditors admitted only of known respectability; a committee of directors, elected from the proprietors, and the pieces to be represented, decided upon by them.

Such a theatre would not be shunned by the 'good and the wise.' No parent would fear to lead his child to such a school; and the pieces represented might be as attractive as 'Mother Goose,' 'Tom and Jerry,' or any other modern effort of genius.

The directors of such an institution might find that it would not be costly to the proprietors. Emolument must not be sought. Authors might be encouraged to compose dramatic works, such as would be appropriate for a theatre so conducted; and the committee would, in the mean time, find many prepared to begin with.

The tragedy, whose name appears at the head of this article, is one that would honor the choice of such a committee. It is the production of a man of genius, learning, taste, and morality. It adheres to historical truth, and exhibits, in an instructive light, the vices and virtues of both savage and civilized society. We might select many passages, and even scenes, with commendation; but shall only ask the attention of the reader to the following beautiful illustration of the power of letters, and the admiration excited in the minds of the aborigines by written communication.

_Rolfe._ Look here! (_Writes._ Take that to Captain Smith, and ask him what It says.

_Nom._ What says it, Sachem Smith?

_Smith._ What's this?

_Nom._ Rolfe's speaking leaf. What say's't?

_Smith._ (_Reads._) 'Nomony loves.'

_Nom._ Nomony! Give it me! Nomony! I? (_Turning it round, and examining it in all directions._ It cannot be. Where are my legs, my arms, My body? This like me! Look, Pocahontas!

_Poc._ 'Tis very strange.

_Nom._ (_To_ ROLFE.) You told him what it was.

_Rolfe._ Indeed I did not.

_Nom._ Let me see't again. Nomony! Ah! Rolfe, let me shut you out, While Sachem Smith speaks to the leaf again, Then see if you can tell us what it says. (_Shuts him out._ Speak to it, father Smith.

_Smith._ What shall it say?

_Nom._ Oh, any thing. Say--Pocahontas loves not.

_Smith._ Loves not? (_Writes._)

_Nom._ Ay, that will tease him. Say it. Now, brother Rolfe, come in. What says the leaf? (_Giving it._

_Rolfe._ Ah! cruel leaf! Speaks it the truth? She loves not? (_Looking at_ POCAHONTAS.

_Nom._ Who?

_Rolfe._ (_To_ POCAHONTAS.) Thou lov'st not?

_Nom._ Let me see't!

_Rolfe._ (_To_ POCAHONTAS.) Thou said'st so! Thou!

_Nom._ No, no; content thee: it was I who bid it Say that. Rolfe, can a red man make it speak?

_Rolfe._ Any one can. You, or your sister.

_Nom._ Can I? I'd give my bow, of yellow orange wood-- The best in all our settlement--to know That medicine!

_Poc._ I think I understand it.

_Nom._ Well?

_Poc._ It is possible, to put a sign, A mark of something that you both have seen, And both can understand.

_Rolfe._ But we can put A mark for that which we have never seen.

_Nom._ Indeed! Oh, show me that! Rolfe, turn your back, And don't look round.

_Poc._ Now, sister, 'tis my turn. (_Whispers_ SMITH, _who writes_. Give it to _Rolfe_. (_To_ NOMONY.)

_Rolfe._ (_Reads._) 'Paspaho.'

_Nom._ Thou hast seen him?

_Rolfe._ Never.

_Nom._ (_Looking at the paper._) And that's Paspaho! (_To_ ROLFE.) Is he tall or short?

_Rolfe._ Nay, you put writing to an unfair test; I cannot tell.

_Nom._ Not tell! How can the leaf Name whom it never saw, yet know not whether He's tall or short?

_Rolfe._ Smith did not tell it that.

_Nom._ Tell it, good Sachem _Smith_. (SMITH _writes_. (_To_ ROLFE.) Now see, an if it knows. You smile! What is't?

_Rolfe._ (_Reads._) 'Paspaho's a young warrior, tall and brave.'

_Nom._ (_Kisses the paper._) Dear leaf, I love you!

_Rolfe._ I will teach you how To write, an if you will.

_Nom._ To write! What's that?

_Rolfe._ To speak on such a leaf.

_Nom._ Oh joy! I'm ready.

_Rolfe._ I cannot teach you in an hour--a day; We must have many days.

