seen by those on the walls of Quebec. It must have been a most interesting specta cle, and we can easily enter into the feel ings of the American French, who viewed their country and their eity, and their firesides, and homes, as involved in the issue of this battle. With what emotions then, must they have seen their defenders, not only falling in the ranks, but driven by the furious onset of the enemy to the walls of the city, where they were slaughtered by the bayonet and broad sword, on the very glacis, and in the ditches, immediately under their eyes. About one thousand of the French were killed and wounded, and more than half that number of the Eng lish, and it is thought that the French ar my would have been totally destroyed, if the city had not opened its gates, to receive a part, and if another part had not taken refuge in the works over the St. Charles. Montcalm was on the French teft, and Wolfe on the English right, and here they both fell in the critical moment that decided the victory. Wolfe, early in the action, received a bullet in his wrist, but he bound it around with his handkerchief, and continued to encourage his troops: soon after, another ball penetrated his groin, but this wound, although much more severe, he concealed, and persevered till a third bullet pierced his breast. It was not till that moment, that he submitted to be carried into the rear of the line: he was no longer able to stand, and leaned his head upon the shoulder of a lieutenant who sat down for that purpose--when being aroused by the distant sound of they Dy-they fly," he eagerly asked, "who fly?" and being told it was the French, he replied, then "I die bappy," He asked to be sustained on his feet, that he might once more behold the field, but his eyes were already swimming in death, his vision was gone, and he expired on the spot. This death has furnished a grand and pathetic subject for the painter, the poet, and the historian, and undoubtedly (considered as a specimen of mere mililary glory,) it is one of the most sublime that the annals of war afford. From my earliest childhood, I bad ardently wished to see the plains of Abraham, and to stand on the place where Wolfe expired. Today I enjoyed that pensive satisfaction, and easily passed in imagination from the quiet and security in which we saw these beautiful plains, to the tremendous collision of ten thousand men in arms. A round stone of red granite, four or five feet, by two or three in diameternot a fixed rock, but a loose stone, marks the spot where Wolfe expired in the moment of victory. This stone was placed here thirty years after the battle--and is one of the four stones arranged in a me * Bouchette. ridian line by the surveyor general of Can ada, in 1790, for the purpose of adjusting the instruments used in the public surveys of land. This stone has been so much rounded, by having portions detached by visitors, that it was with the utmost difficulty, I could knock off a small piece as a relic. Fortunately the entire stone is too large to be carried away and it cannot be broken to pieces except by gun powderpp. 261-268 After visiting what was interesting in and about Quebec, of which objects he has given descriptions, accompani ed by references to interesting por tions of history, and by extracts from the most valuable writers on the condition of Canada, our author returned to Montreal. He thus expresses his opinion of the importance of the lat ter city. Montreal is evidently one of the three great channels by which the trade of North America will be principally carried on. It is obvious that New-York and New. Orleans, are the other two places, and it is of little consequence that other cities may engross a considerable share of trade, or that by canals and other internal improvements, smaller rills of commerce may be made to flow towards one city or another. The great natural basins, and water courses, and mountain ranges of this continent, will still control the course of trade, and direct its most gigantic currents towards these three towns, one of which is already a great and noble city, and the two others are advancing with great ra pidity. The sickly climate of New-Or leans, will somewhat retard its growth, but will not prevent it; Montreal enjoys a climate extremely favourable to health, but it is locked up by ice four or five months in the year. The carriole, however, triumphs over the ice, and the Can adian, when he can no longer push or paddle his canoe, on the waters of the St Lawrence, gaily careers over its frostbound surface, and well wrapped in wool. len, and in furs, defies the severity of winter.