The present volume is a most delightful one, as giving us some insight into the private life of this remarkable man. We should like to have the space to dwell upon it, making such extracts (copious they should be) as, in our judgment, the reader would receive with thanks. We should like to pursue those phantoms of the Brocken that dance with a weird, zigzag grace through his strange speculations, we should delight to make a survey of the classical Weimar, the seat of so much of the German intellect, especially we should find a mournful pleasure in following the philosophic poet to his tranquil death-bed. But this may not be. We can only render the brief tribute of our humble praise to the lady author who has so worthily performed the task of a biographer, and commend to public favor, in a single sentence, one of the most charming works that the press, prolific as it has been in publications of interest, has put forth for many years. The book is for sale by Messrs. Morris and Brother. THE UNITY OF THE HUMAN RACES PROVED TO BE THE DOCTRINE OF SCRIPTURE, REASON, AND SCIENCE. By the Rev. Thomas Smyth, D. D. New York, Geo. P. Putnam. 1850. We had intended to prepare for this number a notice THE HISTORY OF CYRUS THE GREAT. By Jacob Abof this volume, which has made no small sensation in the literary, philosophical, and religious world. But the press of other avocations has defeated our purpose for the present. Meantime, we quote a notice of the subject from a letter published in the National Intelligencer several weeks since, describing the proceedings at a meeting of a scientific association in Charleston. The work in question originated in the discussions of the "club of gentlemen in Charleston"-of whom mention is made. "The question of the 'Unity of the Races of Man' had occupied the attention of a club of gentlemen in Charleston, who met occasionally for the discussion of scientific and other subjects, and had probably been carried so far as not to bear further discussion there. But some observations of Professor Agassiz made the argument exceedingly interesting. Some gentlemen would willingly have entered into the discussion if it could have been received with proper temper, and argued without personal feeling. The remarks referred to were, in substance, 'That there existed no authority from the phraseology of the Genesis, to disprove facts made apparent by comparison with other objects of natural history. That it was difficult to conceive how the white race of man could have originated from parents of any other color, or that negroes had originally a white parentage.' 'That the history of Genesis described the generations of one family, and rather authorized the opinion that other races of human beings co-existed at the same time with the sons of Adam, who were described as intermarrying with them, as no females of their own family are enumerated. The narrative did not prevent the supposition that these might have been a pair of whites, a pair of blacks, and a pair of redsfrom whom sprang the various nations of the earth, differing much in their conformation of body and mental development.' bott. New York. Harper & Brothers. mendatory epithets on Mr. Abbott and his former histoWe have long ago exhausted our entire stock of comries, so that we do not know what we can say of this new volume without running the risk of publishing a stereotyped laudation, but we will venture to say that it is marked by all the excellencies of the preceding volumes of the series-simplicity, perspicuous narrative, and judicious condensation. It must sell. To be obtained of Messrs. Morris and Brother. uses. HAND BOOK OF MODERN EUROPEAN LITERATURE: by Mrs. Foster. Philadelphia. Lea & Blanchard. 1850. A very neat volume, and a very convenient one for some It will serve well as a kind of literary gazetteer, from Italy to Russia, and from Great Britain to the Magwhere one may find the notable authors of modern Europe, yar country, all named and placed with their respective latitudes and longitudes duly noted. Of course, it is merely criticism; but is nevertheless a book worth having in a compilation, with an occasional page or two of general every library, as a directory of literary names. Like dicwho parade an acquaintance with names merely, in the tionaries of quotations, it may be abused by pretenders, hope of making it believed that they have actually read the authors they talk of. We acknowledge, with our best thanks, the receipt of a copy of Lieut. Maury's Sailing Directions, one of the most valuable of the many valuable publications of that distin"These suggestions of one of the most intelligent and guished man, the Annual Report of the Board of Health truthful of naturalists elicited attention and respect, but of the City of New Orleans, drawn up by Dr. E. H. Barproduced what was considered by some a very unneces-ton, a pamphlet of much interest, and an able discussion sary clerical argument, and caused a disposition to arrest of the Pacific Railway question by Mr. Lufborough of the or postpone the discussion, which was passed over as be- St. Louis Bar. