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effective expedient to ensure their dis persion over the earth, and repair the damages it had lately sustained from the world of waters that overwhelmed it. This expedient by many, and perhaps by the majority of mankind, is supposed to have been no other than the confounding of tougues at the building of Babel. Proofs, however, we have none, which positively affirm either with satisfaction to our own judgments, or in concurrence with scriptural narrative, that the confined term expressing only the builders of Babel, included also the whole of mankind. From this circumstance, whether real or accidental, various theories have arisen: the most worthy, as well as the most correct, is that of Mr. Bryant, who has made the dispersion here alluded to, a partial one, affecting only the great family of the Cuthites, who were the builders of Babel. In the observations of this writer there is generally, and now particularly, much ingenuity of invention. His language is clear, and his theory, without departing from the accounts given by the patriarch Moses, possesses much originality of inven tion; it is equally interesting and explicit; who though he differs from vulgar opinion by making the dispersion partial, has too much good sense to vouch that none at all has occurred. For it is a natural supposition that where men are deprived of the means of talking so as to be understood by their own fraternity, or where the language of one family is incommunicable to the whole tribe, it will be found that the first step they will adopt will be that of voluntary separation from each other. Reasoning like this, furnishes, I think, the following satisfactory conclusion, without the assistance of history or antiquity, "that a dispersion subsequent to, and induced by, the erection of Babel, did actually take place; and as Moses denominates it, "one not confined to any particular part of the earth, but extended even to its remotest parts, Here, however, a difficulty arises, which, if it was not insurmountable in those times, was scarcely practicable. In what manner were the early mi grations of our forefathers performed? Most parts in a contiuent, it is true, are accessible by land, and mankind could have easily spread themselves over the whole of Asia. But when,

instead of places, continents are to be reached, reason will assure us, and experience confirm it, that seas must be crossed, and the management of ships understood; for "the ocean," to use the elegant language of Dr. Robertson, "though destined to facilitate the communication between distant countries, seems at first view to be formed to check the progress of man, and it was long, we may believe, before they became skilful enough to commit themselves to the mercy of winds and waves, or to quit their native regions in quest of remote and unknown countries." As time has progressively advanced, there is every reason to suppose that the wisdom of one age has been added to that of another, so that arts and sciences have proportionably improved in all their departments; and navigation, perhaps, of all arts, the least esteemed by the ancients, because least understood, has, by the invention of the compass, assumed a far different figure in the annals of modern history. The great and obvious utility of this instrument in the hands of the sailor clearly, and, I think, satisfactorily, demonstrates, that this art, before an invention so important, must have been no less difficult than dangerous. The regulation of a ship's course by the planets, according to ancient custom, must always have been precarious, and subjected to the variations which these bodies continually experience from different causes. the singular properties which the magnet possesses, of invariably pointing to the North pole, became known, the application also of this substance to useful purposes was understood, and cannot be better delineated than in the invention of the mariner's compass, his infallible reference and unerring guide in any part of the wide and unfathomable ocean, whether its surface be smooth as the inland lake, or agitated by the storms that are occasionally exhibited in a manner the most terrific, awful, and destructive. Thus we perceive that two events, equally wonderful, originated in the building of a tower, which some say was constructed with the evil intent of prying into the secrets of heaven; others, that it was for the more probable as well as rational purpose of directing the builders home to their habitations. A few writers have cur

But as soon as

sorily and scantily treated this subjeet; they are chiefly those who have written upon mythology, language, or chronology.

The facts, however,

which are known to the present age, independent of their being much mutilated in their long journeys from one century to another, are few, and mysteriously expressed. The observations I have here made, though they will furnish but little elucidation to an abstruse subject, may be considered as a compilation of facts the most authentic, and of opinions either drawn from the facts themselves, or as they have been given to the world by men of esteemed learning and penetration. JOHN TOKE.

Mr. URBAN,

July 16.
S you are particularly conversant

you will not dislike to register in your pages a very slight notice of three little volumes of re-printed Poetry, which have just appeared.

The first is limited to 100 copies in small 8vo. it is entitled GEORGE WITHER'S Hymns and Songs of the Church. The first part contains the canonical hymns, and such parcels of holy scripture as may properly be sung, with some other ancient songs and creeds. The second part consists of spiritual songs, appropriated to the several times and occasions observable in the Church of England, reprinted

from the edition without date; but published about 1623.