_Nom._ Must we? I'm sorry. But we shall soon return.

_Rolfe._ I'll bless the art Of writing, while I live!

_Nom._ And when I've learnt it, If I have something that I fain would say, And yet not wish to speak it, then I'll make The leaf speak for me.

_Poc._ Ay, and think, dear sister, How sweet, when one is absent far from those One loves, to send a speaking leaf like this, And bid it say, we live and love them still!

_Rolfe._ In many lands, beyond the Great Salt Lake, These speaking messengers are daily sent, Folded and fastened, so that he who bears them Knows not their contents. Thus, far distant tribes Speak to each other.

_Poc._ Strange!

_Rolfe._ The deeds of warriors Are noted down upon these speaking leaves; Which never die, nor spoil by being kept: And thus their children and their children's children Hear what has happened thousand snows before.

* * * * *

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.--A kind friend, a man of education and refinement, and an acute observer, now in England, has addressed us the first of a series of familiar letters, from which we hope often to quote, for the pleasure or benefit of our readers. His journeyings abroad will be greatly diversified, and out of the beaten track, both as to countries, and portions of countries, which he will traverse. The initiatory epistle, now before us, though necessarily limited in incident, contains a passage or two, which we shall venture to present, since they certainly, in more than one sense, are good 'evidence of things hoped for.' Speaking of the Thames, he says: 'On the morning of the last day of our voyage, the exceedingly turbid state of the water informed me that we were in the vast estuary of the Thames. To me, it seems strange, that WATTS and other poets should have so often attached the epithet 'silver' to this river. From London to its very mouth it is both muddy and yellow.' * * * 'Our sails and spars are housed below, and 'booms' disposed of; a 'mud-pilot' is on board, and we are now what is technically called 'threading the needle.' The pilot roars through his speaking-trumpet, 'starboard!' 'larboard!' 'port!--port hard!' as we glide through _forests_ of shipping--(you must be on the bosom of 'Father Tems,' to realize the truth of this common simile,) and are passed, up and down, by innumerable small steam-boats, one of which exhibited no smoke, being propelled by the agency of quicksilver. The river is some fifteen hundred feet wide, yet our ship frequently turns up the mud from the bottom. By law, three hundred feet are left in mid-channel, for ingress and egress. At length, we are ushered through an enormous lock into the celebrated St. Catherine's Docks, a vast reservoir, enclosed by immense warehouses, in the formation of which, several thousand families were removed, and their houses pulled down.' * * * 'I shall send you, in a few days, some interesting articles for your Magazine, which will serve to diversify the pages so admirably filled--I mean no flattery--by your numerous American contributors. They are from the pen of a lady, of distinguished talents, author of 'The Bride of Sicily,' and other poems, and for some late years a popular writer in the 'Foreign Quarterly,' 'British Magazine,' and 'Frazer's Magazine,' to which latter periodical she recently contributed those clever papers, 'Remembrances of a Monthly Nurse,' 'April Fools,' 'Mary Magdalene,' etc. You shall hear from me again, at no distant period.'

In connection with this fragment of correspondence, we annex an extract from a letter written from London by another friend, some months ago, but which has probably 'been i' the Indies twice,' since it passed from the hands of the writer, as it has but just reached us. We fear some portions of it may seem to smack of undue self-laudation; but we beg the reader to bear in mind, that we quote from a source wholly disinterested; and to believe, that what may appear calculated to induce a satisfied vanity, is but a 'spur to prick the sides of our intent:'

