AND Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c. This Journal is supplied Weekly, or Monthly, by the principal Booksellers and Newsmen, throughout the Kingdom; but to those who may desire its immediate transmission, by post, we recommend the LITERARY GAZETTE, printed on stamped paper, price One Shilling. No. 579. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1828. 66 PRICE 8d. The cavalry should, therefore, never be left exposed, entirely by itself, to such an attack, but always have its front and flanks protected by the fire from the batteries and squares." REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS. able comment on the phrase "ancient allies," among them; and they even appear to consider as applied in our King's speech to Turkey, their establishment in Europe as nothing more Mary Reflections on Turkey. By Baron than is to be discovered in all our late par- than an encampment. We may therefore Ve Valentini, Major-General in the Prus- liamentary disquisitions on those words. "A easily conceive that they do not enter the field so Service. 8vo. pp. 102. London, 1823. peace with the Turks (says he) is, in reality, against Russia with that joyful ardour which Land J. Rivington. nothing more than a truce concluded for a is inspired by a presentiment of victory. The lastery apposite and well-timed production certain number of years; and however futile great disadvantage of their relative position dated by a Military Officer from the 3d this distinction may appear at first sight, it with Russia appears from the fact, that since aze of Baron Von Valentini's Treatise on possesses, nevertheless, a deep meaning. The the time of Peter the Great, they have never Art of War; a work, we believe, of high followers of Mahomet are bound, in conformity been the aggressors in any war with that on upon the continent, as, the author to the precepts of that prophet and those of power." mander of much experience and con- Osman, the founder of the Turkish empire, to After discussing sundry military matters, le distinction. Indeed, we are informed carry on a continual war with the nations such as the formation of squares, the use of preface, that "the most striking and which do not share in their belief. The cres- artillery and cavalry, &c. the Baron observes: sing feature in the wars of the Turks cent, a significant emblem, must extend itself "Since the only superiority which the singularity of their movements, their over the whole terrestrial globe. All must Turks may still retain over us in the field wo, and general military character; of acknowledge it or submit to it. Hence the consists in the use of the sword, it is natural Ja correct conception may be formed Turks have never denied, as Christian con- enough that they should always seek out our the description given by the baron, querors have done, that the possession of cavalry, and charge it in preference to our e experience, derived from actual service towns and provinces, which the fate of war batteries and squares. Turkey, has enabled him to note down and had given them, was only a point d'appui for teach facts relative to the national cha- marching with greater security to new conand the peculiar features of the country, quests; and it is to the religious observation of calculated to supply all the information this national law that we must attribute their quire respecting the Ottomans in a aggrandisement as we must also their decline, And again The use of the sabre is founded' ay point of view; and it is upon this to the laxity of principles which took place at a partly on the quality of the weapon itself, and ce, and his perfect knowledge of the later period." partly on their what may be termed national dwar, that the baron has founded his One of the great defences of Constantinople dexterity in handling it. The Turkish sabre, bud strategical dispositions for a future seems hitherto to have been the extraordinary which is wrought out of fine iron wire, in the w and conquest of Turkey. This con- ravages which disease makes on hostil armies hand of one of our powerful labourers, would ration has induced the transistor to omit in Turkey. If (observes Baron V.) we are perhaps Freak to pieces like glaį at the first details of the last Turkish wars, which fortunate enough not to be attacked by the blow. The Turk, on the contrary, who gives ~d certainly possess little or no attraction plague in the countries of the Lower Danube, rather a but than a blow, makes it penetrate >the generality of readers, and which, be- we cannot escape other evils. The heat of the through helmét, cuirass, &c. and separates in a would have required several illustrative climate, the burning aridity of the day, the moment the head or the limbs from the body.. , and have thus considerably delayed the dew, and the coolness of the nights, besides the Hence we seldom hear of slight wounds in an ration of the more interesting selection privation of wholesome water, the springs fail-action of cavalry with Turks. It is a wellthe original work. Though these pages ing, and the rivulets almost dried up; all these known fact in the Russian army, that a colonel, » dressed more particularly to military causes combined produce dysentery, intermit- who was in front of his regiment, seeing the is presumed they will be found not de- tent and putrid fever, and fill the hospitals Spahis make an unexpected attack upon him, interest in a political point of view. If with crowds of sick, who quickly perish. The drew his sabre, and was going to command his ur's views be correct, it is evident losses which the Austrian