see our internal trade burdened with numberless restraints and exactions; communications between distant points and sections obstructed, or cut off; our sons made soldiers to deluge with blood the fields they now till in peace; the mass of our people borne down and impoverished by taxes to support armies and navies; and military leaders at the head of their victorious legions, becoming our law givers and judges. The loss of liberty, of all good government, of peace, plenty, and happiness, must inevitably follow a dissolution of the union. In supporting it, therefore, we support all that is dear to the freeman and the philanthropist. The time at which I stand before you is full of interest. The eyes of all nations are fixed upon our republic. The event of the existing crisis will be decisive in the opinion of mankind, of the practicability of our federal system of government. Great is the stake placed in our hands; great is the responsibility which must rest upon the people of the United States. Let us realize the importance of the attitude in which we stand before the world. Let us exercise forbearance and firmness. Let us extricate our country from the dangers which sursound it, and learn wisdom from the lessons they inculcate. Deeply impressed with the truth of these observations, and under the obligation of that solemn oath which I am about to take, I shall continue to exert all my faculties to maintain the just powers of the constitution, and to transmit unimpaired to posterity the blessings of our federal union. At the same time, it will be my aim to inculcate by my official acts, the necessity of exercising, by the general government, those powers only that are clearly delegated; to encourage a simplicity and economy in the expenditures of the government; to raise no more money from the people than may be requisite for these objects, and in a manner that will best promote the interests of all classes of the community, and of all portions of the union. Constantly bearing in mind, that in entering into society, "individuals must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest," it will be my desire so to discharge my duties, as to foster with our brethren in all parts of the country, a spirit of liberal concession and compromise; and, by reconciling our fellow citizens to those partial sacrifices which they must unavoidably make, for the preservation of a greater good, to recommend our invaluable government and union to the confidence and affections of the American people. Finally, it is my most fervent prayer, to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in his hands, from the infancy of our republic to the present day, that he will so over-rule all my intentions and actions, and inspire the hearts of my fellow citizens, that we may be preserved from dangers of all kinds, and continue forever a UNITED AND HAPPY PEOPLE. NEW PUBLICATIONS. ber, a considerable mass, not only of enterSINCE the appearance of our last num tainment, but of useful knowledge, has been laid before the public in various forms, and on various topics. Many of these works tice, although some deserve a more extendit is no less a pleasure than a duty to noed consideration than we have the means of bestowing on them. Among the most remarkable are THE PROGRESS OF DISCOVERY ON THE MORE NORTHERN COASTS OF AMERICA. By Patrick Frazer Tytler, Esq. J. and J. Harper, New-York. Family Library, No. 53.-This able and interesting little book comprises, in a brief but spirited sketch, all the principal expeditions and voyages, particularly on the northern coasts of this vast continent; from the earliest discovery of our shores, by John Cabot, to the latest enterprizes of Franklin and Beechy; as well as a very masterly account of Zoology, Botany, and Geological formations, of the comparatively unknown regions. The intense interest, created by the perilous and almost incredible adventures of the last voyagers in their over-land expedition, is sustained in a manner deserving the highest commendation; nor would it be too much to say, that the whole subject is treated in a style worthy of the exertions of those dauntless pioneers in the hardest path of science. At all times, when we are sitting by our own quiet and happy hearths, it is delightful to read of the struggles, the privations, the perils, to the endurance of which the bodies of such frail beings as ourselves can be wrought, by the exalted influence of mind. But at no period can the interest be more exciting, than when the last packet from the United Kingdoms has conveyed to our city, another little band, comprising, if we mistake not, more than one of the very individuals, who, after going through the most fearful extremities of cold and famine, succeeded, in spite of all hazards, in arriving at the waters of the Arctic Ocean. That their labors may be now crowned with more signal triumph, undamped by similar horrors, must be the prayers, not only of ourselves, but of every man who loves science, or whose heart is capable of admiring the highest degree of human fortitude and patience. We have CESAR'S COMMENTARIES, translated by Wm. Duncan, Professor of Philosophy, in the University of Aberdeen. In 2 vols. New-York. J. & J. Harper. Classical Library, No. 6.