The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-05-19

In this volume. we have presented TO six lively and
life glowing pictures, drawn and coored by master
hand and conceived by the spirit of genius Some years
ago, when Mr. Thomas ventured TO appear before his
countrymen the author of Clinton Bradshaw" we
stated in review OF that work that he had capabilities
of a high order-iha he possessed genius and taste.
This opinion, then expressed is confirmed by the book
now before u.s. and although its unpretending title would
seem TO indicate nothing but commonplace tale, an
ordinary SKETCH yet the reader will find every page
the impress Of the authors high prerogatvcsimagn
tive power and creative development The ideal i'm
agnalve faculty belongs only to the man of genius
and is this sovereign power which renders him supe
rior 10 brutes for there many animals who
veiy logically and who display surprising move
ments of cunning, but there is none but who reves
in the ideal conceptions of moral beauty, TRUTH and glory
and who creates those gorgeous and magnificent thoughts
whose reality finds their embodiment in the throne OF the
Eternal and Infinite.
by intuition, it illustrates by figure and it speaks in har-
monious music All great thoughts ideas nsan-
taneously connected with imagery and they forth
from the brain of genius like Minerva in panopy of
superb and giitlerng But have not space to
go into this subject fuSher Our object this occasion
is TO call attention TO the volume before us.
The first sketch is entitled "Boarding School Scenes
Froiic among the Lawyers" 1t is graphic and pic
turesque, is full of life and fun, is well calculated to
make the reader laugh, and the characters finely
drawn; at the same time we are compelled to confess
that the eXaggeratons sometimes excessive and that
of the persons rather carcatures than fairly
drawn natural individuals No respectable lawyer
in county town, could behave Patterson; and no
Dogberry could find place in any modern boarding
school.
The second story full OF power, and is intensely in
eresting Ii is called the Ununmoned Witness, and is
one of the best in the book
The sketch of ''Waliam Wirt' is fair, impartial and
true and the author has, by just analysis, shown in
what branch of eloquence Mr. Wirts superiority con-
sisted.
"The Last of the Pioneers" is faithfully drawn pic.
ure of western life. the borders of civiliza
ton; and Simon Kcnton" is truthful representative Of
that wonderful who lead through the trackless for
est and prepare the way for the settlement OF coming ad
venturers and settlers.
'Mary McIntyre the title of the next story and rarely
have perused anything of the kind that has excited
our feelings or more warmly engaged our sympathes
than this Mary Mcintyre will long live in memory
and her devotion, he. purity, courage modesy, faithful
ness and tenderness portrayed with great skill and
force; and we are sure that there but few readers
who can peruse unmoved the touching scenes through
which the gentle Mary passed This is favore and
we thank the author for making US acquainted with so
interesting and lovely parsonage this fair daughter OF
the land of Burns.
The last sketch is portrait of "Jotn Randolph, of
Roanoke" and is just exhibition of the character of
that extraordinary man. Randolph OF SPLEEN
did powers, but cync He had milk of human kind
ness in his breast. His heart all gall, and he de-
lighted in nfcting pain. Like Swift, the satire of the
orator of Roanoke malicious and he rejoced in the
agony of his victim For such character we have par
TALLY affection
But we have said enough to induce readers to
anime for themselves and satisfied that lau-
daton of these Sketches" will be responded to by every
candid mind 1t may be obtained at Farnham's book
store, on the avenue.
REPARD THE SAXON
WASHINGTON, May S, 1s49.