293 Review.-Memoirs of Rear-Admiral Paul Jones. Although a considerable portion of these volumes is occupied with letters, discussions, plans, contrivances, and disappointments, it abounds with incidents of chivalrous enterprise, and deeds of uncommon daring. In many of his schemes Paul Jones was astonishingly successful, and if in others he was defeated, it was by distracted counsels, unexpected delays, contrary winds, and adverse circumstances, over which he had no control. His resolution to attack Leith, to lay the inhabitants under contributions, or reduce the place to ashes, together with his appearance off the port, must still be fresh in the memory of many of its ancient residents. On this memorable occasion his confidence of success induced him to prepare the following document: "The Honourable J. Paul Jones, Commander-inchief of the American squadron, now in Europe, &c. to the worshipful the Provost of Leith, or, in his absence, to the chief Magistrate, who is now actually present and in authority there. Sir,-The British marine force that has been stationed here for the protection of your city and commerce, being now taken by the American arms under my command, I have the honour to send you this summons by my Officer, Lieutenant Colonel de Chamillard, who commands the vanguard of my troops. 1 do not wish to distress the poor inhabitants, my intention is only to demand your contribution towards the reinbursement, which Britain owes to the much injured citizens of the United States, for savages would blush at the unmanly violation and rapacity, that has marked the tracks of British tyranny in America, from which neither virgin innocence, nor helpless age, has been a plea of protection or pity. "Leith and its port now lies at our mercy; and did not our humanity stay the hand of just retaliation, I should, without advertisement, lay it in ashes. Before I proceed to that stern duty as an officer, my duty as a man induces me to propose to you, by the means of a reasonable ransom, to prevent such a scene of horror and distress. For this reason, I have authorised Lieutenant-Colonel de Chamillard to conclude and agree with you on the terms of ransom, allowing you exactly half an hour's reflection, before you finally accept or reject the terms which he shall propose (£200,000.) If you accept the terms offered within the time limited, you may rest assured that no further debarkation of troops will be made, but that the vanguard will immediately follow, and that the property of the citizens shall remain unmolested. "I have the honour to be, with sentiments of due respect, Sir, your very obedient and very humble servant, PAUL JONES. "On board the American Ship of War, the Bon Homme Richard, at anchor in the Road of Leith, Septr. 17th, 1779." Vol. 1. p. 168. In a note subjoined to the preceding menacing letter, the author, in his own hand-writing, observes as follows: "N. B. The sudden and violent storm which arose in the moment, when the squadron was abreast of Keith Island, which forms the entrance of the Road of Leith, rendered impracticable the execution of the foregoing project." In allusion to the memorable event which menaced Leith with destruction, we are informed in a succeeding page, that it being on a Sunday when Jones meditated his attack, the Rev. Mr. Shirra, a dissenting minister, collected his congregation on the sandy beach of Kirkaldy. Here he prayed most fervently that the enterprise of the piratical invader might be defeated, and in 294 this he was no doubt joined in his devotion by all present. The violent gale to which Paul Jones refers in the preceding note, immediately sprang up, and multitudes considered it as an answer to the preacher's powerful intercession. In after-times, when complimented on the prevalence of his prayer, that had raised the wind which drove the invader from the shore, his usual reply was "I prayed, but the Lord sent the wind." The engagement between the Serapis and the Bon Homme Richard, stands almost unrivalled in the annals of naval warfare. The carnage was awful. Victory long remained in suspense; but at length decided in favour of Paul Jones; his ship, however, was so dreadfully shattered that she never reached port. In the subsequent parts of these volumes we find this astonishing man passing through numerous vicissitudes; engaged in various conflicts, raised to the rank of rear-admiral in the service of Russia, and honoured with high testimonials from official authority in favour of his talents, his prowess, and his brilliant achievements. The paths of glory, however, "lead but to the grave." Honoured, neglected, applauded, and censured, his naval exploits exposed him to many vexations, and perhaps, on the whole, his important services were but ill-requited by the governments under which he served. In 1792 he was consigned to the house appointed for all living, and his name now stands among those by which "the mighty troublers of the earth" have been distinguished. That Paul Jones was a pirate, appears to be