tions are abstruse, is the fault of the subjects, and not of the language in which he has treated them, than which none can be more lucid or appropriate. The article on Italy is interesting-also that on the National Gallery. In the notice of the Last Days of Pompeii, justice is by no means done to that most noble of modern novels. Celebrated Trials of all Countries, and remarkable cases of Criminal Jurisprudence, selected by a Member of the Philadelphia Bar. Philadelphia, E. L. Carey and A. Hart. Such a book as this was much wanted. The records of criminal trials were scattered through the newspapers or buried in some huge tomes of antique law reports, almost inaccessible to the ordinary reader. And this book seems fitted to supply the deficiency to a consideThe London Quarterly Review for February, American rable extent. It is a large octavo, and contains a seEdition, No. 1. Vol. 2. is printed on good paper, with lection of criminal trials from the early period of 1588, excellent type. It contains, 1. Wanderings in New down to the present day, among them some of the South Wales, by George Bennet, Esq. F. L. S. Fellow most celebrated cases on record, such as that of Sir of the Royal College of Surgeons: 2. Correspondence Walter Raleigh in 1602, of the Earl of Strafford in 1643, of Victor de Jacquemont: 3. Population of Great Bri- of Alexis Petrowitz Czarowitz in 1815, of the rebels, tain and Ireland: 4. Coleridge's Table Talk: 5. Egypt Kilmarnock, Cromartie, Balmerino, &c. in 1745, and and Thebes: 6. Rush on the Prophecies: 7. The others of equal interest-the judicial proceedings in reChurch and the Voluntary System: 8. Recent German lation to which, belong to history. The contents of the Belles Lettres: 9. England, France, Russia and Tur- work are highly interesting, but we cannot withhold key 10. Sir Robert Peel's Address. The eighth arti- our censure of their arrangement. The trials are hudcle contains much information on a subject with which led together without the slightest attention to chronoAmericans are, for the most part, indifferently converlogical order; and it would seem that the gentleman of sant. Coleridge's Table Talk is highly interesting, as the Philadelphia Bar, who is made responsible for the every authentic fragment of his sentiments and opinions compilation of the work, could merely have selected must be. The work reviewed in this article, is published the several cases leaving the printer to arrange them by Mr. Henry Coleridge, a near relative of the departed as he pleased. The consequence is, that the reader philosopher and poet, and is made up from notes of finds himself shifting backward and forward, from cennumerous conversations, taken down by the publisher tury to century, in a complete medley of dates. This immediately after their occurrence. They bear the im- is to be lamented, because the history of criminal jurispress of Coleridge's mind, will be read with interest by prudence is a history of the progress of civil liberty, all classes, and probably do more to make the general and of the expansion of the human mind. And the reader acquainted with him and his opinions, than all interest which we find in tracing the progress of just else that has been written.-We take this opportunity and equitable rules in the trials of malefactors, is mar of noticing the excellent American Edition of the Lon-red by this defect of arrangement. As future volumes don, Edinburg, Foreign and Westminster Reviews, com- of this work are partly promised, it is to be hoped that bined. It does much honor to Mr. Foster of New York, in them this fault will be amended. the publisher; and the compression of matter is such, without being printed too fine, as to give to subscribers for the sum of eight dollars, these four periodicals for which upwards of twenty dollars was formerly paid. The paper, type, and execution, are good. No Fiction. A Narrative founded on recent and interesting facts, by the Rev. Andrew Reed, D. D. has been republished by the Harpers. With a plot of great simplicity, and with diction equally simple, this work has attained much celebrity. It is indeed thrillingly interesting. Martha, a more recent effort by the same writer, The Life of Samuel Drew, the shoemaker and philo- is however, in every respect a book of greater merit. sopher of Cornwall, by his son, is published by Harper & Brothers, and consists of 360 pages. Drew was Memoirs of Celebrated Women of all Countries. By an extraordinary man, whose works, especially his theo-Madame Junot. Philadelphia, Carey, Lea and Blanchard. logical ones, have gained him no little celebrity. It now These memoirs are amusing, and so far we can recom appears that he had much to do with the writings at-mend them highly, but no farther. Their morality is tributed to Dr. Coke. questionable indeed; and they bear upon their face, in a certain pervading air of romance, sufficient evidence too in the title of the work. These are not memoirs of of their own inauthenticity. There is a sad mistake celebrated women in all countries: they are merely Madame Junot's celebrated women in a few particular regions. The greater part of them have no pretensions