"lowliness is young Ambition's ladder," we are quick to accept her modest disavowal of poetic aspirations. She writes out of the fulness of her soul. But to her note "Amie," in return presenting Of a "Messenger" so welcome, Hers is no ambitious scaling Her infrequent songs with candor and beautiful poem of "The Children's Prayer" in the present number of the Messenger? If not, let us ask that you will turn from the "unconsidered trifles" of the Editor's Table and enjoy it at once. It has much of the air of Leigh Hunt who never wrote anything more exquisite, and was offered for our pages by that favored child of the muses, R. H. Stoddard. We are delighted to be able to announce that a fresh volume of his poetry will appear in October or November, in which his claim, already acknowl edged, to a high rank among the poets of age, will be more fully confirmed. the A volume of poems, from the pen of our valued contributor, James Barron Hope, Esq., who figures under the domino of Executor of the late Henry Ellen, will probably make its appearance in a few months. We shall await its coming impatiently. The author is widely known as a polished scholar and as a lecturer of no mean pretensions. Our own pages, which have been so often graced by the effusions of his fancy, bear ample testimony to the exuberant genius of the poet, and if his venture upon the wider sea of literary enterprise meet not with general favor, it will not be from any lack of merit in the poems, but from a want of an appreciative and discriminating public. At the request of a distant subscriber we have looked up and transfer to our pages an article from the New Monthly Magazine for 1823 (in Tom Campbell's time) on the "Philosophy of Fashion"our friend suggesting that it would be acceptable to many readers after the "Letter from an Old Fogy" given in our last number. It is proper for us also to` state that the sweet poem of Miss Talley of the "Summer Noon Day Dream” was published some months ago in the "Tobacco Plant," an excellent country newspaper of Virginia with but a limited circulation, and that we have most willingly complied with the wishes of several of that gifted lady's admirers by giving it a Reader, have you yet read the touching place in the Messenger. By the way, a correspondent, himself a poet widely known and admired, asks "Who wrote the lines To One in Heaven?' they are unsurpassed by anything I know." The italics are not ours. We are authorized to contradict a literary on dit to the effect that the novel about to be published from the pen of G. P. R. James, Esq., is based upon American incident. It refers neither to our country or our own time, but is an Italian story of the Middle Ages. Willis, in a recent number of the Home Journal, pays a pretty compliment to one of our home novelists, apropos of the "Last of the Foresters." We quote a single paragraph from an extended notice of the volume. WHEN we say that John Esten Cooke is a rare humorist, we do not make the assertion with the air of a discoverer. "The Youth of Jefferson" and the "Virginia Comedians" have made their mark. No one among us has forgotten the charming "Belle Bouche," in the former, nor the powerfully drawn character of "Bea trice," in the latter. The chief elements of Mr. Cooke's prose seem to us to be a dreamy, poetical fancy which hangs around the dim old legends of the past, like a purple mist upon the hills of that southern land which he loves so well, and a geniality of thought which can be likened to nothing but sunshine. His style is dramatic, and his books would be wonderful comedies if the plots were not outlines rather than elaborate pictures. "THE LAST OF THE FORESTERS," just issued by Messrs. Derby and Jackson, is decidedly superior in this respect to anything he has yet done. Pelite Miss Rebud and the forest boy, Verty, are exquisite shadows. One falls in love with Redbud at once, and he must be a man of blunted sentiment who does not admire the fine, simple nature of the Indian Verty. Mr. Rushton, Miss Sallianna, and the valorous Mr. Jinks, have a captivating freshness about them. The story is slightly drawn out, but it is golden wire from beginning to end. Notices of New Works. HOUSEHOLD MYSTERIES; A Romance of Southern Society. By LIZZIE PETIT, of Virginia: Author of "Light and Darkness." New York: D. Appleton and Company. 1856. [From A. Morris, 97 Main Street. We do not know that we are very glad to renew our acquaintance with the author of "Light and Darkness," in this story, for while it is by no means so vicious in sentiment as that elaborate apology for sin and suicide, the tone of it is in our judgment highly objectionable. Nearly all the incidents on which the book is founded are those of real or supposed guilty love, and the finest character of the dramatis persone is made to conceal for years from her husband, the fact of a previous marriage. The author seems by some strange fascination to prefer walking on the verges of the forbidden, and it were remarkable indeed if she did not sometimes transgress the line. Nor does her indulgence in scenes and dialogues of a questionable sort seem to indicate an indelicate purpose or an im pure imagination. A young writer, with very considerable dramatic power and no lack of the inventive faculty, she has fallen into the error of supposing that the public taste demands such warm descriptions of life and character, and it is easy to see that her readings from the poets have been chiefly among those of the sensuous school. Her impulses appear to be generous, but her genius has been misdirected. Of "Household Mysteries," we may say that it is pleasantly, and at times, forcibly and eloquently