army, in its last war men to do the same, when, at the first word whole of Turkey in Europe, and of a against the Turks, experienced, through these draw, his head was severed from his body. ble portion of Asia, may become an diseases, are incredible. The Russian troops The highly tempered Turkish sabres will fetch to Russia, provided adequate means likewise have always suffered more from this price of from ten to a hundred ducats, even et into the field, and her armies be scourge than from the arms of the enemy, but when they are not of fine metal. But, as od with energy and skill: but these never in the same proportion as the Germans." Scanderbeg said, such a sabre only produces its es also necessarily indicate both the The difference of their food is assigned as the effect when in the hand of him who knows the strong points of the Turks, and probable cause of this; and also the difference how to use it. It is related, that at the stormty enable us to conclude, in some of clothing, the Russians being better pro- ing of Ismael, a brave foreigner, who served as ❤ the measures which it might be-tected from the effects of climate than the finer- a volunteer in the Russian army, and who was mary to adopt for operating a diver-dressed Austrian. It is suggested, that rations most actively engaged in the mêlée, broke in er of the latter, should a well-con- of vinegar might be advantageously given to pieces several Turkish sabres, and constantly of Western Europe require that soldiers engaged in a campaign of this kind. armed himself with a fresh one, taken from the * Porte be upheld and maintained, For some of the foregoing and other reasons, Turks who were slain. The substance from rier against any farther extension to- the Baron goes on to saywhich these valuable sabres are wrought is south of the already overgrown "Russia is the most formidable enemy of the called taban, and they are proved to be genuine in ragire." Turks, not only from her actual superiority, when they admit of being written upon with Vadis preliminary, we, who are neither but from the opinion generally entertained ducat or any other piece of fine gold." judges of the art of war, must do among that people. In conformity with an The next subject of interest of which the *passes our readers with what ap- ancient prophecy, the Turks consider it as Baron treats is the Theatre of War, chiefly be the most important points in doomed by their immutable destiny, that they from the Pruth and Danube to the Dardanelles 's inquiry; and if we fail in con- will be driven out of Europe by a neighbour- and sea of Marmora. Without entering upon were to the conquest of Constanti-ing people, whom they believe to be the Rusly what many abler leaders have sians, and whose sovereign will enter their vices. It is curious, however, in the capital in triumph. The idea of returning, at mark, that the Prussian writer fur- some future period, to Asia, whence they came, de or saticipation, a much more remark.is tolerably familiar to the most enlightened a a Here we may acknowledge the great assistance in understanding the subject which we have derived from the last No. of Sidney Hall's New Atlas: by means of his in every step-even better than on his own abridged May Map of Turkey in Europe, we have followed the author and Plan, The c the details, we may shortly state, that the Turks carry on their operations, in conformity | more especially as the Turks no longer b streams which fall into the Danube present with their cautious system, is as follows: they such large armies into the field as they use great obstacles to an invading force; and that select upon the road, along which they wish to do; and the modern organisation of Europ the badness of the few roads, and the moun- advance, an advantageous post, and entrench troops, of which a well-instructed infantry tainous nature of the country (both on the themselves; then they call in reinforcements, stitutes the principal force, renders the route by Nissa and Sophia, and on that by and wait to be attacked. If they are not at-trast still more favourable for the Christi Shumla), between the Danube and Adria- tacked, they advance again, after a lapse of In order that the principal army may, u nople, also interpose many difficulties in the time, to another favourable post, which they the day of battle, have its 50,000 men way of an approach to the capital of the Otto-never fail to entrench, even though they should sembled at one point, we must add to man Porte. But, on the other hand, the only occupy it for one night. But they remain number 30,000 more, for the detached c knowledge of the art of war, the supply and for days, and even weeks, in deliberation whe- upon the coast and the reserve division, w management of large armies, the system of ther to advance further. If, however, time is makes altogether 80,000 men. advancing without regard to fortresses or places allowed them, they are sure to approach so operating upon Adrianople ought to am in the rear, which can be controlled by divisions near, and place themselves in such a manner, to 30,000 men, besides a division as an left for that purpose, have made wonderful pro-as to offer considerable annoyance; and we are vanced guard, and another as a reserve; gress among the European powers; while among finally compelled to attack them in their own gether about 60,000 men; whence the the Turks they have either been stationary or entrenchments." force to be employed in crossing the Ba have retrograded. "It is evident, (says the au- Having now, by condensation and juxta- would be 140,000 men. In