The second is limited to 61 copies in small 4to. It is entitled POEMS BY WILLIAM HAMMOND, ESQ. of St. Alban's Court, in East Kent, re-printed from the very scarce and only edition of 1655.

The third is a very elegant little volume in 12mo. of which only "forty copies are printed, entitled NYMPHA LIBETHRIS, or the Catswold Muse, by Clement Barksdale, A. M. of Sudeley, in Gloucestershire, Chaplain to the Lord Chandos. Re-printed from the extra-rare little volume of 1651, which sold for 20 guineas among Longman's collection of old poetry.

This new edition of Wither's Hymns contains a curious preface, illustrative as well of the state of bookselling in those days, as of Wither's life. There is also a great deal of intrinsic merit in the poetry of the volume, as well as

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most instructive prose introductions to every poem. They will prove the state of the language in those days to have arrived much nearer to modern polish than is generally suspected.

The volume of Hammond had only been distinguished in its old title by the author's initials. The name is the discovery of the present Editor.

The Cotswold Muse of Barksdale is a singularly attractive little volume. It is full of interesting notices of families, manners, and habits of that eventful period, more especially of Gloucestershire gentry. A limitation to 40 copies will make it a treasure to any collector who shall attain it.

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The dedication to each of these reprints has the signature of S. E. B., one not unknown by his enthusiasm for old literature, which has led him to incur the toil, and hazard the expence, of the present volumes.

The shop of Mr. Triphook will, with the intelligence of its owner in this department, probably aid the inquisitive in the procurement of these rarities.

Your Printer has performed a similar service to Topographers, by the re-publication of elegant limited Editions of "Cullum's Hawsted," and "Warton's Kiddington." Will he also add "Gough's Pleshy?"

Mr. URBAN,

HE

0.

Arundel, June 20.

following inscription is en

graven on the corner-stone of the superb room in Arundel castle, called the "Barons' Hall," in which the late Duke of Norfolk gave his magnificent fête last summer, and which is not generally known. Yours, &c.

LIBERTATI

SIDNEY.

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On the 3d of July, being the last

Remarks on the Monumental Bust of SHAKESPEARE, at Stratford-uponAvon. Written by J. BRITTON, F. S. A. to accompany a Portrait engraved by W. WARD, A. R. A. Fagenuine portrait of Alexander, of Homer, or of Alfred, be regarded as a desideratum in the history of art, and in the history of man, so is that of Shakspeare; for though The English Poet is comparatively a modern, yet it is as difficult and doubtful to substantiate the authenticity of a por

Wednesday in Trinity Term, the Gresham Professor of Music conclud ed his annual course of Lectures, by a dissertation on the composition of Glees; and exemplified the subject of his discourse by the performances of the most eminent vocal abilities in the Metropolis. The Lecturer took occasion to notice a difficulty experienced by professional gentlemen in their historical inquiries, from the circumstance that all new music is undated.trait of him, as of the ancient Grecian It would add materially to the value of a well-established periodical work as a book of reference, if it were to record all Musical publications likely to outlive their respective authors; and I hope, Mr. Urban, you will give me leave to hint, that such a brief notice of meritorious compositions in the Gentleman's Magazine, would be more generally useful than the very scientific criticisms which sometimes appear in your pages; unintelligible probably to all except professional gentlemen, and superfluous, it may be presumed, to those who are thoroughly masters of the science.

And now, Sir, with all due humility, I would venture to address a few lines to that redoubtable personage Mr. Bartlemy Birch, who appears in your Number for May, p. 418.

The Literary friend who was in the habit of exclaiming, "Pray, Birch, save me the trouble of going to the Dictionary," would have consulted his Dictionary in vain for the words* cited by the indignant Pædagogue.

Participles are excluded, surely without reason, even from the Dictionaries and Vocabularies designed especially for young persons, and mere English Scholars, who are thus, in a case of doubt, left completely at a loss for the orthography of those words, which, as your Correspondent acknowledges, have been mistaken by gentlemen of liberal and academic education. Mr. Birch threatens to wield the rod in the true Busbæan style;" and I hope the compilers of Dictionaries and Spelling-books will be the first parties summoned to his Literary tribunal.

Yours, &c.