-A most admirably executed performance, of the most splendidly written journal, that ever emanated from the pen of statesman or orator. carefully compared the English translation with the Latin text, in several of the most difficult passages, and we have no hesitation in stating it to be the most literal version we have ever met with, combining the full force of the original, with the utmost elegance of the English language. Of all the schemes which have lately been invented for the propagation of knowledge, we approve so highly of none as we do of the present method:-we allude to the scheme of setting forth well written translations of the sublime effusions of those heroes and philosophers, whose names have been bandied from mouth to mouth, while in truth, the very reasons which contributed to their celebrity, have been unknown to ninety-nine out of every hundred. pro THE LIBRARY OF ROMANCE. Vol. 1. The Ghost Hunter and his Family. By the O'Hara Family. Philadelphia. Carey, Lea, & Blanchard.-This is another duction of Mr. Banim, and is marked by all the most prominent merits, and all the most prominent defects of his singular style. The scene is, of course, Ireland; the story is, of course, fearful, blood-thirsty, and withal interesting. A man is murdered a young lad, of an odd moody frame of mind, living on the spot where the crime had been committed, is seized with a frantic desire of seeing and communing with the spirit of the untimely slain, which is supposed to haunt the bosheen in which his corpse had been found; he wanders night after night in search of the ghost-meets it-is induced to take an oath, which compels him to the commission of crime, and thence the interest of the tale; hinging on the exertions made by, and the obstacles thrown in the way of his relations, struggling to preserve his life from the rigor of the law. At last the ghost turns out to be the man himself, who is a compound of all possible crimes, who, for purposes of his own, has clothed a slaughtered and mutilated corpse in his own clothes, and who at last dies, with the greater part of the dramatis persona, in a struggle with a revengeful accomplice. From this slight sketch of the story, the leading defects, improbability, and want of connexion,-will be easily perceived. There is, notwithstanding, in the execution, a good deal of powerful, though in our opinion exaggerated, eloquence; and much of that harrowing interest, which has always been a characteristic of the author. We do not think it, as a whole, at all comparable to his earlier productions, and we regret to that it bears the stamp of being written for bread; it is truly deplorable to think that so much talent should be doomed to languish in utter gloom, or to shine but with the sickly glare of a lamp, kindled in that house of w-a prison. say, THE LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF BANDITTI AND ROBBERS, in all parts of the world, by C. McFarlane, Esq. In two vols. J. & J. Harper, New-York.-The title promises far more than the contents can be said to warrant. The topic is one, than which, no other has ever exercised a greater influence over the minds of men. From Macedonia's madman, to the Swede;" from the titled and crowned robber, despoiling realms at the head of his armed forces, to the solitary, ragged, bludgeon-wielding, footpad, -all, who have made themselves eminent by crime, and its component parts, perilous adventure, and strange sagacity-have been a constant theme, whereon the romancer has displayed his ingenuity, and the novel reader expended his time. It would be impossible that a work on such a subject should not be amusing; but its fault is this it is too historical for a story-book, and too story-bookish for a history. It has too much narrative, and too little description; in short, to use a vulgar, but most apposite expression, too mnch cry and too little wool. The author has decidedly contributed little or nothing to our information, and not nearly so much as he might have done to our entertainment. Having said so much of its faults, we are bound, in common honesty, to say, that, though not nearly so good as it might be, it has yet sufficient merit to render it pleasing to persons, who read merely for relaxation, and do not much regard the instruction, to be derived from their studies. TALES OF MILITARY LIFE.-Second Series. By the Author or the Subaltern. Second Edition. Philadelphia. Key & Biddle.-It well deserves a second edition, being highly entertaining, well written, and graphic, like all Mr. Gleig's writings. A soldier himself, he well knows how to describe the moving incidents of a soldier's life. The present specimen of his powers cannot fail to please Americans, containing, as it does in the tale entitled, "Saratoga," the best extant relation of the events which preceded, and, finally, caused the surrender of General Burgoyne. The character of the British commander, is delineated with a spirit, equalled only by its truth; and the fictitious events worked into the body of real details, so naturally harmonize with the rest, that-if they are not-there is, at least, no reason why they might not be history. talozzian school, at Cheam, in Surry, (Eng.) LESSONS ON SHELLS, as given in a Pesby the Author of "Lessons on Objects." Illustrated with ten plates. 18mo. pp. 218. New-York. Peter Hill. 1833.