order, howeve thor) from a review of the last war between the position, placed the able author's principal secure the rear, and to observe, and grad Porte and Russia, that the Turks of the pre- general views of Turkish warfare before the capture, those places on the Danube of w sent day only differ from those we have de-public, we are sure we shall be excused from the Turks may still be in possession, 60 scribed in the preceding chapter, in so far as entering upon a task for which we confess men more will be required, which, as so they have retrograded still more than their our unfitness, that of offering any opinion these places are taken, will follow as an a predecessors; and that much of what we learn upon his proposed strategical operations for of reserve,-and firmly establish, and eve of their present contest with the Greek insur- the invasion and conquest of Turkey. Suffice store, should it at any time be lost, the gents, and of what a not distant future seems it to state, that he considers Shumla (about munication with the main army operatin to promise, may be attributed to this degene- 227 miles from the capital, on the ordinary front. With these 200,000 men, whose nin racy. In general, the defence road taken by couriers and travellers to Con- must be recompleted before the end of the of towns is the only part of the art of war in stantinople,) to be the gate of the Balkan paign, there can be no doubt that an a which the Turks still maintain their ancient mountains, and the Thermopyle of the Turks. general, superior to the prejudices of fo national bravery. • Their actual Here the vizier has always fixed his camp, and times, will accomplish the conquest of Tu luxury in point of arms, will always render an beyond it the Russians have never penetrated. in Europe, if not in the first, certainly in assault one of great bloodshed and danger." Should a Russian army (he continues, after second campaign. Every Turk, when properly armed, carries describing the road between Shumla and Ad- "The road which leads directly to the 1 with him, besides his musket, at least one pair rianople,) design to carry on, with vigour, a of the empire is always the shortest and of pistols, a sabre, and a long and somewhat war of invasion into the heart of the Ottoman best; whence the one to Constantinople o curved dagger or knife, (the inward curve hav-empire, there is no doubt that it would choose to be preferred to a more circuitous one, ing the sharp edge) called a kinsehal, which this road as its line of operations. It is obvious, though the latter should seem to lead w he uses principally in cutting off heads. This however, that it would be previously necessary greater degree of certainty to the conque weapon, which is about two feet long, is not to beat, or turn by manoeuvring, the Turkish the Ottomans. At the same time, the unlike the Roman short sword; and at the army, which we must always expect to find naturally presents itself, that previously t brilliant era of the Ottomans, it may have been posted at Shumla. The Russian general, Ka-attack upon Constantinople, a landing sh proved not less formidable in the mêlée than minsky, failed in both attempts in the campaign be effected in Asia Minor, a measure st was the latter, with which the legions subdued of 1810. The latter, however, would certainly conformable to military principles, sin the world. Hence it is very evident that, in be attended with much greater chance of suc-would prevent the escape of the grand sei scaling a rampart, the European soldier, with cess, if, while the main army menaced the into that country with his treasures, w his musket and fixed bayonet, is placed under Turks in front, and took advantage of every ought to serve as an indemnity for the great disadvantage against an enemy so well favourable opportunity for attack or annoy- penses of the war. When, therefore armed both for attack and defence. With re-ance, another corps were to cross the Danube at army advances upon the capital by Adrian gard to the art of fortification among the Nicopoli or Rutschuk, and march, by Tirnowa, the flotilla, which has co-operated in a pa Turks, little can be said in its praise. They directly upon Adrianople. Upon this road direction along the coast, will pass over t have no idea of a regular system either of bas- across the Balkan, which, though actually ex-Asiatic side, and disembark troops where tions or of lines, of outworks and covered ways, isting, is very rarely used, all that the army may be found practicable; and the first nor of conforming the height of the works to the would have to encounter would be natural pation of these will be to secure the lan nature of the ground in front." In other re-obstacles, which, with the assistance of some place by suitable entrenchments. A suf spects: "Asa proof of their utter ignorance of the hundreds of pioneers attached, the advanced number of ships of war, equipped in the art of war, we need only advert to their sending guard might be easily overcome." For many of the Black Sea, must of course make cavalry where infantry alone can be of service; reasons, the spring (April, for there is no the entrance into the Bosphorus, and p for instance, into a wood in their front, as the pasturage before), and the commencement of the landing. Though the defence of the grand vizier did at Shumla, where they even summer, are the most convenient time for a is represented as being badly organised fired upon it with their pistols. Their infantry vigorous campaign in this country." Turks, still the outlet from the Black is only an accessory, and serves to