to celebrity. It has been remarked that the sketch of Marina Minszech will afford a fair sample of the Duch ess's biographical style. In this opinion we concur, and as it is a pretty fable, we advise all to read it who have The Life of the Emperor Napoleon, Vol. 1, by H. Lee. New York, Charles De Behr. This work has great merits and remarkable faults. Published ostensibly as a corrector of the numerous errors of other biographers of Napoleon, and especially those of Sir Walter Scott and Lockhart, it cannot but be read with interest. The errors detected and set right, are numerous and important. In most instances Mr. Lee clearly makes out his charges-in some we are sorry to see that he seems to be governed by a spirit of captiousness: And we cannot but object to the tone of his Influence, a Moral Tale, by the author of Miriam. strictures upon Sir Walter Scott. Milder language Philadelphia, Key and Biddle. There is an air of modest would better have graced his cause. We have pre-tranquillity about this book which we admire. It is a pared a review of this work, which we are compelled to pleasing tale addressed to the young, to serious parents, postpone to the next number of the Messenger. and to friends-and it pretends to be nothing more. no inclination for the book entire. Its style too is unobjectionable. If the work developes in the author no extraordinary capabilities, it is, we think, because there was no intention of developing them. The Highland Smugglers. By the author of Adventures of a Kussilbush, &c. 3 vols. Carey, Hart and Co. This book is very much praised and we think justly. It is full of exquisite descriptions of that region of romance the Scottish Highlands, and has a manner of its own. Lives of the English Pirates, Highwaymen and Robbers, by Whitehead. Philadelphia, Carey and Hart. These lines will be read in spite of all that a too fastidious Mr. Lockhart's excellent novel Valerius is republishtaste may say to the contrary. We see no very good | ed by the Harpers. The scene is in the time of Trajan, reason why they should not be. and the subject is managed in that masterly style which we look for in Lockhart. We have heard objections sneers, and by men who should know better, at travelling back to Roman history for interest which could as well be found at home. Procul-O procul este profani! Valerius is a book to live. An Account of Col. Crockett's Tour to the North and Down East, written by himself. Carey, Hart and Co. We see no reason why Col. Crockett should not be permitted to expose himself if he pleases, and to be as much laughed at as he thinks proper-but works of this kind have had their day, and have fortunately lost their attractions. We think this work especially censurable for the frequent vulgarity of its language. Moraz de Courcy, an auto-biographical novel, by Josiah Templeton, Esq., 2 vols. Baltimore, William and Joseph Neal. We have looked at this book attentively-for we confess it was impossible to read it. A glance over one or two pages will be sufficient to convince any reasonable person that it is a mere jumble of absurdities. The gentleman should not have thrust his name (if it be not a nom de guerre,) into the title page. Confessions of a Poet, 2 vols. Carey, Lea and Blanch-urged to the antique nature of his tale―ill-mannered ard. The most remarkable feature in this production is the bad paper on which it is printed, and the typographical ingenuity with which matter barely enough for one volume has been spread over the pages of two. The author has very few claims to the sacred name he has thought proper to assume. And indeed his own idea on this subject seem not to satisfy himself. He is in doubt, poor man, of his own qualifications, and having proclaimed himself a poet in the title page, commences his book by disavowing all pretensions to the character. We can enlighten him on this head. There is nothing of the vates about him. He is no poet-and most positively he is no prophet. He is a writer of notes. He is fond of annotations; and composes one upon another, putting Pelion upon Ossa. Here is an example: "Ce n'est pas par affectation que j'aie mis en Francais ces remarques, mais pour les detourner de la connoissance du vulgaire." Now we are very sure that none but le vulgaire, to speak poetically, will ever think of getting through with the confessions: thus there the matter stands. Lest his book should not be understood he illustrates it by notes, and then lest the notes should be understood, why he writes them in French. All this is very clear, and very clever to say no more. There is however some merit in this book, and not a A Winter in the West, by a New Yorker. New York, little satisfaction. The author avers upon his word of Harper and Brothers. This is a work of great sprighthonor that in commencing this work he loads a pistol, liness, and is replete with instruction and amusement. and places it upon the table. He farther states that, The writer evinces much talent in producing an interupon coming to a conclusion, it is his intention to blow esting narrative of a journey performed in the most unout what he supposes to be his brains. Now this is propitious