-Well may we say, "The schoolmaster is abroad." No more shall the child be amused with delightful monstrosities, which have been received as fact, and from which they have required years of after life, to rid them of the young have at length discovered, that the erroneous impressions. The caterers for truth is as wonderful, and as pleasing, as fiction, and of course, far more useful Our fathers would hardly have devised "lessons on shells," either as matters to attract, or subjects to amuse, the young. But the author of the work before us, has contrived to work up a considerable interest, and from so apparently trifling an occupation as the arrangement of shells in a collection, has given an impetus to natural history, that could not have been predicated of such a study. We become forcibly struck with the wonderful adaptation of parts to an end, in the construction of these habitations of the various mollusca, and are led still more highly to admire the wisdom, and more gratefully to acknowledge the benevolence, of the gracious Providence that dispenses life and happiness, in such an endless variety. The book is well deserving to be made a class book in our seminaries, where it cannot fail to add to useful information. It is also well got up, and neatly printed. TRAVELS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF PERU, including a year's residence in Potosi By Edmund Temple, Knight of the Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III. 2 vols. 12 mo. pp. 500. Philadelphia. Cary & Hart. 1833.-The writer of this clever book was sent out from England, as secretary to one of the numerous mining associations which sprung up so miraculously in 1825. Like those who employed him, he entertained golden dreams-never to be realized; but, unlike them, he acquired something at least. That is to say, he obtained an insight into parts of the world, hitherto but little known, and saw deeply into a page of human nature, hitherto but little read. He appears to be a man, not only of discrimination and judgment, but of great liveliness of fancy, and imaginative to a degree, that made every thing an adventure. His descriptions and dialogues are truly graphic; and there runs such an air of happy, contented, philosophical indifference to personal conveniences, or trifling difficulties, that we know not whether most to admire the good sense of his more important remarks, or the delightful sallies of his more facetious touches. THE DRAMA. DUNLAP'S BENEFIT.-We are most happy to say, that this benefit, which took place at the moment when our last number went to press, was as successful as our warmest wishes could have desired. It is most certain, that none so much deserve the manifestation of public gratitude, as those who have laboured to contribute their quota to the public good, whether the bent of their genius direct them to the pen, or the sword; to the stage, as properly so called, or to the wider stage of the senate, or the bar. If not injudiciously repeated, so as to render what should be a boon-a custom! what should be a testimonial of respect-an every day affair! no better course could be pursued for the encouragement of literature, than the offering such tokens of the good will of the people, to their friends and benefactors. PARK THEATRE.-Several operas, of general popularity, have been presented here lately with great success. We would particularize Masaniello, which is extremely well got up in scenery and the secondary details, as well as in the cast. Mr. Jones sings his part with great power and feeling; especially in the scenes where Don Alphonso seeks the protection of the Fisher's dwelling; and in that, where, frenzied by the mingled force of wine and poison, the unhappy demagogue, deaf for a while to the terrors and entreaties of his partizans, reels off the stage to fight the Spanish reinforcements. If Mrs. Austin continues to act in male characters, we would strongly advise her to adopt a more manly deportment. We are not ourselves very friendly to the appearance of ladies in gentlemen's attire; but if we are to see it, we would certainly award the palm to that lady, who, without "o'erstepping the modesty of nature," should best "suit the word to the action, and the action to the" attire. MARRIAGES. March 1st. By the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, Alfred S. Livingston, of Rhinebeck, to Justina, daughter of the late Joseph Blackwell, of New York. At New Brunswick, New Jersey, John H. Graham, of the United States Navy, to Cornelia, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Philip Milledoler, president of Rutger's College. On the 19th inst. at Grace Church, by the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, Theodore S. Fay, to Laura M., daughter of the late Barent Gardenier, Esq. On the 28th inst. by the Rev. John Brown, Mr. John Jay Marshall, of the firm of Marshall and Sleight, to Matilda Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin M. Brown, Esq. DEATHS. March 3d. At his residence, in Newark, New Jersey, Mr. John Vache, in the 71st year of his age. A much respected inhabitant of this city for many years. On the 22d. of Feb., at Colombia, S. C., where she had gone for the benefit of her of the late John Lyon Gardiner, Esq., of health, Miss Mary B. Gardiner, daughter Gardiner's Island, New York. At Woodville Mississippi, on the 19th ult. Mr. Edward Feltus, aged 29 years, son of the late Rev. Dr. Feltus, Rector of St. Stephens, in this city. Street, Gertrude Livingston, wife of Major March 9th. At her residence, 72 Leonard Gen. Morgan Lewis, in the 76th year of her age. On the 10th inst., in the 23d year of her age, Martha Annis, wife of Edward H. Neilson, and Daughter of William Osborn. 10th. In the 26th year of her age, Ellen, wife of Alexander Chatres. 10th. Nicholas W. Stuyvesant, in the 63d year of his age. January last, William Henry Elliot, of At Rome, of consumption, on the 15th New York, in the 22d year of his age. THE BEAUTIES OF THE GREEK TRAGEDIANS, AND THE ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM THE STUDY OF THEIR WRITINGS. THE GREEK TRAGEDIANS.