receive their Having got to Adrianople, a strong division said to be the best defended. But the cavalry upon its falling back, after having made of reserve must be there maintained" to recent descriptions only mention the tw a charge. At Shumla, the janissaries would organise the country in rear of the army, and castles, Rumili-Hissar and Anadoli-H certainly not have moved out of the camp, if to occupy with detachments the towns of Phi- constructed under Mahomet II., the one the thickness of the bushes, among which it lippopolis, Lofscha, Sophia, &c. either by force the European, and the other upon the A was quite impossible that cavalry could act, had of arms or pacific negotiations; in both of coast. These castles could not inflict not rendered their doing so a matter of neces- which the most valuable assistance might be injury upon the ships of war, and might sity. What is said by an experienced officer, expected from the numerous Greek population be silenced by the superior fire of the 1 who was for a long time employed against the in these places, and from the co-operation of and all the coast-batteries would soon be Turks, of their attacks, and of the composition the Servians." And, adds our apparently com- by the troops, after a sufficient number ha of their army, seems to be well founded: Fore-petent authority, "with regard to the force landed. most in the fight come the brave and the infu- necessary to be employed in a similar invasion, riated, who, without any reflection, rush upon I am of opinion that less importance is to be the enemy; then follow the prudent, who first attached to the numerical strength of the army "Although well-informed travellers assert that see how the affair is likely to turn out; and destined to enter the campaign, than to the tent of these treasures is a mere fable, still the welllastly, the rabble, who do nothing but plunder keeping it constantly in a complete state. The other satraps of the Turkish empire, leads us to co extraordinary wealth of the greater part of the pas the dead, and cut off heads after a victory maximum of fifty thousand men in open field with good reason, that the riches of the sultan but who, in case of a defeat, are the first to of battle, fixed by Montecuculi, as already men-grandees, who are only to consider the proper in a far greater proportion. He is the heir to take flight.' The manner in which the tioned, ought to suffice at the present day, the actually possess as a loan during life." "But a most important object will "The Moon-man came down like a cheesemonger bold, and so on-for we unfortunately forget the spray shower" dwell ing; and then informs her ladyship, that their queen has determined to hold a court of moonlight revelry at Glendalough, whose "Ruin'd walls and round tower gray Shall wonder at beings so bright and gay." Foam-bell, in reply, hints that the spot has been incautiously chosen; and informs Puck, that her fairy companion, Rose-dew, had observed a tipsy party in the valley, one of whom ake possession of Scutari, a large and magnifi- On the peculiar merits of this composition | The pantomime opens with some pretty fairy ent suburb, if it may be so called, of Constan- we cannot at present dwell; but a song in it, verses. The scene is a waterfall, across which nople, situated on the Asiatic coast, imme- which seems to have suggested to Lord Byron is seen a rainbow. Puck invokes "fair Lady ately opposite the Seraglio: built in the form the idea of one of his most admired Hebrew Foam-bell" from her “ an amphitheatre, surrounded by heights, the Melodies, struck us as not being contemptiproach to which is open, running out into a ble :arrow point, completely commanded the momest it is invested, unprovided with walls, , from its vast extent, not easily encomassed with a solid rampart, it would present an easy conquest, notwithstanding its 70,000 shabitants, of whom the greater part are true vers. The Russian flag would soon be waving over the towers or the ruins of hatari, and Constantinople would tremble." Constantinople itself is considered as incable of formidable resistance. We need not low the author farther. He speaks of a minry colonisation of Asia Minor; of taking estion of Smyrna as the base of ulterior erations; and, finally, of driving the Turks their original native country-the banks of Suphrates and Tigris. rest. The pantomime of which we have now the poetry or as Mr. Croker modestly calls it, "the rhymes"-before us, was, a year or two since, execrably performed at the Adelphi, and met with but indifferent success a conclusion which might have been easily predicted. That was evidently not the house for experiments of this kind; but let them be tried at either of the great theatres, and we shall see reputation in the result. But we must return from these speculations to the pleasant little work before us, which has been reprinted uniformly with the Irish Fairy Legends. Mr. Croker prefaces his work with an agreeable history of the story of Daniel O'Rourke, "A drunken dog, By far the drunkenest fellow in the parish," went staggering towards the spot appointed for their meeting. This drunken dog proves to be no other than Daniel O'Rourke. Puck answers the fears of Lady Foam-bell with "Poh! never mind, he'll flounder in the marish; What may be contemplated by all or any of mnat all events, there is much informathe gathered from the work itself. O'Rourke; or, Rhymes of a Pantofounded on that Story. By T. Crofton Craker, Esq. 1828. Ainsworth. "That a very intimate acquaintance with both the literature and music of Italy was cultivated from the