-pp, 336, 337. No man, and especially no American can read the following anecdotes, without interest. A British officer in Canada, of his own accord, spoke to me in the highest terms of the American navy and of its officers. He mentioned Captain Hull particularly, with a frankness of commendation, that was equally honourable to himself, and to the subject of his praise. He said that an officer of the Guerriere, who was on board of that frigate when she was captured by →Captain Hull, narrated to him the circumstance, to which I am about to allude. The It will be remembered, that when the two frigates descried each other, Captain Hall was standing before the wind, and Captain Dacres upon it, under easy sail; the tracks of the ships were in lines converging at a considerable angle, so that they would, of course, cross. When they were within long cannon shot, the Guerriere fired her broadside, but it was not returned by the Constitution. The Guerriere then wore, and gave her antagonist the other broadside; still the fire was not returned; but Captain Huil, with his ship in fighting trim, continued to bear down upon his adversary, who, finding that he was thus pressed, continued, on his part, fo wear and to fire, first one broadside and then the other; to all this, however, Captain Hull paid no attention, but pressed forward, till he was now very near. Guerriere then put before the wind, and the Constitution followed on, directly astern, till finding that the Guerriere would outsail her, she spread more canvass, and then gained so fast upon the chase, that she was soon enabled to choose, whether she would lie across her stern, and rake her decks, or come along side at very close quarters, and thus be again exposed to her broadsides, from which, as yet, she bad sustained but little damage. It was this crisis of the affair that excited so much admiration among the British officers; for Captain Hull, instead of tearing his adver sary to pieces, with comparative impuni ty, which, by tacking and lying across her stern, he might (according to the opinion of the British naval officer,) have easily done, waved his advantage, and did not fire till, coming upon the larboard quarter of the Guerriere, he shot along side, and thus gave bis antagonist an opportunity to defend himself. "It was the noblest thing, (added the British officer with whom I was conversing,) that was ever done in a naval conflict!" From the authentic accounts of this acion, it is manifest that the gallant American had it in his power to rake his adversary, and from whatever motives it might have been done, he actually waved the advantage. If we do not charge it to his magnanimity and generosity, it must, at least, go to the account of his bravery, and his confidence (not unwarranted by the result) that he was able to subdue the hostile ship, without availing himself of the adventitious advantage which be enjoyed. A gentleman at Montreal, mentioned to us, that a public dinner was given at Terrebonne, a small town a little way below Montreal, to Commodore Barclay, after his signal defeat by Commodore Perry on lake Erie. Barclay, who was sadly cut to pieces by wounds, of which he was hardly Vol. 2-No. VIII. 54 recovered, and his remaining arm (for he had lost the other before,) being suspen ded in a sling, gave as a volunteer toast, "Commodore Perry-the brave and humane enemy." Commodore Barclay then entered into a detailed account of Perry's treatment of himself, and of the other wounded and prisoners, who fell into his hands; and in narrating the story, he be came himself so deeply affected that the tears flowed copiously down his cheeks. The audience were scarely less moved; and how could it be otherwise, when the speaker, who, but a few weeks before, had, without dismay, faced the tremendous cannonade of his enemy, could not now, without tears of admiration and gratitude, relate his deeds of kindness to himself and his companions, when suffering under wounds and defeat. O! this was a nobler triumph for Perry, than the victory which God granted to his arms.— pp. 376-379. From Montreal Mr. S. returned by the route in which he approached it, and on arriving at Burlington in Vermont, he proceeded in his carriage to Hanover in New-Hampshire, and from thence returned to Hartford. Before concluding this article we will make a few observations respecting Canada, the result of what we have obtained by reading this volume, and from other sources. Many think of Canada, as the region of perpetual frost, but the earth here yields her increase in variety and in plenty, and the climate is favourable to the freshness and beauty of the human complexion.' That this country will for a long time to come, increase in population, wealth and political importance there can be no doubt. Agriculture is becoming well understood, and the grounds in the neighbourhood of her cities, are already in a state of high cultivation. Her commercial concerns are principally managed by emigrants from these states or from Europe, men who understand the business in which they are engaged, who know their country's interest and their own. Her settlements are extending under the patronage of England, and Canada must be classed with those countries which possess the freshness and enterprise of youth. It has been supposed by some that of rivalship. At some distant day, she will be an independent country. An increase of numbers and wealth, will give her men of leisure, of talent, and of ambition, and the chain which binds her to an European gov. ernment, will be severed. the time when Canada would throw off the yoke of the mother country, was not distant. It was probably this idea which led to her invasion by our troops, and the proceedings of her provincial assemblies may at times have strengthened the supposition. There are many reasons however To the moral condition of that which induce