-How wide a range of thoughts are conjured up by these three words: dim visions of bearded sages, of chiefs glimmering in antiquated armor, of flower-crowned youths, and female shapes of rare beauty float before the eyes of our mind through streets of marble and laurel groves. In all our ideas of those remote periods there is mingled a sort of dreamy unreality; we can form adequate conceptions of the military skill of the heroes, the wisdom of the philosophers, the eloquence of the orators of Greece, inasmuch as imperishable monuments of their proficiency in these arts are perpetually present to our senses; but we cannot fancy these worthies of old, fulfilling the duties and partaking the enjoyments of an every day existence. We can shadow out to ourselves the shape and air of Leonidas, when with laconic quaintness he bade the Royal Barbarian" 'come and take" the arms, which in his overweening presumption he had dared to demand as an offering from the sons of freedom; we can figure to ourselves the port and action of Demosthenes when he hurled his thunderbolts of eloquence against the Macedonian; we can almost hear the dying exhortations of the half Christian Socrates, when he quaffed the hemlock in the midst of his sorrowing disciples. But when we would look upon these familiar personages in their domestic occupations, when we would consider them in their relations as fathers, husbands, friends, as members of society, as beings similar in every essential particular to ourselves, laughing at the same jest, laboring under the same infirmities, passing their days in the same restless search after excitement and happiness, we find ourselves utterly at fault-we discover that our heroes are but the heroes of a tale, possessing indeed the semblance, but destitute of the nerves, the sinews, the identity of men. To enter on a disquisition into the causes by which this obliquity of mental vision has been produced, would neither be consonant to our present subject, nor could it offer other than a dry and heavy dissertation to our readers. Briefly, however, we believe the cause to be, that the bulk of the reading world are but superficial skimmers of the cream of literature, whereas it is only from the more reVOL. I. 17 mote and difficult sources that we can draw forth information, as to the prívate economy and individual pursuits of those, from whom we have derived almost all that we know of the fine arts, and much even of the more abstruse sciences. It is truly a marvellous consideration, that a little state, which never comprised a territory exceeding 874 square miles, or contained a population of above 135,000 free inhabitants, should have produced, more than twenty centuries ago, architectural buildings which no later age has ever rivalled, or even imitated with more than moderate success-sculptures, which are still the world's wonder, and which the most eminent artists of our days look up to as models which they must despair of equalling-poetry, which seems-like the fabled olive of those regions-to have sprung forth a child of the soil, unplanted, and without cultivation, to be a stock of that tree, which in after times should be a glory and a shade to the four quarters of the globe. All other arts but these have come forth by slow degrees, have been brought to maturity by the talent, the labor, and the time of succeeding generations; these-like the boasted pedigree of the Douglases-are beheld in the tree, but where is the man who has seen them in the bud? The first exhibition of the drama in Athens by Thespis, is stated, according to Suidas, as having occurred in the 61st Olympiad, being 535 years before the Christian era, by the most approved tables of chronology; in the 72d, Æschylus distinguished himself on the field of Marathon, and in the 77th, or 472 A. C., represented his Persians and other dramas now extinct; four years later, in the Archonship of Theagenides, Sophocles gained his first tragic victory, and thirteen years after this Euripides was already entering upon his career of glory, which in the second year of the 93d Olympiad was closed by the death of the poet; and in the succeeding year, (405 A. C.) Sophocles, the last and most finished of the Attic school, paid the debt of nature, and with him ended the Augustan age, if it may be so called, of Greek tragedy. Little more than a century had elapsed from the period when, according to the Latin satirist, "Thespis was said to have invented the unknown style of tragic poetry, and transported his poems from place to place in wagons, with singers and actors, whose countenances were besmeared with lees of wine," till this new and untried art had arrived at the highest summit of perfection; and this too not in times of peace, of luxury, and artificial cultivation, but in a remote and rugged age, when the refinements of domestic society were as yet unknown, when property, and even life itself, were held on an uncertain tenure; in a small and barren state, whose natives were at that precise moment engaged in a struggle, not for political aggrandizement or foreign conquest, but for the possession of their lands and dwellings, for civil and religious freedom, for their very existence, as a nation. What renders this fact even more remarkable, is the nature of these first effusions of the youthful muse, entirely distinct as they are from the crude and inartificial rhapsodies, which for the most part constitute the earlier attempts of nations emerging from the darkness of unlettered barbarism into the dawning light of science. Not like the war song of "the fairhaired Harald," or the contemporary strains of the piratical Northmen, or the rude rhymes of the Heptarchy, adorned with abundance of wild and poetical imagery, but destitute of grace, harmony and order; these singular and |