beginning to nearly the close of the last century in Ireland, is sufficiently proved by the Memoirs of Lord Charlemont, the works of Mr. Walker, &c.; and it may 2 story of Daniel O'Rourke we have ever not be saying too much to add, that the Italian ssed upon as an admirable one for a panto- language was at that period more familiarly me. It has every capability; and, properly known, and, consequently, the works of Italian roduced, would, we doubt not, exceed in at-writers were more the subject of ordinary con. action that most popular of these exhibitions, versation, among a certain circle in Dublin, her Goose. During our Christmas visits than they ever have been among any correhe great theatres, on the appearance of har-sponding circle in London. When this is kept at and his motley associates, we always in mind, Daniel O'Rourke, who on his eagle inclined to ask, with Mr. D'Israeli, “ sits "Why burlesque race here privileged to cost so te de so little, and to repeat that little "The following is, we believe, a tet estimate of the expenses of " getting › ́ne Christmas pantomimes this year :— Covent Garden r's Wells We London 1000 1000 500 200 150 100 100 £3050 " as stiff "Enter Daniel O'Rourke, with bottle in his hand, singing, Air-The Last Rose of Summer. Is cleaned out and gone-(pauses). To leave thee behind-(drinks). Is turning round, And every star is winking! And then what's this?--I thought that I most truly A single step-but stick just like a log. Bad luck to you, above all bogs that ever yet were But grief's no good-I'll sit upon this stone. Makes the heart to beat quicker, Good liquor, good liquor, From black jack of leather, Their liquor, their liquor, No liquor, no liquor! As Sir Astolpho on his Hippogriff," may appear to be only a free and jocular Irish parody on Ariosto. My friend, Mr. Prior, in the second edition of his Life of Burke, has attributed-I know not on what authority-the invention of Daniel O'Rourke to a Mr. Doyle, a surgeon, who moved in the very pleasant and intellectual society of Dublin some seventy years since. Whether he was the author or They who leave it behind 'em, not, can now only be matter for conjecture; but A rope's end may find 'em ; So I'll drink, and not mind 'em, there is a traditionary story of his introduction My liquor, my liquor. to Quin, who had expressed a wish to see a what does this enormous sum annually specimen of an Irish peasant, which supports (Sits, and lifts the bottle to his lips.) The same tricks and the same jokes Mr. Prior's assertion. Doyle, dressed in the My bottle's out-the times are rather odd, The moon is reeling, and the mountains nod!sale, and unprofitable. To our mind, (Sings himself to sleep.)" Rourke, roaring and rioting in his assumed, was brought in to a merry party, proper costume of the character which he had The fairies now appear, and commence an dney Irish humour, is a superb charac- where Quin, in the full tide of humour, reigned indignant search for the wretch who has polpatomime. His adventures are wild paramount, according to his custom. The luted their mystic circle. Dan is discovered, Binderful in the extreme :-now soaring mock rustic acted his part with becoming awk- and is only saved from the torments which are know parleying with "the Man wardness; but bandied jest for jest with the debated, by the friendship of a jolly and congeMoon himself" now having a little huge leviathan. You're a droll fellow, my nial sprite, Master Cluricaune, who manifests sip with a flock of geese;-in short, man,' at last said Quin you remind me of a his good-fellowship by undertaking to lead journey to and from the moon is x to form a most whimsical intro-story I once heard;' and Quin told it accord. Dan a dance which he will long remember, ingly, to the delight of the company. Well and Moon, too, has ever been a truly fertile another, andthen,' said Doyle, your honour reminds me of How the connexion was pantomimic fancies. Indeed, we brought about, is not related; but Doyle told that he will never wander more within the hallowed precincts of a fairy ring, To this pro Vithout additional embellishment. "will make Such an impression upon his brain," ceived with shouts of laughter; and it is need. position the queen assents "Do as you will, Where the moon is bright, and the winds are still ; Where cur feast is spread And the heather is soft, and springs to our tread." ricaune becomes "Beaked, wattled, spurred, A goodly bird, An Eagle, as you see-the fowl of Jupiter." The scene which follows is too rich not to be given entire. (The Eagle puts his claw upon Dan, who still remains asleep.) frequent visitors. We are glad to see them go selves in these episodes. Captain L. arrived at hand in hand; and we have come to this con- Tampico; thence ascended the River Panuco, The fairies and their queen vanish, and Clu- clusion, that nobody ought to write about fairies to the village of that name, and Tanjuco: he but the one, and nobody depict them but the returned by the River St. Juan to Tampico. other. His next journey was over-land to San Luis The copper etching which illustrates Daniel Potosi; from San Luis to the village of Veta O'Rourke in his pantomimic form, although Grande of Zacatecas, where one set of the the plate is rather overbit, is, on the whole, mines is situated; next to the city of Zacatecas first-rate, and exhibits a union of Brooke's and to Bolaños, where are the principal mines best points-the fanciful and the humorous. belonging to the English Company of the Real There we have the hero asleep on a stone in del Monte and Bolaños, with descriptions of the bog