A. T.

hero, or poet, or of the more estimable English monarch. There is neither proof nor intimation that Shakspeare ever sat for a picture; and it must be admitted that the whole host of presumed portraits "come in such questionable shapes," and with such equivocal pedigrees, that suspicion or disbelief attach to all. Not so the Monumental Bust at Stratford: this appeals to our eyes and understandings with all the force of truth. We view it as a family record; as a memorial raised by the affection and esteem of his relatives, to keep alive contemporary admiration, and to excite the glow of enthu siasm in posterity. This invaluable

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effigy" is attested by tradition, consecrated by time, and preserved in the inviolability of its own simplicity and sacred station. It was evidently executed immediately after the poet's decease; and probably under the superintendance of his son-in-law, Dr. Hall, and his daughter; the latter of whom, according to her epitaph, was "Witty above her sexe," and therein like her father. Leonard Digges, in a poem praising the works and worth of Shakspeare, and published within seven, years after his death, speaks of the Stratford monument as a well-known i object. Dugdale, in his " Antiquities of Warwickshire," 1656, gives a plate of the monument, but drawn and engraved in a truly tasteless and inaccu rate style; and observes in the text, that the poet was famous, and thus entitled to such distinction. Lang baine, in his "Account of English Dramatic Poets," 1691, pronounces the Stratford Bust Shakspeare's "true effigies."-These are decided proofs

* With the exception of synonyme and bigoted. The other words are sometimes introduced by our great Lexicographer in his quotations, but variously spelled ac cording to the taste of the original authors.

GENT. MAG, July, 1816.

of

they would
repose under the soft shade
of the plantain, equally regardless of the
riches of commerce and the honours of
industry. The yam, the plantain, and
the pepper-pot, the banjar, the merry
dance, and their beloved Wowski, would
gratify all their wishes, and crown their
highest ambition.

However simple the question of emancipation may appear, to those who reason only from an abstract principle regarding humanity and the natural rights of man, it is a subject of no less intri cacy than importance. Although urgent and imperative, still it needs much and serious consideration, and cannot be acted upon without the utmost caution. To judge of it properly, requires an extensive knowledge of the interests of the Colonists, an intimate acquaintance with the character and disposition of the slaves, and much information with regard to the relative policy between this country and the settlements. By hasty or inconsiderate measures a serious wound might be given to the sacred principles of humanity and justice, and infinitely more mischief than advantage would be the result.

It is possible that, by proceeding with great care and discretion, the loud calls of humanity may be obeyed, and the emancipation effected to the great benefit of the slaves, and without serious injury to their masters: but to force upon the blacks and their descendants, at all hazards, a freedom, which thev know not how to value or to use, would be cruel and fatal.

It should be held, always, in remembrance, that, in a mental point of view, the slaves are but as children, having their untutored minds in a more abject state of imbecility, than the lowest of the poor in the meanest state of Europe. Much has been done, during many years past, to meliorate their condition; but,

in order to make it consistent with the policy of the parent-country, the safety of the West India proprietors, or the benefit of the Negro race themselves, to abolish slavery altogether, this beneficent and glorious achievement must be accomplished by a steady perseverance in the use of slow and gradual means.

A general system of education and moral improvement should be established among the slaves; a due sense of their religious duties should be inculcated; and they should be taught to estimate the high value of freedom, and social intercourse: private punishments should be prohibited; all invidious distinetions between the different colours done away; and every man, of whatever hue, should be made subject to the same

laws, and the same rules of government, The degrading ignorance, the sullen perverseness, and revengeful feelings of the slaves should be softened by liberal instruction; they should be gradually associated, and brought to a level with those who are better informed, and more conversant with the arts of industry; and they should be taught to understand the advantages which would arise from continuing the cultivation and commerce of the Colonies. A general change in their minds and habits, must be either in progress, or effected, before it can be safe or useful to grant them so great a boon; or, rather, to restore to them so manifest a right.

Perhaps the best preparatory step. would be, to bring a considerable proportion of the people of colour, between the Whites and the Negroes, to England to be educated, together with such of the Blacks themselves, as might display any peculiar marks of intellect; allowing them to return as free subjects, possessing all the privileges of citizens; and, in addition to these, annually to enfranchise a certain number of the bestdisposed slaves, until the whole should be free; taking care, always to preserve a due proportion between the number educated, and the number emancipated, and to make their liberation a reward to superior merit.