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. --- From the Richmond Whig. Literary Messenger.-We have read a large portion of the June No. with much pleasure. In From the Southern Atlas, Montgomery, Ala. general, the character of the work is well susSouthern Literary Messenger.-We have hith-tained, and in some particular instances, even erto neglected to announce the receipt of the better than usual. The leader, upon the Code of May number of this excellent monthly. While Virgin a, is equal to any thing we have ever seen the subject is now on the carpet of establishing in the columns of the Messenger. The style is Southern organs for the purpose of concentrating terse and vigorous, and the whole article is not and reflecting the political sentiment of the slave- only agreeably written, but is full of thought, and holding States, it should not be forgotten that evinces the operation of a strong mind, which our literary periodicals have also an important has thoroughly digested its subject. The title part to play in shaping and influencing the form alone is uninviting; but the writer has contrived and course of the public mind. While the Mes- to render the matter extremely interesting. We senger occupies a high stand as a literary and only regret that he should have thought proper critical miscellany, it has additional and peculiar to stop short where he should have only halted to claims on the South ou account of its eminently take breath, and hope he will resume his labors sound and conservative tone in reference to every at some future day. Messrs. Robinson and Patthing connected with her peculiar institutions. tou have been fortunate in falling into the hands of one who has done such full justice to their labors. From the Banner of Temperance. Southern Literary Messenger.-The June number of this favorite periodical has been laid on our table. Our affections are placed upon the Messenger because it is a Southern periodical. But this is far from being the only charm by The little tale entitled "Fire on a Prairie," is told most exquisitely, and entitles the author to true; perhaps it may be a fiction from beginning rank high as a raconteur! Perhaps it may be all to end. At any rate, it is full of genuine humor, and that is enough for the reader who seeks only amusement. The Letter from Paris contains much matter which it has won our love and admiration. The fact cannot be disguised that it is a publication conducted with great skill, with decided talent and taste, and possesses a solid worth, a high of interest, and is written with spirit and intelliintrinsic merit, which entitles it to a pre-eminent position in the ranks of periodical literature. By John R. Thompson. Price $5 per annum. From the Daily News, Petersburg, Va. SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER.-Richmond. John R. Thompson, Editor and Proprietor. The June number of this valuable periodical has been laying on our table several days received at the hands of Messrs. Gaines & Riches, the Agents for Petersburg. We have been prevented by a press of other matters, which we could not neglect, to defer a notice of it until now. The character of the "Messenger" is so well known, that an extended notice is not necessary, and an attempt to praise it would be the same as an effort to "paint the lily." It deserves the exalted name it occupies among American periodicals, and in saying this, other commendation is unnecessary. gence. The Editor's Table contains one or two short notices, highly creditable to his taste and discernment. That of Bryant's agreeable book of travels, will be read with much pleasure, especially by citizens of Richmond, of which city the latter gives an agreeable and rather flattering sketch. From the Pickens Republican, Carrollton, Ala. Southern Literary Messenger.