written, and that the very improbable story is narrated with no little skill, detaining the attention of the reader to the last. Some minor faults it has, which would mar the effect of a more natural work-such as the hero having been wounded at Cerro Gordo after distinguishing himself at Buena Vista―an historical impossibility, since none of the troops engaged in the one battle were present at the other—and the recognition of a familiar hand-writing in a telegraphic despatch, as if the MS. had been sent along the wires-but these are nothing in comparison with the death of Madame d' Allure. We cannot accept it as a truthful picture of "Southern Society," though, like its predecessor, it gives evidence of a high degree of talent, which, rightly exercised, might enrich Southern literature, and win for Miss Petit an enviable fame. We wish her abundant success in letters, in a different line of fiction. JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN. By the Author of the "Head of the Family," "The Ogilvies," &c. New York: Harper & Brothers. [From A, Morris, 97 Main Street. There are some persons who read books without reviewing them, others who review books without reading them, and others again whose lot it is to read and review them, both. This lot would not be such a hard one, if all the publications of the day were as pleasant as "John Halifax," and all writers as sensible as Miss Diana Maria Mulock. "John Halifax" is the story of an English family, the head of which wins his way from the humblest condition of life to riches and fame by means the most elevated and honorable. The time of the story refers to the years immediately before and after the passage of the Reform Bill, and there is a good deal of politics mixed up in the narrative which rather bored us, especially as the political incidents are improbable-such as the holding an election in a parish church-a thing, we will venture to say, unheard of in England, and the interference of a peer of the realm (Lord Luxmore) in the proceedings, when his very attendance at the polling would have been unconstitutional. But ladies ought not to be held, we suppose, to a strict account concerning such affairs. The style of "John Halifax" is very fresh and simple, sometimes running into poetry as naturally as a rivulet lapses into music, and the descriptions of English scenery scattered through its pages are as happy and faithful as so many of Prout's designs in water-colors. We could wish that the painful episode of Lady Caroline's fall from virtue had been omitted, as it conduces very little to the development of the story, and subserves but one artistic purpose, the introduction of Lady Hamilton-Lord Nelson's Emma. Muriel, the little blind daughter of Ursula, is a pure and sweet conception, and touches the feelings very deeply. We hope to have more of Miss Mulock's novels, as we recognise in her no mean aspirant for the honors of Charlotte Bronte. The Martins of Cro' Martin is the title of a new work by the author of "Harry Lorrequer" just published by Harper & Brothers. Like all Mr. Lever's stories it overflows with fun and animal spirits, nor is it without touches of the pathetic and passages of fine descriptive power. The same publishers have recently issued an able and elaborate work on "Religion in America" by the Rev. Robert Baird, D. D. This treatise passes in review all the different forms of faith that obtain in this country and discusses at some length the voluntary system of religion peculiar to the United States. Dr. Baird enjoys a very extended reputation as a writer and lecturer and has made himself more thoroughly acquainted with the progress of evangelical religion, at home and abroad, than almost any other man of the age, and the volume he has just given to the public will doubtless meet with a very great sale. An excellent companion volume to it may be found in another fresh publication, being the Letters of the distinguished Chevalier Bunsen on the DANGERS TO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, in the present state of the world. The name of the author will ensure a large acceptance for this latter book. Well known for a long and shining diplomatic career, the Chevalier Bunsen has long ago approved himself as an able polemic, while the cathollicity of his views and the earnestness of his character will commend whatever he writes to the favor of the thinking and reading world. The Harpers have done an acceptable service to the religious community in bringing out these two volumes, at a time when their unwearied press is largely occupied with works of a lighter sort intended for amusement or secular instruction. BASTOPOL. RECOLLECTIONS OF A ZOUAVE BEFORE SEEdited by Dr. Felix Maynard. Translated from the French, By Mrs. M. Harrison Robinson, Philadelphia: Published by Hayes & Zell, No. 193 Market Street. [From A. Morris, 97 Main Street. A beautifully printed duodecimo from the press of an enterprising Philadelphia house. The reader will find it full of spirited descriptions of the campaign in the Crimea, which appear to have been rendered into English with uncommon fidelity and felicity by the accomplished lady whose name is given as translator. History of the University of Virginia. Presenting an authentic history of the institution for the first ten years of its progress; or, in other words, from its commencement to the death of its founder, Thos. Jefferson. Comprising a correspondence between Mr. Jefferson and Joseph C. Cabell, then a member of the Virginia Senate, which with the exception of the first 39 pages, giving their views of the finances of the country, during the war with Great Britain, (one or two