triumphantly refuted by the evidence adduced in these volumes. He never acted but under commissions sanctioned by the laws of war, nor ever turned his force against any but the enemies of that country which furnished him with authority and power. All the reproaches, therefore, in this respect, with which his memory has been loaded, must be attributed to the voice of calumny, and the partiality of national prejudice, The documents whence these volumes are compiled, appear in every respect to be authentic. The preface explores their source, and traces their historical descent, and the means of their preservation, in the most satisfactory manner. They certainly place his life in a favourable light, when compared with former representations of his actions and character. It is a work which the name of Paul Jones can hardly fail to render popular, a work which would be read with peculiar interest, even though the hero had been totally unknown. 295 Review.-Family Library-Topographical Dictionary, &c. 296 REVIEW.-Jones's Classical Family Library. Vol. I. 8vo. pp. 377. Jones and Co., London, 1830. THE first volume of Jones's Classical Family Library, has recently come before us; and, on a careful examination of its contents, we do not hesitateto express a decidedly favourable opinion of the work. The series commences with the Annals of Tacitus translated by Murphy; and the whole labours of the historian, usually occupying eight octavo volumes, will be compressed within two parts of the present publication, which may be conveniently bound together. The price of each part or volume is five shillings and sixpence; so that, for eleven shillings any person may furnish himself with a beautifully and correctly printed copy of the Roman historian. This first volume is embellished with a brilliant engraving, by Freeman, from the antique bust of Cornelius Tacitus; and a vignette title-page, beautiful in design, and chaste in the execution. The literary portion opens with "an Essay on the Life and Genius of Tacitus," in which the author is blended with his country, and his history vested with interest, from its being rendered illustrative of the state of Rome at the period in which he lived. The character of Murphy's translation is too well established, to need any observations on its merits in this place. Our remarks must have reference, principally, to the form in which it is now given, and to the claims which the present work may rationally urge, at the bar of the literary world. The book is printed in double columns, on paper of a superior texture; and the type employed in its composition, while it admits a vast quantity of matter into each page, is remarkable for legibility and distinctness. The attention which the sheets received in passing through the press, must evidently have been great, since scarcely a literal error is to be met with in the volume. The illustrious characters of the classic ages have always been held in high estimation. An acquaintance with them forms a considerable portion of modern learning, and every publication which renders them more accessible to general readers, deserves the encouragement of an enlightened public. On comparing this work with others of a similar character, it will be found to possess a decided advantage in the article of compression. Bringing within a given space, four times the matter usually contained in it, this Family Classical Library will be distinguished, not less for its cheapness, than for the care and ability employed in its compilation. REVIEW A New and Comprehensive Topographical Dictionary. By John Gorton, Editor of the General Biographical Dictionary, 8vo. Chapman and Hall. London. THE author informs us in his plan, that this work will be comprised in forty-two numbers, one of which, including a quarto map, will be published on the first of every month. Thus far we have seen only the first number, which is of fair promise, and of correspondent execution. It is neatly put out of hand in an ornamented wrapper, contains a decently finished map of Middlesex, and forty closely printed pages, the price of which is only one shilling. We learn from the face of the work, and from various accidental intimations, that it will embrace England, Scotland, and Ireland; but if the author had plainly told us so, we should have acknowledged, as due to him, that obligation which we now owe to conjecture. The arrangement being Alphabetical, we are naturally carried from place to place, without any regard to proximity or distance, but no better plan could have been adopted. On some towns, villages, and parishes, which have nothing to recommend them to particular notice, the remarks are judiciously short; while on others, that either contain memorials of antiquity, or have figured in history, they are more amplified, and sometimes border on detail. To each place is annexed the distance from its capital, London, Dublin, or Edinburgh, the amount of its population, its ancient and present ecclesiastical relations, public edifices, institutions, and local peculiarities. The sources of information which the author has been able to explore, appear to be sufficiently numerous for his purpose, and of unquestionable authority. To the accuracy of many delineations we can bear testimony from personal knowledge, and as the work advances, the opportunities of extending our observations will increase. At present it augurs well, and we hope the author's care will prevent us from altering the favourable opinion which we now entertain of his Topographical Dictionary. REVIEW.