-This periodical, published at Richmond, Va., has ever been our favorite. If our judgment in such matters is worth anything, we are entitled to speak in its favor, having been a regular subscriber to it in 1840, and having taken it nine years before we were in a situation to receive it as an exchange. The June number has not yet come to hand, but we were neglectful in noticing both the April There is something in its title to admire and May issues. The Messenger holds the first Southern Literary Messenger. In these times, place in the galaxy of American magazines, and when the Northern people are making every ef- none of its rivals overshadow it, either as an esfort to injure the Southern people, to break them sayist, a critic, a tale-writer, or a magazine poet. down politically, and to render valueless their It commends itself pre-eminently to the south as property, it becomes us to have as little to do a champion of her rights and interests, as well as with them as possible. We should neither wear a bright ornament to her literary character and the clothes made by them, buy their goods, nor reputation. Price $5 in advance. N. B. We read their periodicals, but should encourage our will cheerfully receive and receipt subscriptions own mechanics, merchants and publishers. for any of our friends. PROSPECTUS OF THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, FOR 1850. SIXTEENTH VOLUME. A new volume of this long-established and favorite monthly was commenced on the 1st of January last. In issuing its Prospectus, the Editor does not deem it necessary to publish any long list of contributors or to indulge in any fulsome laudations of the Magazine. Its character is well-known throughout the country. For nearly sixteen years it has occupied the first rank of excellence in periodical literature. The Editor is determined to maintain its standing, by filling it with articles from the best pens in the country. The contents will embrace Reviews, Historical and Biographical Sketches, Novels, Tales, Travels, Essays, Poems, Critiques, and Papers on the Army, Navy and other National Subjects. The Messenger will also continue to present articles of a SCIENTIFIC character, such as during the past year, have excited the most marked attention on both sides of the Atlantic. In the forthcoming volume, the Original Novel, of THE SELDENS OF SHERWOOD, WILL BE CONTINUED. The Editor has pleasure in announcing that his accomplished European Correspondent will continue to furnish the Magazine with MONTHLY LETTERS FROM PARIS, comprising all the items of foreign intelligence, and critical remarks on all novelties in Science, Literature and Art. The reader will find this correspondence a faithful reflection of Life in the French Capital. The political sagacity of the writer has been commended in the highest terms by the National Intelligencer. Of the Editorial and Critical Department of the Messenger, the Editor will only say that it will embrace copious notes on current literature, and reviews of all new American or Foreign works of general interest and value. His opinions will at least be always fearlessly and honestly avowed. CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER. 1. THE LITERARY MESSENGER is published in monthly numbers. Each number contains not less than 64 large super-royal pages, printed on good type, and in the best manner, and on paper of the most beautiful quality. 2. The MESSENGER is mailed regularly on or about the first day of every month in the year. Twelve numbers make a volume,-and the price of subscription is $5 per volume, payable in advance ;-nor will the work be sent to any one, unless the order for it is accompanied with the CASH. THE YEAR COMMENCES WITH THE JANUARY NUMBER. NO SUBSCRIPTION RECEIVED FOR LESS THAN THE YEAR, UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIBING CHOOSES TO PAY THE FULL PRICE OF A YEAR'S SUBSCRIPTION, FOR A LESS PERIOD. 3. The risk of transmitting subscriptions by mail will be assumed by the proprietor. But every subscriber thus RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, April, 1850. transmitting payment, is required (besides taking proper evidence of the fact and date of mailing) to retain a mem orandum of the number and particular marks of the note sent; or subscriptions may be remitted through the PostMasters, according to the present laws. 4. If a subscription is not directed to be discontinued before the first number of a volume has been published, it will be taken as a continuance for another year. 5. Any one enclosing a $20 current bill, at one time, with the names of FIVE NEW subscribers, shall receive FIVE copies of the MESSENGER, for one year. 6. The mutual obligations of the publisher and subscriber, for the year, are fully incurred as soon as the first No. of the volume is issued: and after that time, no discontinuance of a subscription will be permitted. Nor will any subscription be discontinued while any thing remains due thereon, unless at the option of the editor. JNO. R. THOMPSON, Editor and Proprietor. Fangur 1. The World Before the Flood. Physical constitution of