Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1853-04-21

prising observations and adventures in
The States and Mexico. New York,
Suinger e. Townsend, 1853.
This 10 work ofexceediDg interest.
II is, as its title imports, from the pen Of
an English soldier who wore the U. S.
uniform from the commencement TO III @
close Of the Mexican war, and who par
.icipated in nearly all Of the battles OF
that campaign. The nu,hor takes a
"private's" view OF the service, and his
work may be safely regarded as a fair
portrait Of the thoughts, feelings, and
everyday lie OF soldier in the pay Of
Uncle Sam. The volume is not 80
much history Of the Mexican war or
its Generals, as il is q true memoir Of
the men who fought its battles and won
its victories ; and every regular" and
volunteer in that campaign will vouch
for the accuracy Of its descriptions. We
have heard and read an hundred times
the stories Of the officers who obtained
all the glory Of the victories OF that
war bst this is the first time that we
have had tie narrative Of the men who
achieved them. The volume will be
read with exceeding interest.
The following are a few Of large
number Of notices which the work has
received from the London press:
"Ws hsve read this autobiography
with great deal Of interest. i, is the
genuine inobtrusive history Of an inteili-
gent Brtisher, who enlisted az a private
in the United States Army, and took
an active part in the Mexican War Of
l846-47. under General Scott. II is
the simple, straightforward narrative Of
a man who made good use Of his eyes,
heart, and understanding, and has had
the wisdom TO record his adventures in
a style remarkable, as coming from the
common ranks OF military life. Lite
rarv Gazette.
"The novelty characterising these
volumes is likely TO secure them many
readers. In the first place, an account
Of the internal organization-the man
ners and customs-of the Cniied States
federal army is in itself novelty and
a still greater novelty is 10 have that
account rendered by man who had
served IN the English before joining the
American army,-who has been pri-
vate in both, and who can have his
report after having every opportunity Of
comparison. Daily News.
"In these pleusingIy written and at.
tractive volumes, the diversified vicissi-
tudes Of a soldiers lie during five
years servitude in the Army OF the Uni
ted States, are very agreeably delineat-
ed; The expedition 10 Florida-'le
war in Mexico. with other adventures,
perious as well as humorous. together
with scenes on board ship barrack-life,
&C., all are portrayed in most graphic
manner. The author is evidently well
informed intelligent man, and in an un-
pretending but very truthful manner,
has given his Impressions, which on the
whole, however, are more favorable TO
the treatment shown in the British than
in the American service, he having
been IN the former, but discharged by
purchase. A restless disposition, a love
of wanderir q, and the excitement Of ad-
venture, led him through a career
which he has described with spirit. The
style OF the work is OF a simple, but al
so Of captivating nature, and with
considerable tact he has exhibited pow
ers Of observation greatly 10 be com
mended. There is much useful inlor-
nation conveyed in his pages, and con.
sequen,ly the volume has claim TO
notice, beyond that which charms the
mere desultory reader" - London
Weekly Dispatch.
The author Of these delightful and
instructive volumes tells Us that he was
once "A Paisley handloom weaver, then
British soldier that he afterwards
bought himself of, emigrated TO New
York IN search Of employment in his
original trade and that, finding none,
he enlisted in the United States army,
few months before the Mexican war
he had an opportunity, therefore, 10 tell
the treatment oil the American soldier,
all about him and his officers, much
about America, and a great deal about
the battles in Mexico. All this, aud
more, he does with extraordinary ability
in a style simple and p quaint, showing
clear head. and shrewd and witty
mind. We really cannot think him TO
have been weaver or common soldier,
and, least Of all, do we think him
Scott. There is too much oil rollicking
humour aud reckless action in him Tor
that. He is an Irishman, or Of imme.
date lrish descent, and OF excellent edu-
cation and large a,tainments, who, no
doubt, volunteered into the American
service for the lun of the thing. BE
that as il may, his volumes TEEN with
varied merit. and none more interesting,
on many points, have we read (and we
have read many Tor many a long day"
Bells Life in London.
The details OF the Mexican Campaign
are singuIarly interesting. On the
whole the work is admirably adapted
for general perusal. The discursivo
reader will be amused-the professional
instructed by il.
The work is beautifully printed by
its liberal and enterprising publishers,
and will undoubtedly have most ex-
tensive sale.
II may be had at the bookstore OF
w. Ii. Peek, SO Thames street.
At New York, on Monday, a lady
gave her husbands best suit of clothes