period of the year. His observations on life in the backwoods are sensible, and we should excellent. But, even with so rapid a writer as the poet must undoubtedly be, there would be some little diffi-imagine correct, and his details in relation to Michigan culty in completing the book under thirty days or thereabouts. The best of powder is apt to sustain injury by lying so long "in the load." We sincerely hope the gentleman took the precaution to examine his priming before attempting the rash act. A flash in the panand in such a case--were a thing to be lamented. Indeed there would be no answering for the consequences. We might even have a second series of the Confes sions. The Language of Flowers, embellished with fine colored engravings. Philadelphia, Carey, Hart and Co. This is a book which will find favor in the eyes of the ladies, and thus, par consequence in the eyes of the gentlemen. Its motto is pretty and apposite: By all those token-flowers that tell - Mr. and Miss Edgeworth's Practical Education has been republished by the Harpers. Its character is well established. particularly interest us. - The adventures of the road are told with great vivacity, and although there are no thrilling scenes or surprising incidents in the book, it cannot be read with indifference. The traits of Indian character scattered through its pages are vivid and striking, and the reflections on the condition of that fast failing race mark the philanthropic spirit of the author. Mr. Hoffman, formerly connected with the New York American, and now Editor of a Monthly Magazine, is the reputed author of this spirited work. The journal of Mrs. Frances Ann Butler, better known as Miss Fanny Kemble, has, after a long delay, made its appearance; but at so late a period that we are unable to present our readers with our opinions at large of its merits, which we regret the more, as the work has created much excitement in the literary and fashionable world. Numerous extracts from its pages have been published in the newspapers, and the daring authoress has received but little mercy from any quar ter. It will be reviewed in our next. EDITORIAL REMARKS. much valuable information in relation to a country but We recommend the contents of our present number little known. with entire confidence, to our readers. The article on the "Influence of Free Governments on the Mind," is from the same gifted and exuberant pen which produced the "Impediments to Literature,” republished in our fifth number, from the Western Monthly Magazine. The Tales, of which we publish several in the present number, comprise a variety of talent. "A Tale of the West," written as we are assured, by a novice in composition, certainly displays much ability, although a little more experience would have taught the writer the value of compression. But amplification is generally the fault of youth and inexperience, and in this case it does not conceal the talent unequivocally displayed by the writer. The selection from Mr. Mitchell's Manuscripts, or the story of the "White Antelope," will, we doubt not, be read with zest enough to create a strong desire for future contributions from the same source. The pecu“Morella” will unquestionably prove that Mr. Poe liarities of those wild sons of the forest who have has great powers of imagination, and a command of never been corrupted by civilization, (we hope the sole-language seldom surpassed. Yet we cannot but lament cism will be pardoned,) cannot fail to attract the cu- that he has drank so deep at some enchanted fountain, rious. The story we publish is truly unique and excel-which seems to blend in his fancy the shadows of lent of its kind. the tomb with the clouds and sunshine of life. We doubt however, if any thing in the same style can be cited, which contains more terrific beauty than this tale. Chapter I. on "English Poetry," tracing as it does the rude and early dawnings of that divine art in our own venerable vernacular, will deeply interest by its antique spirit, and by the accurate and profound investigation which its author has evinced. We shall look for the remaining chapters with much eagerness. The favors and contributions of our friend Pertinax Placid, Esquire, are particularly welcome; and we hereby give him due notice that we adopt him as a member of our literary family. In the "Tale of a We hope that no one will be deterred, by the length Nose," he has illustrated with admirable humor the cu of Professor George Tucker's discourse on the "Pro-rious philosophy of dreaming; and in "Content's Misgress of Philosophy," from reading it attentively. We hap," he has clothed a fine moral in the charms of flowacknowledge the value our pages derive from its insering verse. tion, and we carnestly desire that all should share in the pleasure and improvement which it will undoubtedly impart. Besides that some of its views possess all the freshness of originality, the whole address is couched in that felicitous diction for which its author has been already justly distinguished, ennobling the subject, while it familiarizes it to readers of all classes. The 5th "Letter from New England" is full of thought, and deserves the serious consideration of every man who claims to be a patriot. When will the disastrous conflicts of party strife so far subside, as to authorise a thorough, if not exclusive devotion to our own state institutions and concerns? There are many things in our own internal policy which might be judiciously reformed The allusions of the letter writer to the system of fixing the age by law at which judges shall leave the bench, are expressed in his best style, and forcibly remind us of the veneration and respect due to the "gigantic Coryphæus of the United States' Judiciary." Our excellent and able friend who writes the article on "The Waltz and Gallopade," is mistaken if he supposes that we have favored those outlandish innovations upon Virginian simplicity. We are advocates for new inventions, only when they contribute to human happiness and virtue; and we heartily join with him in censuring those of the votaries of fashion who would corrupt the purity of our manners and the innocence of our amusements, by introducing among us practices of even doubtful effect upon the morals of the rising generation. No. II. on the Fine Arts will be read with more than ordinary pleasure, by all who can estimate glowing des criptions of beauty and grace, and the enthusiasm of an artist. The style of the article is most captivating. We are pleased to welcome again to our columns, our old and much respected friend “Nugator,” and equally so to learn that he is convalescent from a severe illness which has kept his pen idle for some time. Hiз letter contains some allusions to politics, which in general we deem an unsuitable subject for a journal on the plan of the Messenger. But his remarks are expressed in so good humored a manner, that we are convinced they can afford no offence. The detail of his researches is highly amusing, and given in his usual agreeable style. The selected article, a "Scene in Real Life," is characterized by deep and impressive pathos. We are happy to say that its author will probably become a contributor to our columns. It would be uncourteous and in violation of our feelings, to omit noticing the poetical contributions to this number. We particularly recommend to our readers the "Apostrophe of an Æolian Harp,” a strain of har mony and sentiment struck by a master hand from the chords of a truly poetic lyre." The Last Gift" is also the product of a fertile and glowing spirit. It comes to us wrapt in the mists of the anonymous; but if, as we trust, Corydon has not wept himself to stone, we should gladly receive his further favors. "Nature and Art" is from a feminine hand, which has before awakened strains of rich music and sentiment in our pages. "The Last Indian" by our valued friend Larry Lyle, is a magIn "Christian Education," much wholesome admoni-nificent description of a somewhat extravagant dream. tion will be found, directly addressed to the conside-It exhibits even a greater degree of power than his ration of parents. The writer shows in this article, that the spirit of a christian renders the much neglected exhibition of childish intellect worthy the attention of an accomplished and masculine mind. The "Extract from a Mexican Journal," contains former contributions. The "Winter Scenes at Williamsburg," give a pleasing and vivid description of the gaiety which reigned at that interesting place during the past season. There are also several minor pieces in which we doubt not our readers will perceive much merit. PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. The Publisher has the pleasure of announcing to his friends and patrons that he has made an arrangement with a gentleman of approved literary taste and attainments, to whose especial management the editorial department of the "Messenger" has been confided.This arrangement, he confidently believes will increase the attractions of his pages,—for besides the acknowledged capacity of the gentleman referred to, his abstraction from other pursuits will enable him to devote his exclusive attention to the work. [No. 9. FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. For the Southern Literary Messenger. And Present Condition of Tripoli, with some Bobt •how. No. VI. Greenhow. In the last number of these sketches, it was stated that Hamet "went to Derne in 1809, where he passed the remainder of his life in quiet, as Bey of the two Eastern Provinces." This has been since discovered to be incorrect; within two years afterwards, he was again expelled by the Pasha, for some cause or preWith this ample assurance therefore, that the public tence, and obliged to fly with his family to Egypt, patronage will be met by renewed efforts to give gene- where he died. In October, 1832, a man appeared at ral satisfaction, the publisher earnestly hopes that his the American Consulate in Alexandria, who declared friends will aid him in extending the circulation of the himself to be Mahommed Bey, eldest son of Hamet Messenger. A reasonable enlargement of the subscrip- Caramalli; he stated that his father's family were livtion list will afford the means of occasionally embellish-ing in great indigence at Cairo, and his object was to ing its pages with