-Debate between Owen and Campbell, on the Claims of Infidelity, and the Evidences of Christianity. THIS debate originated in a challenge of Mr. Owen, to the Christian world, which being accepted by Mr. Campbell, was held in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, America, between the above gentlemen, before a vast concourse of persons, from 1 the 13th to the 21st of April, 1829; and, taken in short hand, was afterwards printed in two volumes, a copy of which having lately been brought to England, we have been permitted to inspect. On each side, the debate is conducted with considerable ability. Mr. Owen has urged every thing of importance, that Infidelity has to advance in its favour; while Mr. Campbell, meeting his opponent on his own ground, has manfully exposed his principles, and repelled his arguments. We have followed the disputants through much of their reasonings, with considerable interest, and think that, in favour of Christianity, the triumph of Mr. Campbell has been complete. With the localities of sect and party, the controversy has no connexion. It is simply this, Is Christianity true or false? As all are interested in the final issue, we regret that no publisher has announced an edition on this side of the Atlantic. The bane will be prevented from doing mischief by the powerful antidote with which it is accompanied. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. Counsels to a Newly Wedded Pair, with an Appendix, by John Morrison, (Westley and Davis, London,) is rendered ttractive by the gay attire in which it ppears. If books grew like flowers, we should be tempted to think that from a seedling, it had lately begun to bloom, and that by Christmas next it would ripen into a splendid annual. It has, however, something more substantial to recommend it than mere appearance. It touches, though in a transient manner, on the various duties both of husband and wife, peculiar to the marriage state, and gives some excellent advice respecting the new relations which each will be called to sustain. Many quotations from the writings of others are scattered throughout; but religion and moral obligation are made the basis with all. It is a compendium of well-selected precepts, the advantages of which will be experienced by every one who has wisdom enough to follow its guidance. 2. The Child's Prayer Book, Select Hymns, Texts of Scripture, Short Questions, &c. by Ingram Cobbin, M. A. (Westley and Davis, London,) is a neat little manual, surrounded by an atmosphere that is not impregnated with any pestilential vapours. The sentiments are unobjectionable, and the language is adapted to the capacities of children, for whose use it "as intended. 298 3. Elementary Steps to Geography and Astronomy, &c. by Ingram Cobbin, M. A. (Westley and Davis, London,) we have examined with much satisfaction. The simple outlines of these sciences are drawn with accuracy, and treated in a manner that will be intelligible to children of ordinary capacities. Many maps are interspersed, to illustrate the facts described; and questions are proposed at the conclusion, to exercise the memory and understanding of the pupil. Simplicity and perspicuity are every where apparent. The author has a peculiar tact for the instruction of children, and appears in a natural element when conveying instruction to the youthful mind. 4. Contemplations and Letters of Henry Dorney, (Religious Tract Society, London,) furnish some sterling materials for building up believers in their most holy faith. About one hundred and fifty years have elapsed since the author flourished in the church militant, but the spiritual perfume with which his Contemplations and Letters were impregnated still retains its fragrance, and will be renovated in every new edition through which they pass. The Religious Tract Society have rescued many valuable works from departed years. Among which, this little volume was highly deserving their notice, being intrinsically excellent, and every way suitable to their design. 5. The Origin and End of Civil Government, a Lecture founded on Rom. iii. 1. by Adam Clarke, LL.D. F.A.S. &c. (Clarke, London,) is a pamphlet which has been some time before the world, but which has never yet obtained publicity equal to its merits. In seasons of political ferment, party feeling leaves but little room for truth. Whig and Tory are of more account than right and wrong; and he whose creed is opposed, instantly "grins horribly a ghastly smile" on his antagonist. The tide of public opinion is now in a favourable state for dispassionate investigation, and to all who wish for much information within a narrow compass, we would recommend this lecture. 