Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-10-30
NOW IN THE PRESS,
Ind seiH lie published The LIST December, 49, 6.
THE
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA,
CemmeNced IN IoHN BcRK,
and Confined 6y
SHELTON JuNEs and L.. II. GIRARDIS.
SERIES of untowa d and melancholy e;reur
ConiplsliceH OV IOHN ECNK

SERIES of untova Il and melancholy eircum-
stances, has long delayed the publication of the
above Wo"t, snA its delivery To Subseribe $. Soon
siter finishing three volumes Oft, Mr. Burk was
Prenaturey and fatally cut off in the prime Off
ana az u'oment when bis naturally powerful
mind had derived additional vigonr from intense and
vast searches. Mr.. Shelton Jones was then in
duced Go undertake the completion of Tie task out
ne d'e, ~ the very threshold Of that undertaking.
oMty-tse pages only have issued from his brilliant
pee ; and the printing OF the part written by MIR.
"irardin has heen retarded by difficulties no less
numerous than unexpected
The portion of the Z" History Of Virginia which
Tell to the lot of Il e last named gentleman, en-
nrsc'ng the Chief, political, civil and military trans
actions OF our great revolutionary period, is, from
the very nature Of the subjrc, entitled to national
s'.enuon. here are IN the human constitution
principles which do not permit us to behold with
outa deep and vivid interest, the arduous and eori
Gus struggles which history often presents 60 Qua.
view. We mean those struggles in which truth
commended with error, virtue with proaigacy free
dom with tyranny. We feel, even at this distant
day, Tor republican Greece armed against the
invading myriats of Persia-Ior the United Neither
JANUS resisting the despotism and go'ry ofenthraed
ana enthrang Spain--for the brave and vrtuous
owis5 brrlirg defancs in the fee of proud Austria
f1ow powerfully, then, must sympathies be excl
ted, both AS men and as citizens, when we see not
ancient. not foreign patriots. but our own beloved
ana revered forefathers, opposing with successful
energy, n systematic anh wanton infringement of
their natural sud their chartered rishts-creating
new body polHic--in short, establishing by their
wisdom, and cementng with the H. boo,l that Doli
ucai Independence and those civil and religious
iiot rites, which we row so happily enjoy, and which,
IL we continue faithful TO our high deslinies, no
power upon earth, no foreign hostility, domestic
inuigue, shall ever wrcst from our possession -
Surely it the pencil of history has at any time de
"Seatcd scenes calculated to attract our attention.
and engage our sensbiIities such scenes are TO be
ioufd IN the present work Let us add that in the
prosecution of his laudable undertakne the conti-
nuator has been guided by strict and undertaking
regard Tor truth, animated by an interchangeable ardor
OF rcsearch, and by agenerous desire of perpetuatng
TO the utmost OF lis individual exertons that glorious
spp"t those admirable and sacred principles. which
dictated tie measures, and accomplished the ex-
ploiis, recorsiedin bis narrative. He has brought
TO hight mass ct interesting local facts detected
ana rccuhed errors OF mischeyous tendency {; and
all ainEg adopted his style the Inherent grandeur
and dignity oil his subject. The extracts from his
part OF the History already before the public must
we trast Justify our opinion; and, indeed, we can
produce in favor of the work, testimonial of much
hisher authority than OURS Mr.. Jelferson's extern
size historical collection kindly opened TO the
continuator's researches. That distinguished pa
trlot, whose zeal aud abilities were so early and so
eillclently displayed in those very scenes which
Mr. Girardin undertook to retrace, has. with his
us'ia' ahahi'i'y, cOndescended to read the manu-
script, and bestowed on it his appreciation, ia the
following words:
-" Thomas Jefferson returns TO Mr. Grartlen his
~ - which he has read with great satisfaction.
And must express with sincerely, his peculiar
gratiiiesIon on seeing this portion of American His
tory' That al his native State ably recorded for
pos,eriy."
Other Gentlemen, eminent in the literary world,
have spoken in terms equally favorable IF those
parts otthe continuation which have been submitted
to their julgmen'-but we deem it unnecessary to
say more on this head. The Work will soon be
before the public. Let il be tested by its intrinsic
merits