'A knowledge of, and respect for, _American Literature_, appear to be gaining ground in England; but still, very few of our writers can boast _much_ foreign fame; and many a name, and many a book, familiar to us, have scarcely been heard of, in the land of Shakspeare. There are some bright exceptions, however. It is superfluous to say, that I often heard IRVING and his writings spoken of with enthusiasm; and the _early_ novels, especially, of COOPER, stand as high in popular favor throughout Europe, as they ever did at home. But the English are disposed, it would seem, to claim these two writers as their own; many, at least, never allude to them as American. The essays of Dr. CHANNING have attained a wide celebrity in Great Britain. I have seen no less than three rival editions. Add to these three names those of WASHINGTON and FRANKLIN, and you can scarcely mention another American name which enjoys a thorough European reputation. A number of our books have been re-published, it is true, and are known, to some extent. I saw English editions of one or more of the works of Miss SEDGWICK, PAULDING, SIMMS, FLINT, FAY, and Dr. BIRD. Our _poets_ they are but little acquainted with. Mr. Irving, you know, endorsed a London edition of BRYANT, and Barry Cornwall conferred the same honor on WILLIS; and his _prose_ sketches I have heard highly praised. He has certainly written himself into considerable notoriety. PERCIVAL'S poems were printed in England several years since. Some of HALLECK'S, and others, are well known through the various specimens of American poets. The classical text-books on oriental and biblical literature, from Andover, Cambridge, etc., are re-printed, and considered high authority by English scholars and critics. Several American books, of a useful and practical character, such as ABBOTT'S 'Young Christian,' Mrs. CHILD'S 'Frugal Housewife,' etc., have had an immense sale in England and Scotland. At least twenty thousand copies of each of the two mentioned have been sold in the kingdom. The sneering question of the Quarterly, 'Who reads an American book?' is no longer asked; but English prejudice is yet slow to admit that 'any good thing can come out of Nazareth.' I was told by a London publisher, that if an American book were re-printed, it would be bad policy to acknowledge its origin. I know several instances of our books having been published in London and Glasgow as original, and without a word of the _source_, or any alteration, except the omission of local names, by which they might have been detected! In one case, an English copy of a book thus re-printed, verbatim, _except the title_, was received by a New-York house, published as an English work, and one thousand copies were sold, before it was discovered that the copy-right belonged to the author and publisher in Philadelphia! American periodicals, however, are doing much toward diffusing a knowledge of our literary men and resources abroad--in England, Scotland, and France, especially; and there is, on all hands, a great and growing interest in every thing which relates to our noble republic.' * * * 'Some of our higher periodicals are favorably known here. Silliman's 'Journal of Science' is appreciated and praised by scientific men throughout Europe; one or two hundred copies of the 'North American Review' are taken in London; and the 'Knickerbocker,' I am informed, is held in much estimation. Your sometime correspondent, Dr. METCALF, (who is engaged in important studies and investigations here, connected with his theory of the great pervading _principle of life_,) tells me, that he finds numbers who agree with him in the opinion, that the 'Knickerbocker' is not surpassed in talent, variety, or interest, by any English magazine whatsoever.'

'There are two dealers in London, who import American books, viz., O. RICH and R. J. KENNETT; and two in Scotland, J. REID and J. SYMINGTON AND CO., of Glasgow. I have had the pleasure of personal acquaintance with most of the distinguished publishers in London and Scotland, and have made notes of some facts, and comparative statistics, in which you may perhaps be interested. For the present, however, I will bestow upon you no more of my tediousness.'

* * * * *

SAMUEL WOODWORTH, ESQ.--It is known to most of our readers, whose aid may be rendered effectively, that a 'benefit' is soon to take place at one of our theatres, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the relief of the popular poet, SAMUEL WOODWORTH, and his large and amiable family, to whose support he has latterly been wholly unable to contribute, by reason of a partial loss of sight, and a paralytic shock, with which he has been visited. We hope the edifice where the dramatic entertainment is to 'come off,' will be crowded from dome to ceiling; so shall the beneficiary be made to rejoice in the belief that the milk of human kindness which flows in his own bosom, is not altogether absent from the breasts of the many who 'know him but to love him,' and who 'name him but to praise.'

* * * * *

'KNICKERBOCKER HALL.'--'A good _name_ is every thing,' says some didactic school-book maker, and we are about to agree with him. '_Knickerbocker Hall_,' a large and commodious establishment, recently erected adjoining the Park Theatre, we doubt not will, under the supervision of TERRAPIN WELCH, Esq., P. H. T. C.,--a capable representative of all the Knickerbockers--be 'everything' that the reputation of its illustrious founder may lead the public to anticipate. 'Moreover, and which is more,' he is to be aided by his son-in-law, Mr. ADAMS, also a noted publican. Spacious dining-halls, ample private supper-rooms, airy and commodious lodging apartments, a renowned _cuisine_, and the most central of locations--these are matters not likely to be lightly regarded by citizens, or strangers who have ever 'heard tell o' SANDY.' Long may he reign!

FOOTNOTE: