The prose and poetry of Mr. Willis are alike distinguished for exquisite finish and melody. His language is pure, varied and rich, his imagination brilliant, and his wit of the finest quality. As a writer of 'sketches,' properly so called, Mr. Willis is unequalled. As a poet, Mr. Willis is not entitled, I think, to so high a rank as he may justly claim through his prose. . . . He is very seldom to be caught tripping in the minor morals.
Few men can present a visible scene, a landscape, or a natural object, more distinctly to the eye.
His poetry has the same general characteristics. It is sweet, flowing, and musical, and in its best specimens, marked by truth of sentiment and delicacy of feeling. F.-C. Reader . An expurgated edition of some of the best of Mr. Willis's works, or one in which the barbarous jargon complained of should be translated into English, might be dedicated to Posterity with a very good prospect of reaching its destination. For that which would be thus rejected, an excellent substitute can be offered by the accomplished author.