us to believe that no rev- country, we cannot but advert with olution in the government of that coun- feelings of the deepest interest. It is try will soon be effected. Thoroughly well known that the Catholics of Caninstructed by experience, England will ada are extremely ignorant respecting in the government of Canada, avoid religious subjects, and our readers all probable causes of offence. This may recollect the statement which we government is said to cost her more published in the summary of the last than she receives from the provinces month. The Rev. Mr. Eaton of in return. The Canadians pay little Montreal, stated at a meeting of reli attention to political concerns, but gious and benevolent men in the city cherish a fondness for their govern- of London, that for an extent of one ment and a spirit of loyalty is thousand miles there were only eightdiffused among the people. The een ministers, and that divine wor Catholics constitute a large portion ship was almost entirely neglected; of the population of the country; that 160,000 souls are without the these have secured to them the free means of religious instruction, and enjoyment of their worship, and a that in Upper Canada, though the participation in the honours and e- inhabitants are chiefly Protestants, moluments of the provincial govern- not one in ten can enjoy christian ments, and the funds and estates of privileges. Efforts are making in their church, although large, are se- England to send ministers of the gos cure. The French here, are free pel into that great country. We from the contamination of the French hope that these efforts will be crownPhilosophy, and while they worship ed with success. We hope also, that saints and revere the Pope, are prepar- American Christians will not remain ed by their form of church govern- indifferent to the influence of so noble ment to be the advocates of mon- an example, and that a greater degree archy. Canada is also bound to the of christian intercourse will be mainmother country by commercial re- tained between the Protestant churchlations and commercial policy.-es there existing, and our own. In She indeed pays more for the fabrics of the East, than if she directly imported them as our merchants do, but she enjoys an intercourse with the British Islands in the West-Indies, from which we are debarred, but which is of great importance; and she looks up to England, as to the power, which will render her respected by the government of this country, toward which it is not unnatural that she should have some of the feelings 1 the mean time it will be happy if friendly sentiments, and the interchange of mutual courtesies shall do away the unfounded impressions and prejudices of both communities.' The volume which we have thus introduced to the notice of our readers is neatly and correctly printed.Accompanying it, there are ten plates, the execution of which reflects credit on the ingenious young man by whom they were engraved, Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. Very few persons have given the Dutch credit for distinguishing themselves as much as other nations of Europe, by the productions of genius and taste, which come under the denomiuation of polite literature, or, as it is technically called, the Belles-Lettres. The ideas of wit, imagination, and sensibility are rarely associated with the character of a Dutchman. These qualities, it has generally been thought, are not to be met with in Holland; a prejudice which has no foundation. As to the intellectual capacity of the people of Holland, no doubt can be entertained. There is, perhaps, no country, in proportion to its population and extent of territory, which has produced more eminent men in science and learning. In the department of the law; in medicine and anatomy; in mathematics, physics, and natural history; in divinity and the branches of knowledge subsidiary to it; and in classical literature, Holland can furnish a list of authors of which any country might be proud, and to which few countries can produce a parallel. This naturally leads to the inference, that there is no ground for supposing that elegant literature would not succeed, where graver learning and science have so remarkably prospered. The Dutch language is a branch of the German tongue, and so nearly resembles that idiom which is called Low German, that the one appears only a modification of the other. It is copious; and has the peculiar advantage, which distinguishes the German tongue, that it possesses the means of creating out of its own elements whatever terms may be required for the expression and representation of ideas. Thus it is exempted from the necessity of borrowing foreign words, which gives it a character of purity that cannot be regarded otherwise than as a very high commendation. For in such a capability, the powers and resources of a language consist; and, in proportion as it is invested with that aptness, it is calculated for the operations of litera ture and science. There is a difference in nations, as in individuals, as to their respective ca pacity and talents for the various branches of literature. That difference is, in many instances, more to be ascribed to practice and habit, tban to natural fitness and ability. When