In this manner, the individuals of all shades, and all degrees, might be brought to mix together as people of the same state, subject to the same laws, following the same pursuits, and feeling the same interests and propensities. The coloured inhabitants would be made fellow-citizens with the whites, and they would aspire to be-Englishmen ! Among them would be found merchants and planters, as well as tradesmen, mechanics, and labourers: all hurtful jealousies would be done away, and the Africans and their offspring having acquired a knowledge of the benefits to be derived from industry, and the accumulation of property, the cultivation of the Colonies would be continued, and the commercial influence preserved to the mother-country.

To attempt to enumerate the manifold advantages which would result from such a system of eufranchisement, would be to enter too much into detail. Among the most important of them would be that of preventing the sad waste of human life, and of treasure, which is at present incurred, by the necessity of sending out unacclimated Europeans to garrison the Colonies, and to execute the offices of managers, clerks, book-keepers, and the like. These

would

would not, as at present, be indispensably required. The danger of revolt and insurrection would no longer exist; and the people of colour being capable of performing all the duties of the plantation and the counting-house, they would soon become possessed of stores and estates; and the garrisons might be safely intrusted to them, as the best defenders of their own property.

England having set a generous and splendid example, in being the first to forego the unhallowed profits of a cruel and impious traffic in human beings, might it not be an object worthy the magnanimity of the Prince Regent of this Nation, to carry the august work of humanity to its consumination, by establishing an institution, for the emancipation of the slaves, and for their education and improvement after they became free?

If a school were endowed, somewhat upon the plan of Christ's Hospital, or the Royal Military Asylum, and appropriated to the education of the creole children of colour, it would immortalize the name, and prove a lasting monument of the wisdom and benevolence of the Prince who should have the happiness of being its founder. Such an institution might stamp the Regent's government, which has been already distinguished by such auspicious events, with unpa ralleled glory. It would mark the period as an era of humanity, and His Royal Highness could not fail to experience the grateful reward of feeling, that his name would be uttered with prayers and blessings, not only by hundreds of thousands of fellow-beings now existing, but by millions yet unborn!

THE SLAVE TRADE-since the Treaty for its general Abolition.-No. I.

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HE Treaty of Peace with France in 1815, which permitted the subjects of France to continue the Slave Trade for five years, was, prac tically speaking, creating it anew; for it may confidently be asserted that, at the time of signing that Treaty, there was not a single French vessel engaged, nor one livre of French capital invested in that trade; more than 800 petitions to Parliament, signed by nearly a million of individuals, were presented against the revival of the French Slave Trade; and Mr. Wil berforce carried the unanimous Resolation of the Cominons to the Throne, for the best exertions of the Country at the Congress of Vienna, to obtain the objects of its emancipation; and a similar Resolution of the Lords, by

the Marquis of Lansdowne, accom panied this just appeal. The Duke of Wellington was induced to exert his influence in the same cause during his residence at Paris. The Prince Regent also wrote to the King of France to the same effect, in which her concluded thus: "I own it would afford me the highest of all possible. gratifications, were we enabled toge ther to efface this painful and disgust ing stain, not only from the practice of our own, but of all the other States with whom we are in friendly relations."

Louis answered in such a manner ast maintained the time mentioned in the Treaty, but proposed some restrictions in the interval. England then offered an Island in the West Indies, or a sum of money, as the price of immediate abolition; but this offer was rejected. In a short time afterwards France agreed to it as far as to prohibit the trade to the North of Cape Formosa, situated about the 4th degree of North Latitude. At the Congress of Vienna the same was renewed, and acceded to by all the Eight Powers, except Spain and Portugal, which afterwards joined in a general declaration for universal abolition; but the term was declaration on the 8th Feb. 1815, denot abridged. They published a jointnouncing this traffic, "which has so long desolated Africa, degraded Europe, and afflicted Humanity." Portugal afterwards acceded to this, to the Northward of the Equator; Spain concurred, with exception of supplying its own Islands, and to the 10th.. degree of North Latitude, for a period of eight years. This was objected to by England, as tending to frustrate all her efforts.

Napoleon, upon his re-possession of the throne of France, published his decree of abolition on pain of confiscation of vessel and cargo, giving li berty of sale in the Colonies to those who had previously fitted out vessels. Holland decreed the abolition on the 14th June 1814, Denmark and Sweden on the 14th Jan. 1814, and America ou the 24th Dec. 1814. The Officers of the Navy exerted themselves every where to effect this great object, agreeably to their respective instructions; and if they sustained any losses, they are justly entitled to a fair remuneration. But, notwithstanding these accessions on the part of France, this trade was

carried

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