6. On Free Inquiry in Religion, (Westley and Davis, London,) we have before us No. 1. of a periodical, the principles of which are avowed in an address on the cover, and which may be designated Evangelical Nonconformity. In the part under inspection we find but little either to praise or blame. It appears to be closely buttoned, and marches in a state of armed neutrality. 7. Queries for Self-examination, Answered and Illustrated in Scripture guage, (Oliphant, Edinburgh,) is a very | neat little article. It has a splendid exterior, and its contents are every way deserving of the embellishments which attract the eye. 8. Anti-slavery Monthly Reporter, (No. 56,) contains, like most of its predecessors, much to excite disgust, at the sordid traffic in human flesh, still carried on in our colonies. Miserable must be the state of morals, where humanity and justice can be openly discarded for silver aud gold. CELESTIAL PHENOMENA. AT 2 minutes past 8 in the evening, of the 1st, the Moon enters her first quarter; (the lunation having commenced at 36 minutes past 4 in the morning of the 23d of February ;) when her latitude is nearly 5 degrees south, and she may be observed between Aldebaran and Tauri. On the following evening she is noticed between the latter star and Betelguex, the brightest in the constellation Orion. She is now observed to direct her course to the third and fourth, and included nebula, of the Crab, and passes under them during the night of the 5th, when her approach to Saturn is very conspicuous, as she will evidently pass him before her next appearance, when she is noticed to the east of him. On the 9th, at 31 minutes past 1 in the afternoon, she is full in the 18th degree of Virgo, when she crosses the ecliptic, in her ascending node. She consequently passes through the Earth's shadow, and suffers an eclipse, which is invisible here, in consequence of her not being above the horizon, but it will be total to the greater portion of Asia, and its Islands. (The commencement of the lunation was attended with an eclipse of the Sun, which was also invisible here.) On the 12th, she arrives at the apogean point of her orbit, and after passing Spica and, she directs her course through the constellations Libra and Scorpio, to Mars and Jupiter, which are noticed considerably to the east of her. At 36 minutes past 5 in the afternoon of the 17th, she enters her last quarter; and passes the above-mentioned planets on the morning of the 19th. After this day she gradually recedes from them, and approaches the Sun, until 44 minutes past 2 in the afternoon of the 24th, when the lunation is completed. During this month, the observer will have again an opportunity of noticing 300 Mars, as he progresses through the constellation Sagittarus. By referring to the Numbers from April to Sept. 1828, the reader will find a minute description of his last passage through this part of the Zo. diac; when his long stay afforded an ample opportunity of becoming acquainted with most of the stars in this portion of the heavens. His continuance at the present season will be very short, but it is rendered interesting by his conjunction with the planet Jupiter, which is situated about 9 degrees to the east of him. The distance between these planets daily diminishes; and after passing 12 Sagittarii, Mars directs his course between A and 21 Sagittarii, passing them on the 3rd. On the morning of the 8th, he is observed very near 26 of this asterism. On the morning of the 9th, he forms the summit of an isosceles triangle with 4 and w, Sagittarii, and is noticed nearly between the former star and 30 Sagittarii, His configurations with the stars forming the head of the Archer, at this time are very interesting, and the observer will find in the abovementioned numbers, a particular description of their situations. On the morning of the 18th, he is observed very near Jupiter, and between and, stationary, Near the latter star, it will be remembered, he was stationary in 1828; he now passes a considerable distance from it. On the morning of the 19th, he is noticed at nearly his nearest distance from Jupiter, being observed to the west of that planet. From his motion for some days past, the observer will conclude, that on the following morning he will be seen to the east of Jupiter, which is the case as the conjunction takes place in the course of the forenoon of the 19th, when the difference of latitude of the two bodies is 41 minutes. After this day, the distance between the planets rapidly increases, and Mars is noticed quickly to remove from the head of the Archer. On the 23d, he passes under a star of the sixth magnitude, marked 50 Sagittarii. On the morning of the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, the latter planet is observed between 7 and d Sagittarii, a star of the sixth magnitude. On the 23d, he is seen between and d and T, and p 2, also of the sixth magnitude, and of this asterism. On the morning of the 26th, he is observed between and p 2. Mars is now noticed to the east of him, and that planet's recess from him is peculiarly interesting; his course is now very slowly directed to a star of the sixth magnitude, marked 50 Sagittarii. 