any one nation excels in some branch of literary composition, it is in a great measure owing to the degree of attention with which that branch has been cultivated, and the encouragement it has met with from the prevailing inclinations of the people. The names which stand most distinguished in the polite literature of Holland, are Hooft, Vondel, and Antonides, of former days, and Bilderdyk, of the present time. Hooft was the first who cultivated the Dutch muse. To him both poetry and prose are equally indebted. He bestowed great attention on the purity and refinement of his native tongue. Hooft was born at Amsterdam in 1581, and lived to 1647.He formed himself on the model of the ancients, and also by the example of the literature of Italy, a country in which he resided in his youth. A long list might be given of authors who are celebrated in their own coun try for their pastorals, epigrams, sonnets, their descriptive and didactic poetry, epistles, elegies, and their lyric effusions. It will be sufficient to particularize only in the department of epic poetry. In this field the Dutch muse has afforded some estimable productions. They are of two kinds; those whose subjects are taken from sacred history, and those which are formed on other arguments. Of the first description are,―The Life of Abraham, by Hoogvliet, in twelve books; Moses, by Versteeg, in twelve books; the Deliverance of Israel from Egypt, by Van-Dyk, in six books; Gideon, by Steenwyk, in six cantos; and David, by Lucretia Wilhelmina Van Merken, in twelve books. Of subjects not taken from the Bible, are the following poems: William III, by Rotgans; Friso, by William Van Haren, in ten books; a poem, called De Geuzen, and turning upon the foundation of Dutch independence, by Zevier Van Haren, in twenty-four cantos; Claudius Civilis, by. Steenwyk; Germanicus, by Van Merken; and William I, and Maurice of Nassau, by Nomsz. As late as the seventeenth century, there was scarcely a book written in Dutch prose. Hooft is considered as its founder. He published in it letters and history. He wrote the history of Henry IV. of France, and the misfortunes of the house of Medicis; but his principal work is the History of the Netherlands, consisting of nearly thirty volumes. Among other historical works produced in Holland, the following are the principal: Brandt's History of the Reformation in the Netherlands; Wagenaar's History of his own country ; Štuart's Roman History-all which are voluminous, and in high repute. In essay writing, there is the Dutch Spectator, by Van Essen, written in the manner of the English periodical papers, and which is celebrated for the ease and simplicity of its style. The Dutch have produced likewise their full quota of authors in the department of epistolary writing, biography, novels, &c. In this latter class of literary productions, the novels of two female friends, Elizabeth Wolf, and Agatha Dehen, who jointly composed their works, have obtained a very high character, for their exact delineations of private life, and for their easy and unaffected style. It is supposed that in the city of Paris, there are sixty Greeks, pursuing a regular course of study. There is also a considerable number of them in the German Universities. The annual commencement of Columbia College, was celebrated in Trinity Church, New-York, August, 1st. The degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on thirteen, and that of Master of Arts on fourteen persons. Straw a good conductor.-It is well known that barns are more frequently struck by lightning than dwelling hou ses. During the present season, in this part of the country many barns have been consumed, while hardly a house has been injured. The following if correct, will account for what has been considered a singular fact. It is stated by M. M. Capestolle, a French Professor of Chemistry, that a rope of straw is an excellent conductor for the electric fluid, and will supply the place of metallic conductors. Comet of 1818-19.-In Blackwood's Magazine for May 1820, it is stated, to have been ascertained that one and the same comet returned to our system in 1786, 1795, 1801, 1805, and 1818-19. It appears never to range beyond the orbit of Jupiter. Its short period is of little more than three years and a quarter, and its mean distance from the sun is not much great er than twice that of the earth. It crosses the orbit of the earth more than sixty times in a century. River Niger. From information procured by the late M. Ritchie, who was engaged in the prosecution of dis covery in the interior of Africa it is supposed possible and even probable that the river Niger, concerning the course and termination of which, there has existed so much curiosity, and se much difference of opinion, unites with the Nile of Egypt. List of New Publications. and Collections of the American Antiqua rian Society: Boston. Elements of Chemical Science: by John Gorham, M. D. 2 vols. with plates. Svo Boston. The Literary and Scientific Repository, and Critical Review, No. I. New-York, July, 1820. Biography of the Hon. Caleb Strong, by Alden Bradford, 8vo. : Boston. Essays of Howard, on Domestic Economy, 12mo: New-York. Travels in North-America; by Whit man Mend, A. M. First part. New-York |