innumerable elves disturbing his slum- which, and the surrounding district and natives. bers, in every fantastic shape and form-some the first volume terminates. The second vo pinching him, others liberating his shoe from lume has the travels from Bolaños to Guada the mud, others engaged in the examination of laxara, through a very unsettled territory; and his bottle; while Cluricaune, on one side, a thence all across the country by Valladolid, the jolly imp, seated on a barrel, holds converse Ozumatalan and Tlalpuhaxua mines, Toluca and Lerma, to Mexico. Leaving Mexico, h visited the Real del Monte; and proceeding t San Juan de Ulua, reimbarked, and left Nev Spain for Old England. "Wake! wake! I come to wake you! Dan. (in sleep) Judy, 'tis mighty could. Where has the quilt and blanket rouled? Dan. (rousing) Oh, fire and thunder! Fagle. Daniel O'Rourke! Dan. (sitting up) Oh wonder! wonder! Engle. Daniel O'Rourke! This is our call the third; with the sylph-like and lightsome fairy queen, Answer-or, by our sacred royal word, We'll make you feel the ire of Jove's great bird! Dan. Why, please your glory, this is the first minute I heard a bird talk like a Christian man: And sure, the deuce is in it, If 'twould not bother wiser heads than Dan. Eagle. What brings you here? Dan. Why, by my word, I think It was the drink. (Scratching his head.) Eagle. Although your conduct's very base, Yet I must pity still your case; For, see, the stone on which you sit begins to sink. (Stone sinks a little.) Dan. Oh, turf, 'tis true-oh dear! oh dear! DUET. Air- The Young May Moon.' Eagle. The harvest moon is beaming, Dan; 'Tis time to give over dreaming, Dan; Jump on my back-and I'm off in a crack, As fast as a steamboat, steaming, Dan. Dan. I thank you, sir; but I never heard Of riding a-horseback upon a bird; Yet, oh hone, hulla-goane!-this sinking stone Is a mighty bad seat, upon my word! Engle. My honest Dan, your wisest plan Is just to let me fly you home. Dan. Good Mister Eagle, you do inveigle Myself upon your back to roam! (Dan gets on Eagle's back—Eagle begins to fly.)” surrounded by her graceful attendants. Good readers, buy Daniel O'Rourke, and bind it up with your copy of the Irish Fairy Legends. Journal of a Residence and Tour in Mexico This extensive, and, in many places, little trodden route furnished to the observant ev and far-travelled mind of Captain Lyon (fami liar alike with the interior of Africa and th Arctic Circle) an abundant harvest of usefu and curious materials; and we (though willin to render as ample an account as we can of h performance) can give but an imperfect idea their variety and value. We shall, howeve do as much as our limits allow; and that with out farther preface. WE have a long string of praises to bestow upon this publication; for we like its form, we like its price, we like its temper, we like its intelligence, we like its style, and, in short, we Having anchored in the River Panuco, tl like it entirely. It is a lively and pleasant pic-captain of the vessel (the Perseverance) ar ture of a very interesting country, by a traveller Captain Lyon gained the good graces of th whose powers of entertainment are inexhausti- captain of the fort and the custom-house office ble; and, like Captain Andrews's narrative of by presents of wine, cakes, and cigars, to the a similar mission, it throws much light upon a families and themselves, and were permitt subject of considerable commercial importance to ascend in a boat to the town of Pueb to Great Britain. Yet the author tells us, with Viejo, where the commandant resided. They arrive at the moon, beguiling their the modesty which belongs to genuine meritjourney through "cloud-land," as Coleridge the following Journal pretends to nothing us, and we rowed for above Night (says the writer) soon closed two ho calls it, with some amusing conversation. And more than an account of my personal adven-against a strong current, up a stream of h here the Eagle, in rather an authoritative tone, tures during a residence of eight months in a mile in width. The sound of our 0 insists upon Dan's dismounting. Dau remon- various parts of that country. Although it aroused the large cranes, herons, egrets, a strates, but in vain; and the Eagle soars away does not contain matter of much importance, innumerable other birds, from their rest, a with a monstrous laugh, "after advising him it is a faithful narrative of what I saw; and I to call out the Old Man in the Moon." trust it will be found to give a fair representa"Dan. Oh murder! murder! murder! what a place- tion of the state of the republic, and to add in Devil a drop to drink, or bit to eat is! I heard 'twas made of cheese-that's not the case. some degree to the very small stock of information which exists respecting the people and general appearance of that portion of the New World. I have farther to regret, that my materials, already too scanty, were rendered more so by the loss of many papers, and the (Enter Man in the Moon, opening a door in the Moon.) greater part of my collections, in the wreck of (Looks down) Oh, such a height! not bigger than potatoes DUET. Air Paddy O'Rafferty.' M. of M. (raps) What is the cause of this knocking and rapping here? Dan. they fluttered in blind confusion across surface of the stream; while myriads fire - flies were flitting amongst the d mangroves, which dipped their closely wo branches in the water. Tree-frogs and crick which abound here, almost deafened us w their shrill, thrilling notes; and, to add the delightful novelty of my first evening America, we were hailed in our own langu from an invisible