The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-07-31
MISC ELL AN Y.
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From ''Mrs. A. S. Colrin's Weekly Messen-
ger" Of July ID, we copy the following just re-
marks upon the popular novel of g The SPy.p
The SPY; Tale Of the Neutral Ground.
This is novel formed of the most legiti-
mate materials, and strictly American. The
author has seized, with great judgment, on
scenes and incidents of the revolutionary war,
to weave into story, as best calculated TO
interest the feelings of his cnuntrymen.
We have no certainty as to the writer of
this work: but he is evidently person Of
great sensibilitY, of nice discrimination, of man.
II sentiments, and possessed of high powers of
description.
There is nothing in any Of the Wavcrly now
els that excals the contents of the Spy. The
l;neaments of different characters are therein
finely portrayed. In Major Dunwoodie we
ha5 brave, susceptible, and accomplished
American officer Of the year 1880; in Capt.
Lawton is represented the hcadlong valour so
common at that day: and in Sergeant Hollis
ter. union of pietv, courage, and supersti-
ton, which not unirequentlv characterizes the
best soldiers in the armies of every nation
In Harper are depicted the well-known firm
ness, prudence, and benevolepce of Washing
ton--whilst in Harvey Birch we perceive an
intensity of patriotism and an adherence to en-
gagemeuts, which not even the consequent
reputation Of infamy can shake. This mystic
rious parsonage, from the period of his intro
duc'ion to that of his death. does not fail to
attract and fix the attention ef the reader
Ii would not be difficult to fnl the originals of
taese different portraits in the history Of the
American Revolutionary war. Even the base
ness of Col. Wellmere is not without anthem
ITCHY aud many native maid has been left
t. rue the hour she trusted too implicitly to
the artful professions of the gay and deceitful
foe TO her country. In Capt. Wharton, how
ever, whilst we condemn the false views of
the loyalist, we must respect the man 4; SEN
ti1lent which we cannot extend to bis father.
whose inbecility excites both pity and con-
tempt.
The different female characters are drawn
with equal ability. In Miss Peyton we re-
cognize discreet lady of the old school edu-
cation and politeness; in Miss Sarah Wharton
we find pride and vanity which lead her
T. prefer foreign officer, engaged against her
country, with artificial manners add courtly
foppery, to the resolute, sincere. and generous
American AMI were it not for her beauty and
rnisforlunes, she would be an object Of positive
dislike. The pictured image of the lovely,
Frances is beyond all praise. Every thing
about her IS natural and charming and if the
author OF the spy has sometimes placed her
in situations not exactly corresponding with
the 3elicacy Of her sex. she is, nevertheless.
al7"aYs sustained by worthy motive Isabella
Singleton Is a peculiar female character, placed
in strong light. We receive and lose her
with mingled emotions of esteem, admiration.
an regret.
n glazing contrast with these ladies are
pl red Kitty Haynes and Betty Flanagan; the
for ner an example Of great prudence, as to
pecuniary Affairs. in the important business
of m1trinony. deeming that man the most
g. despiseablei' for a husband, who has the
least Of wealth about him; whilst Betty
Flanagan. though too frequently swaved by
her "6rop Of the cratur'' presents to our
mind the image Of shrewd, good-hearted.
careless follower If the camp fond Of Joke
and with true Irish heart, though Of low
degree, ready to serve those in distress. and
deeply smiften with Sergeant HOLSTER.
The cowboys and skinners are painted in
their genuine colours.
Cesar Thompson fills niche in the groupe
OF the Wharton family with considerable in
terest. His fidelity is not overdrawn. II
was ofteo exemphfed, during our struggle for
independence, by the blacks.
DIR. Sitgreares, with lis g lights Of science"
and bis reprehcnsion Of Jack Lawton's troop
ers for their mortal sahre-cuts. thereby afford
ing no opportunity FOR the exhibition Of his
surgical art, relieves the more gloomy and
trasical parts Of the narrative.
There are some impurities Of language. and
one or two forced incidents in this novel
but. on the whole. il is work Of which our
countrymen, and counfry-women too, ought
to be proud And the encouragement which
it has received is creditahle to the sound
sense and good taste Of the community.