handsome drawings and engravings- ascertain whether any relief could be expected for them and especially sketches of some of those remarkable from the United States. natural curiosities and picturesque scenes, with which The conduct of the Bey of Tunis during the early Virginia, and the Southern country generally, abounds. part of the war between Tripoli and the United States, In this way the publisher hopes to make his periodical has been already exposed. He continued to observe a repository of not only every thing elegant in litera- the subsequent occurrences with great attention,— ture, but tasteful in the arts; and his generous and in- manifesting the utmost anxiety with regard to the telligent supporters may rest assured, that whilst a result. He saw with dismay the increase of the Amemoderate reward for his own labors is indispensa-rican forces in the Mediterranean, and the distressed ble-his principal aim is to multiply the sources of intellectual pleasure, and increase the facilities for improvement. ing been declined, he determined if possible to force a conclusion favorable to his interests, by a display of hostile intentions against the United States. condition to which Yusuf was reduced by the determined manner in which they had been employed; and he rightly conceived that by thus unveiling the weakIt is due to the gentleman who has acted as editor ness of one of the Barbary States, the system which up to the present period, that the publisher should, in they were all interested in preserving, was placed in parting with him, express that deep feeling of gratitude jeopardy. With a view to avert the apprehended danwhich his disinterested friendship could not fail to in-ger, he made frequent offers of mediation, which havspire. At the commencement of the Messenger, when the prospect of its success was doubtful, and when many judicious friends augured unfavorably of the enterprise, the late editor volunteered his aid to pilot the frail bark For this he soon found an excuse in the blockade of if possible into safe anchorage—nor did he desert it un- Tripoli. We have seen that he at first refused to actil all doubt of success had ceased. The efforts of that knowledge this blockade, on the just grounds that it gentleman are the more prized, because they were was not maintained by a competent force; when that made at a considerable sacrifice of ease and leisure, in force was increased so as effectually to close the port, the midst too of avocations sufficiently arduous to he insisted, that being at peace with the United States, occupy the entire attention of most men,-and be-his vessels had the right of proceeding to any place cause they were rendered without hope or expectation without interruption by them, and that the passport of reward. And the publisher embraces this occa-granted by the American Consul ought always to afford sion, to declare that the success of the Messenger has been greatly owing to the judicious management of the editorial department by that gentleman. For services of so much value, rendered with no other object than a desire to promote the establishment of a literary periodical in Virginia, the publisher is deeply indebted to him-and the readers of the work will, we doubt not, long remember his efforts in their behalf. To him-belongs the merit of having given his disinterested aid in the season of its early feebleness. His successor has but to follow in the path which has thus been marked out by a hardy and skilful literary pioneer. VOL. I.-59 T. W. WHITE, Publisher and Proprietor. them protection from the armed forces of his nation. The passports granted by the Consuls of Christian powers in the Barbary states, are merely certificates that the vessel is owned in the country where the Consul resides, with a statement of her class, her name and that of her captain, and other particulars requisite to identify her; it protects the vessel from detention or capture by the armed ships of the nation in whose name it is issued, for one year after its date. The Consul in vain represented this to the Bey, and endeavored to explain the principles of blockade; shewing that an attempt to enter Tripoli would be a hostile act on the part of the vessel making it, but on her part only, and should not necessarily create any unfriendly feelings of the United States respecting his vessels which between the two governments; and that the vessels of had been captured; but that in the meantime, any atseveral Christian nations had been taken by the Ame-tempt on the part of the Americans to stop his cruirican squadron, while they were thus endeavoring to sers, or to interrupt his commerce, would be considered force the blockade, and condemned without any com- by him as a commencement of hostilities. The Complaints having been made by their governments.