boat, by a gentleman w the Panthea, in which I returned to England." suspecting us to be strangers, offered to p We have no doubt but that this loss was us to the town. We soon reached the hous severely felt by Captain Lyon, and that the Mr. Robertson, the American consul, to wi unlucky destruction of his stores of antiquities, we were consigned, and met with a most natural history, and other valuable objects, is a reception. Seeing that we were tired, hun public misfortune: but we will say that the and wet with the heavy night-dew, he readers of the present narrative will not miss gingly supplied all our wants, and provided any thing; nor would the most sharp-sighted with beds in his office;-but sleep was q discover by its deficiencies that the author had out of the question. Dogs, pigs, and res met with so severe and trying an accident. cocks, which began crowing at midnight, w We will, in setting out, briefly trace his in themselves have been sufficient to ba course; for the temptation to extract is so rest from a stranger; but at about 1 A.M strong, that we shall hardly be able to return the 11th, a storm of rain, thunder, and li to the route when once we begin to lose our-ning, set in with great fury, and in a minutes actual rivers were rushing througl town." course, and we will venture to predict that he will find it Mr. Murray appears, of late, to have struck out a new with nearly all the native ladies of the place, "At the new town of Las Tamaulipas (about manners, feelings, and state of ignorance in respect to the most important circumstances which occupy mankind. Of their medical, religious, and legal qualifications, three short extracts will speak volumes: we must confess they seem to be equally astute with these three learned professions. 1. At San Luis Potosi, a physician "was called to the assistance of a poor labourer with a ruptured blood-vessel. Ice was the only remedy known to stop the flow of blood, and none could be obtained until a priest should be sent for to confess the sufferer before he died. What then was to be done?-it was but too certain that the man would soon expire, unless means were found to arrest the effusion. The physician therefore had no resource but to sew up the poor wretch's mouth and nostrils; but even before the host could be sent for, the miserable creature was, very naturally, suffocated." visited some islands in the centre of Tampico leaning over a little wicket which kept the with a greasy pack of cards, and anxiously Lake, at about seven miles' distance from pigs, dogs, cats, and poultry, from coming out stake their respective stocks of paper cigars, Pueblo Viejo. On rounding the first small of the yard into my room. While we cosily until one or the other became bankrupt." woody islet, we glided from the effects of a fresh smoked the cigars with which she favoured me, But, indeed, in many other respects the norte' or norther, which was blowing, into a I drew in lessons of Spanish, by conversing Mexicans are a remarkable and blinded people. oth sheltered pool thickly overhung with with her, and listening to constantly repeated Farther up the country, we have the following mangrove and other trees, on which were sit-assurances that she was an old Spaniard' details on various points which illustrate their Eng hundreds of cranes, egrets, rose-coloured and a woman of sense, although, in common bills, brown and blue herons, and various ether birds, all as thickly crowded as the nants of our English rookeries. In shooting 2 specimens, we alarmed two very large alkurs, which could not reach the lake but by waxing along an extensive sand-bank; and we were thus enabled to observe them in their may progress, which can very rarely be the se, as they are usually found lying so close the water's edge, that they reach it by spring. From the small island, on which procured many hatsful of eggs, we proved to another, on the north side of which innumerable nests of cranes and the roane spoonbill, each containing two or three arty fledged young ones. The mangroves so closely woven together at this place, there is little difficulty in climbing amongst Lam, and even walking on their tops. We quently scrambled about to admire the dusters of little spoonbills and the pure 2. In the church of San Francisco, in the same We down of the young cranes, all as large as enlightened place on the walls were hung a door fowls, and offering the most beau- Having sent to the Real del Monte his charge, series of pictures descriptive of the life and contrast imaginable to the deep shining of whom he seems to have been tolerably tired actions of San Francisco. The saint is hungry, of the leaves amongst which they were (having, perhaps, more of the Captain R.N. than and our Saviour is seen sitting at table with d. Having completed our collection, of the Agent Mining Co. in his sensible compo- and helping him to the viands, while an angel returned home, and I carried with me a sition), our unburdened author proceeded up brings him water to quench his thirst. He is made of young spoonbills, which soon grew so the river to Tampico and Tanjuco, &c., as we represented, after his death, as sitting on the as to come at 'my call and follow me have before stated. At the former, he visited left hand of the Almighty, who is pictured as rever I chose: but these beautiful crea- a gambling-table, where Francesca, his land- an aged man, having on his right the Redeemer was died when put on ship-board for a pass-lady,-a person of such respectability, that she and the Virgin Mary. Some of the supposed to England." walked to it in great