inconsiderable exceptions besides,) relates entirely to the University. Only eight of Mr. Jefferson's letters have been heretofore published. And various illustrative documents referred to in the correspondence, among which are copies of Mr. Jefferson's Bill on Elementary Schools, and his bill on a complete system of education for the people of Virginia. Just published in one handsome 8vo volume of 564 pages-Price $2 50. It will be sent by mail, post paid, to all who remit the price in money or postage stamps to the publisher. J. W. RANDOLPH, Richmond. A. MORRIS. PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. ROBINSON'S PRACTICE, VOL. II. THE PRACTICE IN COURTS OF JUSTICE IN ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES, by CONWAY ROBINSON, of Richmond, Virginia. VOLUME 2d, treating of the subject matter of personal actions, in other words, of the RIGHT OF ACTION. The treatise in the first volume as to the place and time of a transaction or proceeding is followed in the SECOND, by one relating to the circumstances of the transaction, or the subject matter of the proceeding. This SECOND VOLUME, devoted entirely to persopal actions, treats of the RIGHT OF ACTION: 1. On sealed instruments, or upon a judgment or decree. 2. On bills of exchange, promissory notes and other unsealed instruments, 3. On promises generally, express and implied. 4. By owner of goods against an adverse claimant, or against a bailee. 5. Against a wrong-doer. VOLUME 2 now in press, and will be issued early in January next. Orders from the country addressed to the publisher, enclosing the price, $6, and the postage, 50 cents will meet prompt attention. RECENTLY PUBLISHED. ROBINSON'S PRACTICE-New Edition. The Practice in Courts of Justice in England and the United States, by CONWAY ROBINSON, Esq. Volume 1, as to the place and time of a transaction or proceeding, treating chiefly of the Conflict of Laws, and the Statute of Limitations. Price $6. A. MORRIS, Publisher. J. R. KEININGHAM, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, BOOK-BINDING executed with neatness and dispatch. GEO. M. WEST, Richmond, Va. THE increasing Literary Taste of the Public, and the consequently enlarged demand for Books, suggested to my mind the possibility of selling Books, at retail or wholesale, as low as they are sold in the large Cities at the North. The experiment has proved successful, and I now offer at the same reduced prices-Law, Medical, Theological, Biographical, School and Miscellaneous Books of all kinds, including also Magazines, Novels, &c., &c., Blank Books, Paper and Stationery, Valentines, &c. Agents and Dealers in the Bountry supplied with Books upon the best terms, Richmond, January, 1856 PROSPECTUS OF THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER For the Year 1856. July to December. TWENTY-THIRD VOLUME. In issuing the Prospectus of the Twenty-Third Volume of the SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, commencing with the July No., the Proprietors rely solely on the encouraging letters and promises of the friends of the Messenger to aid them in extending its circulation, and they beg to assure the public that no exertions will be remitted on their part to maintain the high character of the work, and to challenge the patronage of all who value sterling literary merit. For Twerty-One Years, the Messenger has endeavored to reflect faithfully the Southern mind, while disdaining all narrow and sectional views, and has been alone among the monthly periodicals of America, in defence of the PECULIAR INSTITUTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. To this office it will still be devoted, and will be prompt to repel assaults upon the South, whether they come under the specious garb of fiction, or in the direct form of anti-slavery pamphlets. At this critical juncture, while our enemies are employing literature as their most potent weapons of attack, the Southern people will surely not withhold their encouragement from a work whose aim it shall be to strike blows in their defence. The MESSENGER will, as heretofore, present its readers with Reviews, Historical and Biographical Sketches, Novels, Tales, Travels, Essays, Poems, Critiques, and Papers on the Army, Navy, and other National Subjects. With a view to ensure a larger circulation of the MESSENGER, the Proprietore, though they intend greatly increasing the size of the work, have reduced the Price of Subscription, which is now only THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE, OR FOUR DOLLARS IF NOT PAID BEFORE THE FIRST OF JULY IN ANY YEAR CLUBS-Remitting us Fifteen Dollars in one letter, will be entitled to Six Copies. The Editorial and Critical department of the Messenger will continue under the charge of JOHN R. THOMPSON, ESQ., And will embrace copious notes on current literature and reviews of all new American or Foreign works of general interest and value. The Editor's opinions will be always fearlessly and honestly avowed. The Business Department is conducted by the undersigned, to whom all communications of a business nature must be addressed. MACFARLANE, FERGUSSON & CO. Law Building, Franklin Street, Richmond, Va. JUNE 1, 1856. Booksellers, by ordering copies of the Messenger at once, shall receive it at greatly reduced prices. AGENTS.-W. F. Cook and Win. F. Tebbs, are authorised to collect and receive the names of now subscribers for the Messenger in Virginia. Postmasters throughout the Union, are requested to act as Agents in getting subscribers for us, for which they will be allowed 12 per cent. for all monies remitted to us. **Editors friendly to the Messenger, will please publish this Prospectus. |