301 Signs of the Times.-Gleanings. SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Lord Byron-Mr. Murray-and Mr. Colburn. Ar a trade-sale at the Albion, on Friday, February 19, 1830, amongst other things submitted to the hammer, were copy-rights of sixty-five of Lord Byron's minor poems, the titles of which are given below. Mr. Hanson, one of Lord Byron's executors, and the two great publishers, Murray and Colburn, were present. Upon the first lot being put up, Mr. Murray was the first bidder at 500 guineas: the biddings went on to the enormous sum of 3,700 guineas, when it was knocked down to Mr. Murray. At this moment Mr. Colburn claimed the purchase, and much altercation ensued, so that the room was thrown into a state of complete confusion; Mr. Murray contending on the one hand that it was his; and Mr. Colburn on the other, that it was his. It was a very considerable time before Mr. Colburn could get a hearing, when, submitting his case to the company, he stated, that he had given the auctioneer unlimited authority to go on bidding till he desired him to stop-which the auctioneer did not deny: Mr. Colburn, at the same time, very handsomely gave the purchase up to Mr. Murray, which information was received by the company with acclamation. Lot I. "On Leaving Newstead Abbey-Epitaph on a Friend-A Fragment-The Tear-An Occasional Prologue-On the Death of Mr. Fox-Stanzas to a Lady with the Poems of Camoens-To M.-To WomanTo M. S. G.-Song-To -To Mary on receiving her Picture-Damætas-To Marion--Oscar of Alva-To the Duke of D.-Adrian's Address to his Soul when dying-Translation-Translation from Catullus-Translation of the Epitaph on Virgil and Tibullus-Translation from CatullusImitated from Catullus-Translation from Anacreon. To his Lyre-Translation from Anacreon. Ode III.-Fragments of School Exercises-Episode of Nisus and Euryalus-Translation from the Medea of Euripides-Thoughts suggested by a College Examination-To the Earl of Granta, a Medley-Lachin y Gair-To Romance-Elegy on Newstead Abbey-The Death of Calmar and Orla-To E.N.L. Esq. -To -Stanzas-Lines written beneath an Elm in Harrow Church-yard-English Bards and Scotch Reviewers-Notes to English Bards and Scotch ReviewersWaltz an Apostrophic Hymn-Farewell to England-To my Daughter, on the Morning of her Birth-To Jessy-Song to Inez-Lines to T. Moore, Esq.--Ode 302 The Annuals.-The annual cost to the public of these beautiful volumes amounts to £90,000, which is distributed as follows:--Paid to authors and editors, £6,000; Painters, 3,000; engravers, £10.000; copper-plate printers, £4,000; paper makers, £5,500; binders, £9,000; silk manufacturers, £4,000; leathersellers, £2,000; for advertising, &c, £2,000; incidental matters, £1,000; publishers' profits, £10,000; retail booksellers' £30,000. One binder alone, Mr. Westley, of Friar-street, Doctors' Commons, has 250 persons almost exclusively engaged on those works. This will give some idea of the employment they afford to working printers, silk manufacturers, copper-plate printers, paper makers, &c. We have no hesitation in asserting that they give bread to above 2,000 persons during a considerable portion of the year.-Spirit and Manners of the Age. Grand Metropolitan Cemetery.-We have seen the plans of the pyramid, which is to be the principal feature of this novel undertaking. It is intended to be a progressive work, proportionate to the annual demand for burial. When finished, it will be capable of receiving five millions of individuals, being somewhat larger in dimensions than the celebrated Pyramid of Egypt-simple in form, sublime in effect, and curious in its arrangement. Its area will be surrounded by a terrace walk, enclosed by a wall thirteen feet high, and the ground within this enclosure, to the base of the Pyramid, is to be tastefully laid out for private tombs and monuments, in the style of the famous Cemetery of Pere le Chaise, near Paris. It will represent an object of extraordinary grandeur to the metropolis. A large drawing of the design is exhibiting at the Royal Repository at Charing Cross, explanatory of the theory, which appears capable of any extension that may be required.-London University Magazine. Longevity.-We copy the following list of persons, who lived to an extreme old age, from the "Euro-pean Magazine," for 1786. Thomas Parre . . . Henry Jenkins Robert Montgomery James Sands His wife Countess of Desmond Countess of Ecleston J. Sagar J. Laurence Simon Sack 169. 152.. Shropshire . Yorkshire 126 Yorkshire 140.. Staffordshire 120 .. Staffordshire 140 Ireland 143.. Ireland 112.. Lancashire 140 141. Col. Thomas Winslow.. 146 Francis Conlist Scotland . Trionia Ireland 150 Yorkshire |