state, with the author and miracles and conferences with the Divinity are But before we go on with these picturesque a friend on each side, and, "preceded by her beyond all description blasphemous; and the riptions, we have to notice the reception three servant-maids, one of whom was in her friars informed me,—at the same time triumwith by our countrymen. At Pueblo, Indian dress, and had charge of the cigars for phantly pointing to a painting of the event,the commandant (we quote Captain L.'s her mistress,"- —was soon in full play, "having that the saint had procured from God's own remarks) obligingly assured me that elbowed some ragged women off the only bench mouth the entire pardon of the sins of the thing he had was at my disposal;' the in the place." Here, "fine ladies with mock world, as fully as was granted to Christ himbegged me to believe that he was my jewels, and women of all shades and colours, self; but that the Pope of the age in which t; and the chief of the customs having with every variety of men, crowded thickly San Francisco lived, would not confirm the my hand, and entreated that I would round their favourite game; and my landlady grant, and that mankind in consequence had zy commands on him,' then proceeded having succeeded in getting the balls into her been left in their blindness and sin!"* some impediments in my way. own hands, became entirely occupied in throw- Our legal example must be from Zacatecas. bertson very kindly hired a windowless ing them with such gestures or turns of the 3. " Business obliged me to ride to the city on sier me in one of the most respectable arm as in her opinion would insure success. this day, to demand justice against a defaulter n the place, the mistress of which was Before leaving the Plaza, where Francesca re-to the Company; and when the offender had known by the name of the Gachupina mained playing until nearly daylight, I made of reproach applied to European Spa- my way through the crowd to take a last peep than by her proper appellation of Doña at her; and saw a fellow to whom I had paid This lady, who had the reputation a real in the morning for sweeping before my h and cleanly, was quite distressed door, and who was almost in rags, standing ving time to whiten my room; but opposite my fair friend, acting as banker to the dan girls were instantly set to work to table, at which I suppose he had been successearthen floor and make me comfort- ful. He had squeezed a real into his ear para landlady was all politeness, and I that she entertained no mean opif her own good breeding and address. erally allowed to be one of the table ladies of Tampico; and altam Don Antonio, who assisted in of her shop and her fair self, was her husband, she piqued herself hable character, and the high which she was held on account of Her age might have been about ter person was fat; and when in "Only those (he tells us, feelingly enough,) who have ature, which consisted of a been shut up for two months with a set of mechanics who and the waist with a string, and imagine themselves too good lawyers to be controlled, can at all enter into my feelings on this occasion. Indeed, ng in her mouth, her whole figure was when it is considered, how different is the confinement on ttractive. This charming person board a vessel and the want of occupation, from their usual habits of life, it is to be expected that the charge of dan interesting picture every superintendence of these people is attended with much I swag as about six o'clock, as she stood trouble." confessed himself a rogue, and bound himself to pay over the large sum of which he had robbed us, the judge, thief, plaintiff, and master of the house where the affair was canvassed, with some friends of the parties, sat down very quietly and sociably to dinner together!" Here, for the present, we must conclude; but we shall with great pleasure return to our Fortuna,' and ventured his dollars at every analysis of this most agreeable publication. turn with the most perfect sang froid. The apparent indifference to losses, and apathy when successful, is very remarkable with all classes of Mexicans: but they gamble so incessantly, that I should conceive all excitement in this dangerous passion must be deadened, and that the love of play at last becomes a disorder rather than an amusement. I have frequently seen a couple of poor porters, who had not a farthing of money, sit gravely down in the dust the event affords another illustration of Mexican character: the narrative is touching." In closing the eyes of poor Marriot I lost an invaluable servant and friend, who had followed my good and ill fortunes for six successive years. He had been with me in the brightest as well as the most gloomy days of my existence; and the services on which we had been engaged together equally attached the master and the servant. In this land of bigotry the poor fellow would have been denied a grave, had I not, when he was dead, sent for a priest, who, however, on arriving, turned unfeelingly to me, exclaiming, Umph! he has died without confession-his soul is lost, and it will be needless for me to see him. Yet my having called in a priest was sufficient declaration that the deceased was a Catholic: and by the kind assistance of Mr. Dall, I found no difficulty in having him interred in the Campo Santo with the ceremonies of the Catholic church. On Sunday evening (June 4), Mr. Dail and two other American gentlemen joined our little procession, carrying candles; and saw my poor departed servant buried with proper de Here Capt. L. lost his faithful servant Marriot; and cency." |