the Antediluvians-Climate of the garden of Eden-Change produced by the DelugeProbable agency by which this event was consummated: moral and intellectual character of the immediate race of Adam; The first Murder: &c. Addenda-Observations on the structure of the human frame before and after the Flood...457 2. From our Paris Correspondent. Political aspects of June-Eugene Sue as a Parliamentarian-His late work," Mysteries of the People"-Extract therefrom: Lamartine's Second Eastern Pilgrimage His new literary triumph, the Drama of Toussaint Louverture:-Arago's Letter to the French Academy demonstrating the undulatory theory of Light-Death of Blainville and Gay Lussac-Discovery of the Eleventh Asteroid, Parthenope-The Opera, Alboni and Jenny Lind. 466 10. Letters from New York. Midsummer stagna. tion-Death of M. L. Davis and Jacob HayesPresident Taylor's death-Professor WebsterFennimore Cooper-Jenny Lind, &c., &c........512 ORIGINAL POETRY. 11. "Lord! Keep my Memory Green." By Mrs. Anna Peyre Dinnies...... 12. Flowers. By Charles Wood. 13. Lines. To a Friend Inviting me to Town.. 14. James River. By Wm. H. Holcombe....... 15. Lines.... 16. From the German of Herder. Don Alonzo Perez Guzmann der Getreue..... 17. To An Invalid Wife. By Sidney Dyer...... 465 473 479 495 .4991 509 .512 AGENTS. MACFARLANE & FERGUSSON, Richmond, Va. DEWITT & DAVENPORT, New York. JOSEPH ROBINSON. Baltimore, Md. C. C. CLEAVES, Memphis, Tenn. JOHN P. WRIGHT, Lynchburg, Virginia. JAMES D. LOCKWOOD, Pittsburg, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. THIS WORK IS PUBLISHED IN MONTHLY NUMBERS AVERAGING SIXTY-FOUR PAGES EACH, AT FIVE DOLLARS, PER ANNUM, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE. RICHMOND, VA. MACFARLANE & FERGUSSON. Thomas L. Jones is our General Collector for the States of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana. Israel E. James, is our General Travelling Agent, for the following States, District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas-assisted by Robert E. Seyle, Wm. H. Weld, John B. Weld, T. S. Waterinan, John Collins, Jaines Deering, Albert K. Wellington, R, S. Jamies, and E. A. Evans. Henry M. Lewis, is our General Agent, for Alabama and Tennessee. C. W. James, is our General Collector, for Penhsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri: Wis. consin and Fowa--assisted by James R. Smith, J. T. Dent. E. Y. Jennings, T. G. Smith, and Frederick J. Hawse. Mr. C. W. James also makes a Fall trip to the Eastern States, and the District of Columbia. Eli M. Stevenson, General Collector for Kentucky, and specially authorised to solicit new subscriptions. Wm. Wertenbaker of the University of Virginia is our authorised agent for the county of Albemarle, Va. Addison A. Bell, of Alabama, is authorised to procure New Subscribers. J. F. Staunton is authorised to procure New Subscribers for the Messenger, generally. R. Morris & Co., Jackson, Mississippi, are authorised to Collect and procure New Subscribers for the Messenger. J. W. B. Garrett, Macon, Tenn., is authorised to procure New Subscribers for the Messenger. Baalis Davis is duly authorised to Collect Money and procure New Subscribers for the Messenger. W. Ramsay, Frankfort, Kentucky, is authorised to procure new subscribers for the Messenger. B. F. Somerville, Locust Dale, Virginia, is authorised to procure New Subscribers. B. M. Dewitt, is authorised to procure New Subscribers for the Messenger. A. D. Battle of Shreveport, La., is authorised to procure new subscribers for the Messenger. CHARLES S. HALL IS NO LONGER AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT MONEY FOR THE MES SENGER. MONTHLY ADVERTISER. With the first number of the Sixteenth Volume, we commenced the publication of a MONTHLY ADVERTISER in connection with the MESSENGER, for which we solicit Advertisements from the trading public generally. As a medium for the insertion of HOTEL CARDS, PUBLISHER'S LISTS, COLLEGIATE AND ACADEMICAL PROSPECTUSES, AND THE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF DEALERS IN FANCY WARES, The Messenger ADVERTISER is exceedingly desirable. Its extensive circulation. throughout the entire country, presents unequalled advantages to the dealer. The following rates will be charged for Advertisements: N. B. The Advertiser in a separate form will be furnished gratuitously to all persons who advertise in it. Accommodating arrangements will be made with yearly advertisers. BACK NUMBERS. Back Numbers of the Messenger for the first seven volumes wanted. Application should be made at the Messenger Office. THE EDITOR'S OFFICE OF THE MESSENGER, has been removed to No. 87, Main Street, over the Store of Judah Myers. |