-modore knew too well the worthlesness of such verbal To these representations, the Bey refused to listen, contending that Christian laws and usages were not applicable to affairs in which Oriental States were concerned; and declaring that the capture of a Tunisian vessel by the Americans would be followed by a declaration of war against them. assurances; and determined to have some stronger guaranty for their performance. He therefore despatched Captain Stephen Decatur, who then commanded the frigate Congress, to Tunis, with a letter requiring of the Bey a written declaration of his pacific intentions, to be witnessed by the English and French Consuls. Hamouda refused to see Decatur, and showed so little disposition to come to terms, that the Consul retired with his family on board the squadron. The question was at length brought to a direct issue. On the 24th of May, an armed vessel under Tunisian colors, with two prizes, attempted to enter the port of Tripoli, and were taken by the frigate Constitution. Shortly after this, a Tunisian vessel attempting to On examination, it appeared that the cruiser corres-put to sea, was fired on by the Americans, and forced ponded in no point with the description in the passport to return into port. This circumstance created great exhibited by her captain, which must therefore have consternation in Tunis; business was suspended, the been improperly obtained; and other circumstances led people became dissatisfied, and the Bey discovered that to the belief, that she was Tripoline property and he must yield. He in consequence wrote a letter to manned by Tripolines, although commanded by a Tuni-Rodgers, disavowing his threats, declaring his willingsian subject. She was of course condemned, and sent with her prizes to the United States. ness to remain at peace, and inviting Mr. Lear, with whom he had hitherto refused to communicate, to come The rage of the Bey on being informed of this on shore and treat with him on the subject of the existseizure was violent and unrestrained; he insisted that ing difficulties. Mr. Lear complied with this invitation, the Consul should cause the vessels to be immediately and several conferences were held, in which the Afrirestored, and ample satisfaction to be made for the in- can Prince sustained his character for shrewdness, exhijury and insult committed against him and his subjects. biting however a degree of suavity and apparent frankMr. Davis replied, that having no power himself, he ness, which excited the admiration of the American could only state the demand to the Commodore, but he Commissioner. Supported by the oaths and attestations had no expectation that it would be complied with. of his worthy minister the Sapatapa, Hamouda gravely The Bey, according to the usual policy of the Barbary and solemnly denied having ever uttered threats of hos Princes, would not admit of this reference to an autho- tilities against the United States, or of violence towards rity over which he could have no control or influence; their Consul, or of having made any unreasonable deand endeavored by threats of war and of personal vio-mands; insisting that all the difficulties had been occa lence, to extort from the Consul a promise that the sioned by Mr. Davis, whom he indeed believed to be a vessels should be restored, in order that he might after-good man, incapable of any wilful misrepresentation, wards allege such promise, as the solemn act of the but who had most strangely interpreted some of his American government. Davis however remained firm, expressions in a sense totally different from that intendand transmitted a statement of the whole affair to Mr. ed, and forgotten others. He had indeed asked for a Lear, which reached him off Tripoli, immediately after frigate from the United States; but that was a request the conclusion of the peace with Yusuf. such as one friend might make of another, and the re In consequence of this communication, the Commo-fusal of which should give rise to no difference between dore wrote a letter to Hamouda, declaring his demands inadmissible, and despatched a frigate and a brig to watch his movements. This letter increased the rage of the Bey; he told the Consul that negotiation was impossible; that he would be forced into a war by the conduct of the Americans, who had been the first to capture one of his cruisers in time of peace; and that if hostilities should commence, they would not end while he had a soldier to fire a gun. After such indications of his disposition, Rodgers considered that no time was to be lost, he accordingly sailed for Tunis, and arrived in the gulf on the 1st of August; his force then amounted to five frigates, two brigs, a sloop of war, two schooners, and several gun-boats. A letter was immediately despatched to the Bey, requiring an explanation of his intentions, and stating that unless he declared them to be friendly within thirty-six hours, hostilities would be commenced against him. To this demand Hamouda evaded giving a direct answer; he informed the Consul that he had no wish to make war, until he had heard from the President them. The subject of blockades he could not under- The Tunisian Ambassador arrived with his retinue at Washington, where he excited great curiosity and attention.* He soon made a formal demand, in his where his dresses, his presents, his prayers, his Arabian horses, his refusing to cat from sunrise to sunset during a particular time of the year, (the Ramadan or * Melle-Melle is still remembered in Washington, |